Officials with the Minority Economic Development Initiative of Western Kentucky, otherwise known as MEDI has helped launch two local businesses, expand two existing businesses, resulting in 16 new jobs and retaining four within the community.

Officials with MEDI say the organization has worked diligently with Melody Joseph, owner of Small Heart Daycare, Shateeka Osborne, owner of The Southern Belle Cafe, Jennifer Bass and Reginald Calloway, owners of Small Steps of Faith Child Care Center and an accounting firm to assist them in turning their dreams into a reality by launching and expanding their small businesses.

MEDI’s Micro-Loan Program in partnership with USDA Rural Development’s Regional Business Enterprise’s Revolving Loan Program provided the capital necessary to startup and expand the local businesses.

Executive Director, Henry Snorton says MEDI’s mission is to serve as Western Kentucky’s leading 501-C-3 economic development agency that impacts communities and economies for improvement using education, entrepreneurship, small, minority, and women-owned business development.

Since 2009, MEDI has assisted in the creation of several small businesses and helped to create 128 new jobs, retain more than 136 jobs and leverage over $1.6M in capital investment.
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