Economic Mobility Summit: Financing Your Future

Summit Objectives

• Inspiration: Listen to community members who have effectively changed their financial situations, and find inspiration to chase your financial aspirations.
• Education: Gain practical tools and strategies to improve your financial literacy and enhance decision-making abilities.
• Networking: Engage with local organizations, financial educators, and community leaders dedicated to promoting economic mobility.

Summit Components

• Keynote Speaker: Deputy Mayor Nicole George
• Panel Discussion: The Future of Business, with moderator Justin Hogan (Community Foundation of Louisville)
• • A diverse group of individuals who have completed entrepreneurship programs, spearheaded such initiatives, and provided funding for small businesses will share their journeys, detailing the challenges they encountered, the skills they acquired, and the positive impact the programs have had on their lives.

• Economic Mobility Presentation: Economic Equality, with presenter Jasmine Cunningham (Goodwill Industries of Kentucky)
  • This presentation will highlight factors affecting economic mobility. It will use data and case studies to demonstrate how mobility impacts personal and societal outcomes, such as poverty reduction and social equity.

• Goodwill Breakout Session: Unlocking Credit Confidence, with presenters from the Office of Financial Empowerment

• • Certified credit counselors from the Louisville Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) will share advice on establishing, building, and managing your credit. 

• Goodwill Breakout Session: Opening the Door: A Pathway to Homeownership, with speaker Pearlie Walker (First Financial Bank)
  • Participants will be guided through the process of purchasing, maintaining, and managing a home. The class will cover essential topics such as understanding the home-buying process, securing a mortgage and budgeting for homeownership.

• Goodwill Panel Discussion: Keys to Homeownership – Expert Insights for your Journey, with moderator Gabe Jones (University of Louisville), various speakers
  • This panel discussion is designed to provide valuable insights and expert advice for individuals navigating the path to owning a home.

• Breakout Session: Appraisal Bias Discrimination, with speakers Cedric Irvin, Jr. and Juan Pena
  • This discussion examines appraisal bias, how it can unfairly lower home values, and the legal protections under fair housing laws that prevent discrimination in property valuations.

• Breakout Session: Lending When it Counts, with speaker Kevin Ratliff (LHOME)

• • Participants will have the chance to discover LHOME products and receive guidance on selecting the appropriate items when launching or funding a business.

• Breakout Session: Housing is a Right – Know Your Fair Housing Rights, with speakers from the Louisville Metro Human Rights Commission and Kentucky Fair Housing Council
  • Join Louisville Metro Human Rights Commission and Kentucky Fair Housing Council for an insightful workshop on fair housing rights, where you’ll learn how to recognize and address unlawful discrimination in housing. Leave equipped to protect your rights!

• Breakout Session: How to Get in Position to Start Your Own Business, with speakers from the Louisville Small Business Development Center
  • This interactive workshop discusses identifying a clear business idea, developing a detailed business plan, building a strong network of potential customers and collaborators, securing the right funding, and registering your business properly.

• Breakout Session: Micro Lending: Small Loans, Big Gains – Micro Lending for Business Success, with speaker Allion Federspiel- First Financial Bank
  • This course will teach you how to leverage micro lending to start, grow, and sustain your business. Learn how to access micro loans, navigate the application process, and use funds effectively to maximize your success.

Outcome for Economic Mobility Vendor Event: Financing Your Future

The goal of this tabling event is to empower individuals with knowledge and resources to enhance their financial stability and business success. Attendees will:

• Learn About Financial Resources: Gain insights into microlending, small business funding, and other financial tools for economic growth.
• Connect with Experts: Engage with financial professionals, business advisors, and community organizations that support economic mobility.
• Access Funding Opportunities: Discover available loan programs, grants, and financial assistance tailored for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Develop a Growth Mindset: Leave with actionable strategies to improve financial literacy, build credit, and create sustainable business plans.
• Expand Their Network: Meet like-minded individuals, potential mentors, and community partners who can support their journey toward financial independence.