May 1, 2025

In response to Black business owners unable to access lending capital to survive the impact of COVID-19, Bridging Virginia’s current board chair raised $100,000 to help a credit union provide loans to 5 Black business owners in Richmond.

Now serving the entire state, Bridging Virginia’s loan clients are made up of 85% people of color, and 90% women of color. These loans give small businesses resources without credit card interest rates or payday loans—providing risk-tolerant capital at affordable rates.

As a special education teacher, Taylor Perkins saw the struggles her students faced in the workforce after graduation, and wanted an environment that could showcase those special abilities in the community.

Now executive director and founder of CraveABLEs, Taylor’s staff serves Lynchburg and the surrounding counties, and focuses on hiring people with various abilities. The 30 employees include able staff and support staff, who run the ice cream storefront, food truck, event room, and host field trips.