New program offers $25,000 lines of credit to help Louisville businesses grow
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 7, 2026) — Amped and Republic Bank & Trust Company (“Republic” or the “Bank”) are pleased to announce a new partnership designed to expand access to capital for Black and Brown entrepreneurs in West Louisville. Together, the organizations have launched the Republic Bank Guaranteed Line of Credit (LOC) Program, a collaborative initiative that provides eligible participants of the Amped Business Accelerator with a guaranteed $25,000 unsecured line of credit, paired with comprehensive business development and financial support services.
Amped Business Accelerator is a leading Black and Latinx business incubator and technology service center offering training, coaching, and wraparound support to emerging entrepreneurs. Each year, the Business Accelerator equips a new cohort of business owners with tools and guidance to strengthen their enterprises and increase long‑term financial stability.
“This program gives our entrepreneurs an opportunity to access capital and build their businesses with confidence,” said Dave Christopher Sr., President and Founder of Amped. “Republic Bank’s support demonstrates a powerful commitment to helping our founders turn their ideas into thriving, sustainable ventures.”
This year’s cohort includes ventures such as Louisville’s first nail school, a healthcare training institute, creative media services, and long-standing retail and beauty brands. Each participant will use the line of credit to strengthen operations, expand services, or increase capacity as they continue growing their businesses.
This program strengthens the partnership between Republic Bank and Amped, expanding the Bank’s impact and deepening its commitment to equitable access to capital. Republic has committed to fully funding the program, reinforcing its support for expanding opportunities for emerging business owners.
“Small businesses help our communities thrive, and this program reflects our commitment to innovating for the future by giving entrepreneurs the financial tools they need to grow with confidence,” said Andy Powell, Chief Lending Officer, Republic Bank. “We’re investing in the next generation of local leaders.”
To celebrate the new partnership and to honor the participating entrepreneurs, Amped and Republic Bank will host a “Signing Day” loan closing event on January 9 at the newly renovated Amped headquarters. The event will recognize each entrepreneur as they formally sign their loan documents, symbolizing not only access to capital but access to opportunity, partnership, and economic mobility.
Signing Day Loan Closing Event
WHEN: Friday, January 9, 2026, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Media are welcome to arrive as early as 8:45 a.m. to capture interviews, b-roll, and photos. Speakers will begin at 9:00 am with the loan signings to follow.
WHERE: Amped Tech and Learning Center (1701 West Market Street, Louisville, KY 40203)
PHOTO & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- Amped executives
- Republic Bank executives
- Local Amped Business Accelerator entrepreneurs
