Michael Washington dreamed of owning his own restaurant one day, just like his mother. He grew up in a family of cooks, getting his start in the early 90s. For more than a decade, he worked as a chef for other people until opening his own restaurant – Big Hopps. “I’m here to show the community what hard work, dedication and perseverance can do,” he said.

“Thanks to Republic Bank’s financial support, I’ve been able to reconstruct the restaurant’s drive-thru window, allowing me to stay open longer, serve more customers and continue growing. This loan is giving me confidence I’ll be around for a long time.“

Ricky Mason was inspired at a young age to pursue robotics and engineering. With an entrepreneurial spirit and support from Republic Bank’s Community Loan Fund, Ricky launched a company called Brain Stem. Today Ricky is using his company to inspire other kids to pursue STEM education. For more information, visit www.brainstemu.com.

“When I launched BrainSTEM University, an education tech startup that provides Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education, the Community Loan Fund played a key role in helping me hire my chief product officer. With Republic Bank’s continued support, we’ve introduced students from all backgrounds to the educational metaverse.”

Whether she’s meeting patients at her office, at their homes or virtually, Dr. Giavonne Rondo designed her company, GObile MD, for versatility. This business model allows her to care for her patients in ways that best meets their needs, and to go beyond what many practitioners can do. She is now looking to expand so she can extend the reach of her excellent model of care. Learn more at www.gobilemd.com.

“The loan was a godsend. It’s what I needed to get the ball rolling. As a West Louisville native, I felt it was my mission to give back to the entire community with a focus on alleviating the dispartities that exist. The Community Loan Fund is helping me do exactly that.”

For Nikki Lanier, Harper Slade was the perfect blending of her passions and experience from employment law to advancing Black and Brown opportunities in the workplace and beyond. With the support of Republic Bank’s Community Loan Fund, Lanier was able to hire resources to create the company’s signature DE&I training tool, “The Garden.” Learn more about Harper Slade at www.harperslade.com.

“I focus my work on assuring that Black and Brown communities achieve equality in the workplace. Republic Bank’s genuine commitment in finding ways to enable Black and Brown dreams to come true is one of the many reasons why I decided to pursue the Community Loan Fund.”

Dr. Kwane Watson started Kare Mobile to lead through the changing times. He has been a constant innovator in the industry from the start, even filing a patent on a van that is designed to help doctors safely and efficiently provide care. Through this ingenuity, Kare Mobile has expanded its footprint across the country. Learn more at www.kare.mobi.

“I started a mobile health company to better serve patients and bring health care to communities that needed it most. The Community Loan Fund has provided working capital, which has really helped us grow our footprint. We now have clinics in Kentucky, Detroit, Atlanta and Dallas.”

Kathy Wright spent more than 25 years in traditional education before using her experience to help improve inefficiencies and create equity in school systems. Leveraging her background in STEM education, she’s helped companies create a pipeline of young talent in southwest Ohio. With the support of Republic Bank’s Community Loan Fund, Wright has grown her digital footprint and reached even more educators. Learn more about She Believed She Could at www.sbscconsultancy.com.

“The Community Loan Fund application process was clear and easy. Everyone at Republic Bank was extremely helpful and excited for me and my business. I felt a real connection with a Bank that is committed to growing the community and small businesses.”

At age 21, Tamella Curry had the courage and ingenuity to launch her own mobile bartending business! She is now the owner of Sip Nashville, and the business has provided her with flexibility, security and a great way to inspire her daughter.

“After working in the social scene for several years, I decided to start my own mobile bartending business, Sip Nashville. Entrepreneurship offered me freedom and security, and the chance to inspire my daughter. The Community Loan Fund helped me launch my business and expand into new areas of Nashville.”

Stepphone Mack is committed to helping families protect what’s most important to them. He dreamed of owning his own business and helping others in crisis. Republic Bank’s Community Loan Fund allowed him to do just that. “Insurance is insurance and hopefully you don’t have to use it,” he said. “But when you do and you’re there for that family, it’s unbelievably fulfilling.”

“The expertise of Republic Bank and its associates is unparalleled. I was intentional about pursuing banking institutions that are truly invested in the minority community. And Republic’s presence really stood out to me.”

With her business, THR Pediatrics and Wellness Center, Dr. Tyeshia Halsell-Richards is bringing healthcare right to your doorstep. She started her business just last year and already has over 750 patients. She is now thinking about opportunities for growth, including the possibility of adding radiology and mental health partners in the future. Learn more at www.thrpediatrics.com.

“The Community Loan Fund made a huge difference in starting my practice. Most loans have a two-year requirement to qualify, but Republic Bank helped me get my loan at the perfect time. Now, I have over 750 patients, and I hope to add other partners to better serve the community.”