Offer financial literacy classes to small businesses and minority-owned businesses to improve the financial acumen of the small business owners.
Collaborate actively with the organization's Economic Development division to recruit minority businesses and foster entrepreneurial development. Recruit minority-owned businesses into Commerce Lexington.
Offer business referral assistance to organizations involved in minority business and entrepreneurial development, while also aiding businesses in developing supplier diversity programs and identifying minority entrepreneurs for contract bidding.
We will collaborate with the Kentucky Finance & Administration Cabinet, the Minority, Women & Disadvantaged Business Certification Program, as well as the Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council and other national entities supporting businesses in this area.
Collaborate with ethnic minority and women-owned businesses to explore new opportunities, expand business models, and address sustainability and growth issues. Additionally, we will advocate for minority-owned businesses within Commerce Lexington and the community.
We offer research assistance to minority business entrepreneurs in areas such as startup resources, financial assistance, market data, and other specific business support areas.
We partner with government agencies, minority groups, and organizations like the Small Business Administration and Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council to promote business partnerships between public and private corporations and minority business owners.
Launched in June 2013, Commerce Lexington’s Minority Business Accelerator aims to accelerate the growth of minority-owned enterprises with revenues between $250,000 and $6 million, as identified in the 2009 Joint Economic Inclusion Study.
Supported by various organizations including Blue Grass Airport and the University of Kentucky, MBA participants have collectively achieved over $60 million in contracts and procurement since the program’s inception.
Our Current MBA Members
Elaine Allen provides comprehensive construction management services that provide the best results for your specific project needs and requirements. Elaine Allen offers the following construction services: Project Management, Cost Estimating, Scheduling, Contract Administration and Change Order Management.
Bishop E. Carter, IV, Owner
[email protected]
P: 859-221-1563
A certified MBE with headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, Equity Solutions Group, LLC (ESG), is a strategic sourcing firm with an emphasis on expense reduction while ensuring competitive participation.
Raymond Daniels, Co-Founder, President and CEO
[email protected]
P: (800) 215-0175
Facility Maintenance & Services Group, LLC. provides top quality maintenance, janitorial and cleaning services to clients who appreciate professionalism and quality work. They provide employment opportunities to individuals who enjoy working in the field. The company specializes in Commercial Cleaning, Pressure Washing, Construction Cleanup, High Dusting, Residential Cleaning, and Grounds Keeping.
Frank Hall, Owner
[email protected]
P: 833-225-3267
Helping Hand, LLC, provides an array of apartment services that yields comfort for college students and assistance to college housing managers across the country. The upgraded living services provided include Valet Waste Services, Moving Services, Cleaning services, and Apartment Turn Services.
Chase Minnifield, Owner
[email protected]
P: 859-576-6187
Leveraging over seventy-five years of industry experience, Patriot Group, LLC is Kentucky's premier minority owned independent insurance agency. Patriot Group focuses on providing insurance products and risk management solutions for businesses. Highly skilled in commercial insurance and risk management, they represent clients that operate locally, nationally and internationally. Patriot Group provides their clients with the tools needed to make informed decisions that mitigate risk.
Lawrence Herring, Founder & President
[email protected]
P: 502-576-6187
Printcore Inc. is committed to providing topquality printing and packaging products. With over 20 years of experience in the printing and packaging arena, we are a one-stop shop for our customers.
Ray Woods, Owner
[email protected]
P: (859)351-4596
Since 2001, the Access Loan Program has facilitated over $25 million in approved loans for small business startups and expansions, with partnerships extending to 19 counties and over 25 participating lenders. Commerce Lexington also managed the city’s Small Business Economic Recovery programs in 2020 and 2021, distributing about $6.9 million to local small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses.
Partners of the Access Loan Program
Presenting Sponsor : Toyota Kentucky
Businesses Funded by Access Loan Program
We provide the opportunity to fund businesses of all types, within a wide range of categories.
For more information, contact us now.
The Minority Business of the Year Award is open to all ethnically-owned businesses. Applicants must be members of Commerce Lexington. For questions about the Minority Business of the Year Award, contact us below.
Minority Business of the Year Recipients
Past Minority Business of the Year Winners & Recipients
2023- You’ve Got Curls and Hair Loss Center (Melanie Day)
2022 – Volo Careers International (Everett Bracken)
2021 – Guide Realty (Raquel Williams Carter)
2020 – Elaine Allen, LLC (Bishop Carter)
2019 – Synergy Coach (Larry Jackson)
2018 – Posh Salon & Spa (Peyton Wilson, Mike Carter, & Tabitha Carter)
2017 – Synergy Coach (Larry Jackson)
2016 – A Cup of Commonwealth (Salvador Sanchez)
2015 – Integrated Engineering
2014 – TravelHost of the Bluegrass (Eli Mertens)
2013 – Comfort Keepers (Kris Butler)
2012 – Holiday Inn Express
2011 – Bluegrass Veterinary Specialists
2010 – TKT & Associates, Inc. (Tierra Kavanaugh Turner)
2008 – Technology Consulting Group America (Jeff Thompson, Marcus Simpson & Tina Williams)
2007 – Premier Mortgage Group, Inc. (D. McGinnis Mitchell)
2006 – Worksmart, LLC (Marilyn Clark)
2005 – Bluegrass Youth Ballet (Adalhi Aranda Corn)
2004 – Rising Star, Inc. (Phil Wilkins)
2003 – Scott-Larkin Dental Office (Drs. Michael Scott & Linda Larkin)
2002 – Old Happy Days Smokehouse (Jesse & Stephanie Morris)
2001 – Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pastas (Maurice and Faith Gayden)
2000 – Mid-American Chemical (Caldwell Smith)
1999 – Imperial Paging (Frankie & Chiquita Hall)
1998 – African American Forum, Inc. (Debbie A. and John E. Cole III)
1997 – Minnifield Enterprize, Inc. (Franky Minnifield)
Commerce Lexington maintains an active, up to date list of certified minority and/or women-owned businesses in the Lexington area. If you would like more information about the list, please contact us below.
Relocation to Lexington, Kentucky ensures a strategic hub with prime location, skilled workforce, and vibrant business ecosystem — for unparalleled growth and success.
Not surprisingly, we believe Greater Lexington is one of the best places in the world. The numbers speak to the region’s success as a place to start or relocate a business, raise a family, or just enjoy life.
There are an abundance of site and building opportunities across the Greater Lexington Region.
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Juan Carlos Castro, Founder/President
Victor Castro, Executive Vice President