Mayor Greg Fischer announced expanded resources coming to the Nia Center, a one-stop workforce and entrepreneurial development center located at 2900 W. Broadway. Enhancements include department function additions and training opportunities, a new loan program and the addition of a café.
“Our city has great economic momentum right now. We have to make sure that opportunity and prosperity reach every neighborhood in our city,” said Fischer. “The Nia Center is a great partner for us in those efforts because if you want to start a business, want to grow an existing small business, or need help finding a job, this is the place to get the resources you need.”
In late 2016, Louisville Metro Community Services’ FEeD division (Financial Empowerment and economic Development division, which includes the microbusiness program) relocated to the Nia Center. The program joined the existing Small Business Development office, called the Business Clinic, run by Louisville Forward’s Department of Economic Development.
The move allows the departments to work side-by-side with other providers in the community, including the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, SCORE, Kiva and the SBA to bring more opportunities for collaboration that benefit Louisville’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Our Community Services team members are honored to bring our Financial Empowerment and economic Development services into an existing focal point in west Louisville,” said Eric Friedlander, director of Louisville Metro Community Services. “We look forward to being a part of the interactive environment at the Nia Center that builds on the strengths of our community’s residents.”
Partnering with Louisville Forward, Louisville Metro Community Services and KentuckianaWorks, the Nia Center offers a full range of job and career services.
Programs offered at the Nia Center include:
Financing assistance
Business development assistance
Workforce development programs
The expanded array of programs will include a new café to be added to the lobby area of the Center. Local small business owner Pam Haines will operate the café, a smaller version of her restaurant, Sweet Peaches, located at 1800 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. The café will offer coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads and a variety of freshly baked pastries, and is expected to open in early summer 2017.
To learn more about the Nia Center, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/nia-center