When you are looking for a place to call home, you want a place that is prosperous, fun, and friendly.  With all that is going on in Louisville, our city fills the bill as “fun”; we pride ourselves on being friendly, but are we prosperous?

Designed as “Possibility City,” Louisville was predicted by area businessmen in 1997 to be a bustling center of economic and population growth by 2010.  The economy took a nosedive, so the city lost 4% of its jobs between 2000-2009, which put it near the bottom 16 cities who compete for jobs, welders, and investment. Our current major Greg Fiecher is working to attack the causes that have it historically made it hard for Louisville to reach it full potential.  There are many signs of hope, often unveiled on step at a time.

Recently, Scott Dennison, formerly an owner of Papa John’s pizza and Penn Station franchises, looked at vacant property of Bardstown Road formerly occupied by John Riley Auto Center.  He envisioned opening an Uncle Maddio’s make-it-yourself pizza shop – the first of five he hopes to own in the area. Dennison sees the already-busy corner as full of possibility of future development.  To date, a mattress store has opened in the plaza which draws in customers from Germantown, the Highlands, western Louisville, and beyond.  Other potential tenants are lining up to rent remaining spaces in the former auto center.

While Dennison was an experienced business owner before opening Uncle Maddeo’s, there are opportunities in Louisville for both new and experienced business owners.

For example, the Louisville Small Business Clinic assists and consults with small business owners to improve their skills, become aware of federal and local programs that might help them, and get their finances in order.

Louisville’s Economic Development Department works with Metropolitan Business Development Corporation (METCO) to help business owners obtain loans of up to $100,000 to help with project costs, gap financing, exterior improvements, and through the new microloan program, even start up funds.

For businesses which want to improve energy efficiency or offer “green” jobs, Louisville can help companies qualify for one of the four loan programs funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

With opportunities for business development, a low cost of living, and great housing prices, Louisville is great place to buy your starter home or your million-dollar dream home.  My team and I at Younger Group Real Estate can list your home and show you affordable homes in Butchertown, St. Matthews, The Highlands, and other great Louisville neighborhoods. Give us a call. We know Louisville.

                                                                                               January Events in Louisville