Month: June 2023

June 29, 2023 /3BL/ – SkysTheLimit.org is proud to announce the most recent grant winners of its Rise Up! program in celebration of World Refugee Day and World Refugee Awareness Month. Rise Up! combines the strengths of Sky’s the Limit’s virtual mentoring platform, entrepreneurship model, global online community, and grant dollars and directs those strengths specifically towards refugee entrepreneurs.

By reducing barriers and providing streamlined support throughout the entrepreneurial journey, Sky’s the Limit works hand in hand with refugees to build and sustain thriving, inclusive communities. Refugees, often resettled in underserved areas, start businesses at a higher rate compared to other groups. The businesses they create also tend to address urgent local needs, and fill gaps in key sectors including professional services, retail, and food.

With its experience in serving 50,000+ underrepresented entrepreneurs, Sky’s the Limit has uniquely positioned itself to connect refugee entrepreneurs with skilled volunteers, partners, and the necessary resources for launching and growing local businesses — all made possible through Sky’s the Limit’s unique digital platform.

Thanks to generous support from our partner, Accenture, Sky’s the Limit has awarded over $45,000 to refugee entrepreneurs since the launch of the Rise Up! program a year ago.

Sky’s the Limit is thrilled to announce the winners of two 2023 Rise Up! pitch competitions — both of which showcased the exceptional talent and resilience of refugee entrepreneurs.

The Rise Up! for UK Refugee Entrepreneurs pitch competition brought together 13 founders who competed for funding to support their social impact start-ups. This event marked the culmination of a workshop series held in collaboration with Accenture, TERN, and Sky’s the Limit.

We are pleased to announce the winner of the Rise Up! for UK Refugee Entrepreneurs pitch event:

Antony Kimani, Founder of Kwetu Coffee. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, Kwetu Coffee is a socially conscious coffee shop that not only sells ethically sourced coffee but also provides barista training to asylum seekers and refugees. It aims to create a cultural, artistic, and social space within the community.

In celebration of World Refugee Day, Sky’s the Limit hosted a second pitch competition in Washington DC, where refugee entrepreneurs competed for and were awarded grants totaling $20,000. The winners are:

Rohin Qaduaryn, Founder of Rohin’s Business, received first place and a $10,000 grant. Rohin’s Business is an Afghan handicraft business that aims to bridge cultures and empower talented artisans, particularly women facing poverty and discrimination enforced by the Taliban.Marvi Sediq, Founder of Osman Kamis, secured second place and a $6,000 grant. Osman Kamis is a clothing brand specializing in fashion-forward traditional clothing for women who embrace their individuality. The brand offers a curated collection of stylish pieces designed to empower and inspire.Rocío Ghattas de Simán, Founder of Yohago, claimed third place and a $4,000 grant. Yohago is an initiative that coaches, trains, and promotes entrepreneurship among artisans and artists while helping them to reflect their identity, culture, and national pride. The project also supports single mothers and women exposed to violence, currently benefiting over 3,000 small entrepreneurs in El Salvador.

Additionally, Sky’s the Limit sponsored and participated in the One Journey Festival for the second consecutive year. The One Journey Festival celebrates the talents, stories, and contributions of refugees and displaced individuals worldwide. This family-friendly event brings people together through the shared languages of humanity — art, food, music, dance, storytelling, soccer, fashion, and technology.

“Our goal at Sky’s the Limit is to create an inclusive ecosystem where refugee entrepreneurs feel welcomed and supported. We are honored to witness their resilience and determination as they overcome obstacles and build exciting new businesses. The Sky’s the Limit community is truly inspired by their courage and innovation, and we will continue to champion their entrepreneurial journeys,” said Laura Plato, Chief Operating Officer at Sky’s the Limit.

Learn more about the Rise Up! program here.

Sky’s the Limit offers opportunities for traditionally marginalized entrepreneurs – typically those who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, women, veterans, disabled people, and people from low-income backgrounds – to connect with mentors to come together to foster, grow, and shape modern and future enterprise. The organization has also provided over $450,000 in startup grants and educated tens of thousands of diverse entrepreneurs.

For more information about how to get your company involved in mentoring, please visit skysthelimit.org/partnerships.

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About SkysTheLimit.org: SkysTheLimit.org is a digital platform that connects young, historically excluded entrepreneurs with one-on-one support from experienced business advisors and mentors, entrepreneurship training, and community-voted startup grants. SkysTheLimit.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. 

Originally published by Southern Company

Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Albany, through a unique partnership with Southern Company subsidiary, Georgia Power, is currently installing 21 charging stations at nine locations across the base, which will allow up to 96 vehicles to be plugged in on the base simultaneously. The project has been initiated and is expected to be complete by fall.

Georgia Power was awarded the first-ever turnkey electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) solution using the General Services Administration Areawide Contract (AWC). The project will be a model for the Department of Defense (DoD) to use across the country in partnering with a local utility like Georgia Power to design, construct, own, operate and maintain EVSE. It is also the first time the AWC will be used to provide for a holistic and scalable EVSE solution to support both current and future electrification requirements.

The AWC provides a public-private partnership with regulated servicing utility companies to cover utility service needs of Federal agencies within the franchise territory of the supplier for up to 10 years. This unique federal construct allowed MCLB Albany to use the “Make Ready” program to accelerate their plans and maximize the Government’s investment. In the Make Ready program, Georgia Power owns, installs and maintains the electrical infrastructure up to the charger itself. The program is available to all business customers and helps remove potential financial barriers to their transition to electric transportation. As a result of this partnership and project, MCLB Albany is uniquely poised to meet the Biden Administration EO 14057 of a 100% zero-emission fleet.

“This modernized energy infrastructure will support our mission and lessen our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment and Chief Sustainability Officer. “Innovative partnerships and solutions like this make our installations more survivable and the communities they are a part of more resilient.”

The EV charging project at MCLB Albany is the latest example of continued successful collaboration between the base and Georgia Power in advancing better energy use and overall modernization, with the base earning national accolades for its efforts.

“This is a great partnership with Georgia Power as the DoD looks into the future. We need to prepare the base and Marine Corps to support a future electric vehicle fleet,” said MCLB Albany Commanding Officer Col. Michael Fitzgerald.

This is this just one of many projects underway across the SE that illustrates Southern Company’s ability and desire to work with DoD installations to identify and deliver sustainability, resiliency and energy efficiency solutions. It is part of a much broader commitment Southern has made to partner with the federal government in advancing mutual net-zero GHG emission and grid decarbonization goals that benefits both the customers and communities we serve.

“In addition to being essential for national defense, our nation’s military bases are powerful economic engines for surrounding communities providing jobs and driving thriving local economies,” said Chris Cummiskey, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Solutions and Chief Commercial Officer for Southern Company. “MCLB Albany is a forward-looking military base dedicated to energy innovation and planning for the future, and we’re proud of our continued partnership. As the new EV charging stations open across the installation this year, we know the investment that is being made today will benefit the base for years to come.”

About Southern Company 
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

About Georgia Power 
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

By Nestor Mato

“That is what it’s all about. People coming and giving back to the community,” said Jeanne Wickem. The 77-year-old smiled from ear to ear as Regions Bank associates helped her with home improvements.

Because of work like this, seniors can stay in their homes and remain a vibrant part of this spruced-up block in Central City, New Orleans.

Jericho Road Episcopal Housing and the Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank, organized this day of giving back called Bling Your Block. Jericho Road brought members of its construction team, who are part of the program’s workforce development initiative. And volunteers from Regions Bank came to help with painting porches, decorating, and landscaping along Barrone Street.

“With the generous assistance of volunteers from Regions Bank and financial support from the Regions Foundation, we aim to ‘bling the block’ of Baronne Street, providing the seniors in our community with more beautiful and welcoming homes to reside in,” said Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Executive Director Nicole Barnes. “This collaborative effort not only uplifts the individual households but also contributes to the overall revitalization and enhancement of the neighborhood.”

It’s a story that needs to be seen in addition to being told. So, the team from Doing More Today takes you along. Watch the video above.

Want to know more? Jericho Road has a track record of serving New Orleans, including by purchasing and updating homes. People in Jericho Road’s Workforce Development Program repair homes, which are then sold to underserved homebuyers. The Workforce Development Program hires underemployed workers and trains them in construction skills.

“Jericho Road has an unwavering dedication to empowering people in New Orleans through education, skills training, and home buying opportunities,” added Regions Foundation Executive Director Marta Self. “The Regions Foundation is proud to fund this program that addresses needs for affordable housing and workforce development, providing an upward pathway for all involved.”

The Regions Foundation provides grants to a range of organizations supporting education and workforce readiness, as well as economic development, community development and financial wellness. The foundation provided a $40,000 grant to support Jericho Road in its efforts.

Community development is a year-round focus for the Regions Foundation and Regions Bank.

Check out these examples, too:

“A Bold Step Forward.” Regions Foundation, Jefferson State Community College Unveil Student Success CenterSupporting Women in Skilled Trades: Regions Foundation Announces $100,000 Grant for Moore Community HouseAffordable Housing. Stronger Communities. Regions Foundation Announces Major Investment Benefiting Southeastern CitiesEdging Out Joblessness: Regions Foundation Funds Sarasota Chamber Workforce Readiness Program

About Regions Foundation
The Alabama-based Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $154 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

CLEVELAND, June 29, 2023 /3BL/ – KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) provided a $9 million construction loan and $12 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity for the construction of an affordable senior housing property in Morrisville, New York.

Community View Apartments will consist of 61 units for individuals aged 55 and older and earning no more than 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% of the area median income (AMI). Of the 61 units, 20 will be covered by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) and will target individuals who are at risk of homelessness, formerly homeless, enrolled in Medicaid, and have either a chronic condition, physical disability, or require assistance with one or more instrumental activities of daily living.

The project sponsor is Christopher Community, Inc. (“CCI”), a non-profit developer and manager of affordable housing based in Syracuse. The project will enter into a housing services agreement with Crouse Community Center, a skilled nursing facility affiliated with Crouse Hospital, which will offer the ESSHI units with comprehensive supportive services. An on-site case manager will be provided to develop individual service plans to cater to each tenants’ specific needs as well as help with housing subsidy recertifications, obtaining health insurance, SSI/SSD benefits, SNAP, and utility assistance. The case manager will also assist tenants in applying for educational programs and providing access to computers and the internet.

In addition, the property will have a medical case manager to help tenants schedule doctor’s appointments, coordinate transportation, track health conditions, and provide guidance for healthy living initiatives and social activities. The case managers will coordinate services with offsite local providers for substance abuse counseling, mental health support, vocational training, additional medical case management, legal, and educational services.

The project is in a quiet, residential setting directly adjacent to the Crouse Community campus. In addition, Crouse Community Center has begun construction of an adult daycare facility adjacent to Community View Apartments, which will operate an Adult Daycare Healthcare Programs (ADHC) that will allow registrants to utilize the services of Crouse Community Center’s existing Outpatient Therapy and physician services from the nearby Community Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care Physician Office.

“As we embark on the construction of Community View Apartments, we are grateful for the generous support of KeyBank. Their $21 million financing, comprising a construction loan and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity, reinforces our commitment to providing affordable senior housing in Morrisville, New York,” said Justin Rudgick, President & CEO of Christopher Community, Inc. “With a focus on meeting the diverse needs of our residents, including seniors at risk of homelessness, and unstably housed in our community, we are proud to collaborate with Crouse Community Center, state agencies and local service providers to offer comprehensive supportive services. Together, we are building a vibrant community where individuals aged 55 and older can thrive and access vital resources for a fulfilling life.”

“Community View Apartments is a project that is representative of what we want to invest in, because it is community-based,” said Kate de la Garza, senior relationship manager with KeyBank Community Development Lending. “Christopher Community’s partnership and collaboration with other agencies and providers is reflective of how we can serve the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.”

John Paul Vachon and Kate De La Garza of KeyBank CDLI structured the financing.

About Christopher Community

Established in 1971, Christopher Community currently manages over 3,000 units and more than 100 buildings, as well as administers Onondaga County’s Rental Assistance Program which serves over 1,200 households. Christopher Community, Inc. develops and operates safe, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in a way that respects their dignity, and fosters their independence, while enhancing the character of the neighborhood in which they live. The non-profit organization serves communities across New York State including Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Utica, Watertown, Oswego, Cortland, Elmira, and Canandaigua, amongst others.

About KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment

KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) finances projects that stabilize and revitalize communities across all 50 states. As one of the top affordable housing capital providers in the country, KeyBank’s platform brings together construction, acquisition, bridge-to-re-syndication, and preservation loans, as well as lines of credit, Agency and HUD permanent mortgage executions, and equity investments for low-income housing projects, especially Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing. KeyBank has earned 10 consecutive “Outstanding” ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, making it the first U.S. national bank among the 25 largest to do so since the Act’s passage in 1977.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $198 billion at March 31, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications, and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.