Louisville, Ky. (November 7, 2024) – Fourteen minority business owners graduated from Greater Louisville Inc.’s Power to Prosper Minority Business Accelerator presented by Papa Johns and Beam Suntory. The eight-month program concluded with a ceremony at the Kentucky Derby Museum followed by a keynote discussion with Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor, Jacqueline Coleman. The 14 graduates include:

• Abaz Tahirovic, A-Baznian Express
• Desmond Martin, Martin Elite Realty Company
• Jessica Piasta, MAPS Security
• Lakeesha Thomas, Thomas Tax Pros
• Lashonna Mansfield, The Learning Tree child Development Center
• Marla Boado, Diesel Engine Repairs
• Melanie Fischer, Froggy’s Popcorn
• Michael Bush, Goal Line Trucking
• Quintina McDowell, Sea Moss by J. Cortez
• Sandra King, Rebirth & Renewal Family Resource Center
• Sharita Brown, I AM Construction Cleaning
• Timothy Pruitt, God Particle IT Group
• Tonesha Hearn, Children’s Safe Haven
• Tyeshia Halsell-Richards, THR Pediatrics and Wellness Center

“GLI’s Power to Prosper Accelerator has now provided over four dozen minority-owned businesses with the skills and connections to become economic drivers in our community,” said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, president and CEO of GLI. “These participants have invested countless hours into strategically growing their businesses and I am looking forward to seeing the impact they make in our economy and community in the years ahead.”

Throughout the program, graduates learned skills in areas such as human resources, strategic planning, and accessing capital. As a graduation requirement, participants also developed a five-year growth plan for their business and presented it to a panel of business leaders for feedback.

The Power to Prosper Accelerator is led by GLI’s Economic Inclusion Department. Miguel Hampton, CEO and consultant of F5 Enterprises serves as the content instructor of the program. The content is created through a partnership with national consulting firm, Interise, and their award-winning StreetWise ‘MBA’™. Through the generous support of GLI investors, Papa Johns and Beam Suntory, the program, which is valued at $15,000 per person, is provided free of charge to participants.

“We strive to not only teach our participants skills, but help strengthen their networks that will sustain them for years to come. I am looking forward to seeing how our graduates use this program to develop their businesses and am thankful to GLI’s investors for making this program possible,” said Dana Johnson, VP of Economic Inclusion for GLI.

To learn more about the Power to Prosper Minority Business Accelerator presented by Papa Johns and Beam Suntory click here. The application process for the fifth cohort is currently open until January 15. The cohort will begin March 1.

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About Greater Louisville Inc.

Greater Louisville Inc. is the Metro Chamber of Commerce and represents 15 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. GLI’s mission is to grow businesses and the regional economy. GLI supports businesses during every stage of development and represents the collective needs of the business community by advocating for pro-growth policies and economic development investment, and deploying programming centered around attracting and developing talent and economic inclusion. GLI is the 2019 National Chamber of the Year and is one of only three percent of chambers nationally certified with 5-star accreditation status by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Learn more on social media @GLIchamber or visit www.greaterlouisville.com.