community assistance
& financial support

Did you know that both state and federal dollars are available to help offset training costs for employers and other costs associated with running a business? If you’re thinking of investing in your employees with training or growing your business, make sure you know whether some or all of those costs can be offset. In addition, GLI has many resources for taxes & financial incentives.

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FINANCIAL AID FOR TRAINING PROGRAMS

JCTC WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS

The Workforce Solutions team at Jefferson Community and Technical College links the Greater Louisville community to the many resources JCTC provides to meet regional workforce development needs. By offering flexible, diverse educational training and services; on-demand and site-based program delivery; customized credit and non-credit offerings; and the ability to create partnerships with a wide range of constituents, the JTCT Workforce Solutions Department is poised to serve all industry sectors and regional economic development initiatives. Companies may also qualify for grants through KCTCS-TRAINS, learn more here.

KCTCS-TRAINS FUNDING FOR INCUMBENT WORKERS

All for-profit companies in the Commonwealth of Kentucky are eligible for KCTCS-TRAINS funding. KCTCS-TRAINS will support projects for existing Kentucky companies that are requiring employees to learn new skills in their jobs AND companies that are contributing to Kentucky’s economic development. For incumbent worker training, companies are required to pay 50% of the cost and KCTCS-TRAINS reimburses the college directly for the remaining 50%. Colleges will work with the company to identify a schedule for invoicing and companies are invoiced after services are delivered.

KENTUCKY WORKFORCE GRANTS

Learn more and see available grant programs here.

LAYOFF ASSISTANCE & THE WORKER RE-TRAINING & ADJUSTMENT ACT

Layoff Assistance: The Southern Indiana Works team can provide assistance to your business during times of economic uncertainty that result in downsizing, mass-layoffs, and plant closures. Rapid response employment services provide a pro-active strategy designed to respond to worker layoffs and business closings quickly by providing immediate assistance to companies and impacted workers. A Rapid Response Team will be made available to help your impacted employees access resources and services that will assist them to transition back into the workforce quickly.

The Worker Retraining and Adjustment Act (WARN) was passed in 1988 to provide workers with time to prepare for the transition between the job they currently hold and a new job. Employers are required to provide a 60-day notice in advance of covered plant closings and covered mass layoffs. Notice must be provided to impacted workers, their representatives (i.e. a labor union), to the State Workforce Transition Unit, and the appropriate unit of local government.

NURSE AIDE TRAINING FOR NURSING FACILITIES

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) administers the Kentucky Nurse Aide Training Program. Kentucky Medicaid provides oversight and technical assistance. Nursing facilities with an approved nurse aide training program may be eligible for reimbursement for nurse aides who successfully complete the training and pass the state exam. See the requirements here.

SKILLS TRAINING INVESTMENT CREDIT

The Skills Training Investment Credit program offers state income tax credits for approved training programs for existing employees of companies engaged in the manufacturing, agribusiness, non-retail service or technology, national or regional headquarters, and healthcare company sectors.

WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a Federal tax credit available to employers for hiring veterans and other targeted populations who often face barriers to employment. The amount of the tax credit ranges from $1,200 to $9,600 per individual hired. This Federal tax credit incentive program enables the new employees to gradually move from economic dependency into self-sufficiency as they earn a steady income and become contributing taxpayers, while participating employers are compensated by reducing their federal income tax liability.

WORKFORCE READY GRANT (IN)

The Workforce Ready Grant pays for all tuition and regularly assessed fees for qualifying high-value certificates at any eligible training provider. Workforce Ready Grant recipients earn nearly $7,000 more after getting a certificate. Over 31,000 Hoosiers have been trained for a better job through the Workforce Ready Grant.

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FINANCIAL AID FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL LOAN FUND

The Downtown Commercial Loan Fund (DCLF) by the Louisville Downtown Partnership has leveraged its $4.3 million dollars of gap financing into over $72 million dollars of commercial development in Downtown Louisville and its edge neighborhoods. DCLF has financed an eclectic range of projects which have brought new jobs to Downtown while fostering the preservation and adaptive reuse of existing Downtown properties. These projects range from the revitalization of historic Whiskey Row to exciting new developments in the SoBro and NuLu neighborhoods.

METCO BUSINESS ACCELERATOR LOANS PROGRAM (LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT)

The METCO Business Accelerator Loan is available to new and existing small businesses in low to moderate income neighborhoods who have barriers to obtaining traditional financing. Eligibility is based on where your business is located. Check your location’s eligibility here.

METCO LOANS PROGRAM (LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT)

The Metropolitan Business Development Corporation (METCO) administers Louisville Metro’s small business and commercial property loans for new and expanding businesses in Jefferson County. Loans can be used for start-up and expansion costs, including equipment purchases, buildout, and working capital, as well as for commercial property improvements. Loan applications are evaluated on: business plan, financial feasibility, owner experience, and credit-worthiness. Collateral is required for all METCO loans except the Business Accelerator Loan.

NASE GROWTH GRANTS – NEED CAPITAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Apply for an NASE Growth Grant: four winners are chosen each quarter to be awarded up to $4,000 grant to support the growth of their business. Do you have plans for the steps you would take to grow your business, if you only had the available capital to do so? Would you hire and train additional employees? Market your business in new and exciting ways? Invest in new equipment or software? The NASE can help. Since 2006, the NASE has awarded nearly $1,000,000 to members just like you through the Growth Grants® program by providing small business grants.

NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS FROM COMMUNITY VENTURES

New Markets Tax Credit from Community Ventures is a program is primarily used to finance real estate, commercial, industrial, and community facility projects. In the last 14 years, Community Ventures has been able to expand the scope of possible projects through the New Markets Tax Credits program. As one of Kentucky’s only NMTC allocatees, Community Ventures has helped finance and support rural communities and urban environments across the state. NMTC funding targets low-income, poverty-stricken communities in designated census tracts and projects with this funding can subsidize up to 20% of their project’s capital needs.

QUEST: DISASTER RECOVERY NATIONAL DISLOCATED WORKER GRANTS

In July 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of up to $140 million in funds for Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy, and Training (QUEST) Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker grants, with up to $15 million per applicant. These grants are created provide employment support and training services, and funds will be used to enhance the public workforce system’s ongoing efforts of empowering America’s unemployed and underemployed workers through worker and business engagement, elevate equity, and connect jobseekers with high-quality jobs. Questions regarding this guidance should be directed to Grant Specialist at DOL-ETA-DWG@dol.gov with QUEST DWG in the subject line.

PLUS, so many more are available on our Resources for Startups & Small Business Owners page, check it out here!

A surplus of employees is within your reach! We have a large untapped pipeline of people that fall into Kentucky’s opportunity populations. When we look at the definition of opportunity populations, it encompasses so many avenues of our population, such as individuals with disabilities, Veterans, people re-entering the workforce from incarceration or addiction recovery, and others who face barriers to employment. We would love to see employers work with these individuals to get them gainfully employed! Learn how your company can take the necessary steps to start hiring by working with one of our many organizations that support people in work opportunity populations:

FEATURED: SECOND CHANCE KENTUCKY

Second Chance Kentucky has a mission to support job creation and career skills those overcoming addiction or being released from incarceration to assist in their returning to be productive and thriving members of society. See a list of resources for workforce development and creating talent pipelines here.


– ADDICTION RECOVERY: With the recent spike in Kentuckians experiencing substance abuse and addiction, it is more relevant than ever to consider recovery resources for employees to freely access and utilize without penalty. You can also work with these organizations to hire individuals ready to return to work! In addition to employees in recovery, research tells us that mental health services can be both treatment-oriented and proactive to support an employee’s overall wellbeing. Consider your business’ transparency and access to these services, as many employees may be hesitant to share their conditions with HR representatives directly.

– PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES: Within our database, there are over 20 organizations that provide supported employment and/or job placement for individuals living with disabilities.


– PEOPLE RE-ENTERING THE WORKFORCE: See “WORKFORCE RE-ENTRY & ADDICTION RECOVERY” in the list of community resources above.


– VETERANS WORKFORCE: Within our database, there are over 50 organizations that provide support for Veterans and military families.

Supporting an employee can also mean identifying resources to support their family. Connectivity with and knowledge of community childcare assets and flexible policies will ensure that your company is competitive in attracting and retaining talent. Access to reliable childcare is an issue that affects workers across socioeconomic demographics and education levels. See some supportive organizations below and in the “CHILDCARE” section above.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF LOUISVILLE

For years, Catholic Charities of Louisville has helped expecting moms and dads prepare for parenthood through its flagship Mother-Infant Care Program. Today, that is just one of many programs offered by Community Support Services (CSS). Whether welcoming a new baby or caring for an aging loved one, Catholic Charities has information and resources to strengthen any family, and their programs strive to enrich the lives of family members across generations by promoting wellness, providing resources, and building community connections.

KENTUCKY TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (KTAP)

The Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP) is the monetary assistance program established by Kentucky using Federal funds from the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) block grant. KTAP provides financial and medical assistance to needy dependent children in Kentucky and the parents, or relatives, with whom the children are living. KTAP also helps families find jobs or get training that leads to a job.

We live in a world dominated by technology, but the forms of technology utilized, and the level of proficiency varies dependent on age, culture, income, and training. For example, a low-income job candidate may only utilize a cell phone and have limited access to WIFI or a home desktop. An older candidate may be able to navigate Microsoft at their local library but might struggle with nuanced application systems on smaller devices. Candidates are out there, but recognition of the digital divide is the first step to addressing this gap.

AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM (ACP)

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered by The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. Click here to search for providers in our region.

CONNECTED NATION

Connected Nation has a mission to improve lives of those in the community by providing innovative solutions that expand the access, adoption, and use of broadband and its related technologies to all people. Not having access means losing out on educational opportunities, healthcare resources, job training and employment options, and a myriad of goods and services that can improve a person’s or family’s quality of life. By engaging education, healthcare, business and community organizations, more connections are made, resulting in a more effective infrastructure, investments, and better public policymaking in addition to creating a workforce that can fill the need for digital, remote positions.

LOUISVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Louisville Free Public Library provides access to the Internet on computer workstations available at every Library location. LFPL offers this service to advance the Library’s education mission as a provider of information and life-long learning. Printing is available from Library computers for a fee. Staff will provide limited instructional assistance for all users. Users needing additional training are encouraged to sign up for basic Internet classes offered at all Library locations.

SPECTRUM INTERNET AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM

Spectrum is participating in a new government-sponsored stimulus program. Your household may be eligible to subscribe to a program that will allow you to save up to $30 a month on your Internet service. The Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households with a temporary monthly credit on broadband service. With Spectrum high-speed Internet, you get a fast, reliable connection to the services you need most – such as job searches, healthcare services and virtual classrooms.

STANDUP LIFELINE WIRELESS

StandUp Wireless is a Lifeline service provider, which is a government assistance program that provides free mobile phone and internet service for low-income customers that qualify through programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and Veterans/Spouses Pension. You may also qualify based on your household income. Bring your own phone and apply through our easy-to-use website to qualify for a FREE SIM Kit, at least 1,000 FREE monthly minutes, unlimited text, and 4.5 GB of data. If you need a phone, we also offer smartphones at discounted rates for approved customers.

Our community offers many forms of reliable transportation support such as ridesharing programs, short-term rental vehicles, public transportation, and so much more! See some options below and direct-to-employee resources above in the “TRANSPORTATION” section.

COMMUTE WITH ENTERPRISE (FOR EMPLOYERS)

The Commute With Enterprise Program is a competitive benefit that helps employers recruit and retain top talent and diversify talent pools by recruiting from surrounding areas. Your employees can save money, reduce their environmental impact and gain valuable free time. By sharing a ride, your people arrive to work relaxed and recharged, fueling a better company culture for everyone. To get started, Enterprise will work closely with your team to tailor the program to your business goals, and will help you recruit riders and connect employees who could potentially rideshare. Enterprise will keep you updated consistently with the usage and success of the program. Click here to learn more about commuter benefits for your employees.

EVERY COMMUTE COUNTS

Every Commute Counts is a program that promotes and creates opportunities for ridesharing. Rideshare is easier and more flexible than you might think, and isn’t just ordering an Uber or Lyft. Any form of transportation besides a single-occupancy motor vehicle is considered rideshare. Most people know rideshare as two or more people riding to work or any other event together. But rideshare is bigger than that. It includes : group transportation such as carpooling and vanpooling; nonmotorized forms of transportation such as bicycles; or, working from home some or all days, also known as “Telework”.

GOODWILL CARS TO WORK

Goodwill Cars to Work is a program of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Inc., with the aim of providing affordable transportation to working Kentuckians who either have a disability or experience other barriers toward finding and maintaining employment. Goodwill believes in the value of all citizens having access to employment, but realizes this is often difficult to achieve. The top three barriers in finding and maintaining employment are childcare, lack of training, and transportation. As part of the program, Goodwill also offers potential participants an optional financial education lesson and exam prior to placement.

TRANSIT AUTHORITY OF RIVER CITY (TARC)

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is the only public transit system in the Louisville-Southern Indiana metro area. With a fleet of 227 buses, 33 which are hybrid-electric and 15 that are all-electric. An average of 4.8 million individuals ride TARC annually with buses travelling 6.57 million miles a year. TARC strives to provide affordable rates for transportation, and offers free and reduced fares for qualifying individuals. In addition, TARC coordinates a variety of demand-response programs, including ADA paratransit. TARC3 serves different customer groups under different contracts, each with unique eligibility requirements and rules. Click here to see the current bus routes and schedules.

The most basic human need is reliable and consistent shelter. Housing insecurity and lack of a permanent residence can impact the workforce as they apply for jobs, receive mailed paychecks, and consider their tax status. This issue is even more severe for candidates who have to rely on shelters while trying to get back on a path of self-sufficiency. Consider working with the organizations & programs below to support your employees.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING BY VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

Volunteers of America (VOA) is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of quality, affordable housing, and provides vital support services needed to thrive. Their team creates and manages low and moderate-income level housing for the homeless, families with children, the elderly, veterans and their families, and people with disabilities, including physical and mental disabilities. The VOA’s houses more than 25,000 people each year, and with a comprehensive continuum of housing services, they respond to the varied needs of individuals and families—from sheltering those without homes to assisting first-time home-buyers.

EVICTION PREVENTION ASSISTANCE

– The Eviction Prevention Program by the City of Louisville provides financial assistance for rent to households that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

– The Eviction Prevention Program by Neighborhood Place brings together staff from multiple agencies in one readily accessible location under a single team leader to work respectfully with families in their own neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Place centers were built on a shared vision that includes eight regionally located Neighborhood Place Centers. The core services at each Neighborhood Place include health, mental health, juvenile services, school-related services, financial and housing assistance, and child and adult welfare services.

– The Eviction Prevention Program by Volunteers of America helps to stabilize residents living in Louisville Metro Housing Authority properties by preventing evictions. This organization provides immediate financial assistance and crisis intervention, helps to develop a customized case plan for each family and/or individual, resolves problems on behalf of the tenant, and, provides referrals to other needed community resources.

FAMILY SCHOLAR HOUSE

Family Scholar House provides support to single parents who want to attend college but may need some help overcoming barriers to education. Participants enroll in the colleges of their choice to pursue the courses of study of their choice, with the goal to obtain a baccalaureate degree. For more information, contact 502-584-8090 or info@familyscholarhouse.org

HOUSING RESOURCES FROM THE LOUISVILLE URBAN LEAGUE

– Foreclosure Prevention Counseling services offer hope and guidance to homeowners who are delinquent on their mortgage obligations. Certified counselors assist clients in working out repayment plans with the servicer of your mortgage loan that may prevent foreclosure or perhaps discuss alternative solutions. This service is free and does not require you to attend classes in advance.

– Homeownership Counseling offers a personalized work plan to help you with your home buying goals. At your first appointment, the LUL Homeownership Counseling team will review and discuss your financial documents such as bank statements, pay stubs, and tax returns, pull and discuss your tri-merge credit report from all three major credit bureau which will include your FICO score, prepare a budget, and develop an action plan that will help you meet your desired goals of becoming a homeowner. The goal of counseling is to help you address and remove barriers to homeownership.

– Homeowners Loan Assistance Program provides home improvement loans to eligible borrowers. If qualified, borrowers may borrow up to $5,000.00 for uses such as HVAC repair, window/door replacements, roofing, energy-efficiency upgrades, safety or soundness repairs, exterior improvements, and more.

– Rental Readiness assists clients in obtaining safe, decent affordable rental housing opportunities. LUL’s counselors provide rental counseling and budgeting assistance to consumers who want to achieve their goal of residential independence.

– View all available Housing & Financial Empowerment Services here.

LOUISVILLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND

The Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund facilitates the development and rehabilitation of decent, affordable housing by making grants and loans, providing technical support, and enabling builders and developers to construct affordable housing with less financial risk. See all of their programs here.

LOUISVILLE METRO HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Louisville Metro Housing Authority endeavors to take a proactive approach to enhancing and strengthening neighborhoods. LMHA strives to not only provide quality, affordable housing, but more importantly help their residents achieve financial independence. Their team is committed to seeking innovative housing opportunities and special programs that will serve to positively impact the lives of residents in the community. Plus, with the support of the LMHA Board of Commissioners, their 300+ dedicated employees, as well as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, LMHA is confident that they can continue to improve the housing and programs offered to residents.

METROPOLITAN HOUSING COALITION

The Metropolitan Housing Coalition is a group of approximately 300 individual and organizational members, including non-profit housing developers, financial institutions, service providers, and neighborhood and advocacy groups. Together we facilitate research-based advocacy for fair, accessible, and affordable housing in the Louisville MSA.

NEW DIRECTIONS

New Directions’ mission is to develop and maintain affordable housing and vital communities in partnership with neighborhoods and other stakeholders. This organization provides core services including: the management of affordable rental properties, increasing the number of available properties particularly in Louisville’s West End, our home repair programs, and building community by being tireless advocates for neighborhood residents.

OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Office of Housing and Community Development (Louisville Metro Government) provides support in many ways to increase the supply of affordable housing. Some initiatives include:
– The Downtown Housing Assistance Fund (DHA) by the Louisville Downtown Partnership was created in 2001 and was designed to assist urban developers in financing their Downtown housing projects, fostering the growth of residential development in Downtown Louisville and its adjacent neighborhoods. Since its inception in 2001, DHA has had remarkable results. There have been no loan defaults and all borrowers have paid in full.

– The Louisville Creating Affordable Residences for Economic Success (Louisville CARES) program was developed to address “cost burdening,” a situation in which a family spends more than 30% of its income for housing and utilities. This program offers hope and guidance to homeowners who are delinquent on their mortgage obligations. Certified counselors assist clients in working out repayment plans with the servicer of your mortgage loan that may prevent foreclosure or perhaps discuss alternative solutions. This service is free and does not require you to attend classes in advance.

– Louisville Metro Government is placing a priority in incentivizing homeownership in an effort to further stabilize the Russell neighborhoods through the Russell Homeownership Incentive Program. Incentives are being offered for individuals and families who want to live into the homeownership incentive area, with the goal of turning existing renters in Russell into homeowners. Homeowners can use these funds through the to qualify for Louisville Metro’s Property Assessment and Reassessment Moratorium Program, which encourages the repair, rehabilitation, restoration, or stabilization of qualifying structures located in the Louisville Metro area.

REBOUND, INC.

REBOUND, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Housing Development organization that promotes community development, expands opportunities and improves stability in low-income and vulnerable families. REBOUND offers homeownership educational programs through their partners at The Louisville Urban League, providing prospective first-time homebuyers with a comprehensive plan for their buying goals. Their commitment to neighborhood revitalization goes beyond building homes; they continuously invest in solutions that support individuals and families in our neighborhoods.

UNITED COMMUNITY CARE CENTER BY METRO UNITED WAY

Metro United Way’s virtual United Community Care Coordination Center is now open to anyone in Louisville and Jefferson County in partnership with another local nonprofit, The Hope Buss. With the United Community Care Coordination Center, individuals and families can request direct help with food, housing, utilities, transportation, educational supports, health care, mental health and addiction, maternal health and wellness, employment, job services, and more.