Center for Entrepreneurship

The Urban League serves as the front door for current and aspiring Black business owners looking to start-up, stabilize, or scale. The League offers:

• 1-1 business coaching with LUL staff with a focus on business fundamentals – business plan development, LLC establishment, business registration, business banking, etc.
• 1-1 financial coaching with assistance in preparing revenue and expenses assumptions, establishing budgets, identifying total capital needs, etc.
• 1-1 credit repair counseling for those whose personal financial situations impede their ability to access business financing
• Free professional services (accounting, legal, marketing, etc.) coordinated by the Black Back Office

Schedule an appointment today! Apply below or call (502) 585-4622.

Taking Care of Business Tuesdays is a monthly education series by the Center for Entrepreneurship that features a presentation on various business topics followed by the opportunity to have a micro session immediately after with a coach for tips on how to apply to your business.

Topics covered:

• Business Model Canvas
• Marketing Essentials
• Business Banking
• Smart Goals

Sessions are held in person at the Louisville Urban League office.

The Ben Richmond Small Business Development Grant was named in honor of Benjamin K. Richmond, who served as President and CEO of the League from 1987 to 2015. He was a significant advocate for economic equality and educational attainment in Louisville. The endowment established in 2023 will support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs participating in Black Business programs and training affiliated with the League.

The inaugural Ben Richmond Small Business Development Grant was awarded to Nathanial Moreland, owner of All Gold Customs, in December 2024.

Join the movement to support Black-owned businesses in Louisville!

As a result of the Path Forward collaborative, the increased focus on Black-wealth building, and the sheer number of entrepreneurs who have contacted the League looking for assistance, LUL has expanded its Jobs focus to work collaboratively with other organizations dedicated to helping Black businesses succeed in Louisville. Collectively, we are providing better, more coordinated technical assistance and access to capital for Black businesses in our city.

Key partnerships include:

• AMPED Russell Technology Business Incubator
• LHOME
• Louisville Independent Business Alliance
• MELANnaire Marketplace
• Russell: A Place of Promise
• Small Business Development Center

The Urban League Center works collaboratively with other organizations dedicated to helping Black businesses succeed in Louisville. Key partnerships include the AMPED Russell Technology Business Incubator, the Louisville Small Business Development Center,  and the Black Business Association/Buy Black Lou. Collectively, we are providing better, more coordinated technical assistance for Black businesses in our city.