Impact Stories

Last year was a breakout year for the solar-power industry, as businesses large and small around Virginia began to realize not only the sustainability aspects of installing a solar power system but also the real potential for financial returns through energy savings – and taxes. Indeed, owners of a solar electricity system can utilize the 30% federal tax credit and use accelerated depreciation to maximize their returns. In recent years, Virginia Community Capital and our …

Hamilton Perkins is a leading entrepreneur in the Norfolk community and founded the Hamilton Perkins Collection, creating bags and shirts made from recycled plastic bottles and the vinyl from old billboard signage. Shirts are 50-50 cotton and plastic (billed as “The Internet’s most comfortable shirt”) and each designer duffel is constructed with 17.5 recycled plastic bottles and lined with 1 yard of repurposed vinyl; every bag interior is unique depending on the billboard used.

Church Street Station Studios is an 80-unit development from Virginia Supportive Housing, a Richmond-based nonprofit that operates 650 housing units in 16 communities, including six apartment complexes in Hampton Roads. Church Street Station provides new affordable housing and support services for formerly homeless individuals, low-income tenants, and those with cognitive or physical impairments. Forty units have rental subsidies for homeless adults, and the remaining units have rental subsidies for those earning 50 percent or less …

MTK Premier Auto Boutique prides itself on its luxury indoor showroom, unlike any other in the heart of Richmond. But perhaps its greatest assets are its consultants, who are passionate about automobile excellence and conduct one-on-one meetings to determine clients’ automobile needs. The auto boutique operates under a revolutionary business model: Instead of stocking inventory, consultants find their clients custom, premium pre-owned automobiles specifically to meet their needs, whether it’s a luxury, sport, economy or …

As the only climbing gym in New River Valley, Crimper’s Climbing Gym has become a Southwest Virginia haven for novices and climbing masters alike to enjoy the challenge, fun and exercise of indoor rock climbing. The gym, operated by John Johnson since 2012, will continue to be an asset to its community thanks in part to financing from Virginia Community Capital. Crimper’s offers a world-class bouldering area, top-roping, leading climbing and a large training area. …

Known for its personal service and knowledgeable staff, White’s Building Supply Inc. is an ACE Hardware store and lumber yard in Keysville, Va. Set just off the railroad that runs through the heart of this farmland community, White’s Building Center is a valuable asset to the town and has been a staple in Keysville for decades, used by both construction professionals and weekend DIYers alike. The business was purchased by two new owners with the …

Opportunity Home Team Grill is an established restaurant and bar in Richmond’s Fan District, named one of the nation’s 10 “Great Neighborhoods” by the American Planning Association. For sporting events year-round, Home Team is packed with fans sipping on suds and scarfing down deliciously prepared foods. With the help of VCC, HTG Fan LLC was able to purchase the business while also acquiring working capital for an establishment that has become a Fan District staple. …

When we say that the work VCC does would not be possible without the help of partners, we truly mean it. Our partners include individuals with as little as $25 to invest, along with large institutional investors and organizations that believe in the power of social impact investing. One such partner has been the Richmond Association of Realtors (RAR). In 2016, RAR made a $1 million investment in VCC to support affordable housing across the city. …

Opportunity To rehab the former Hayden High School, the only historic African American high school located in rural Franklin, VA, into 27 Senior housing units and commercial space that will be occupied by Senior Services of Southeast Virginia, the regional organization in South Hampton Roads that supports and enriches the lives of seniors and their families through advocacy, education, information and comprehensive services. The completed Hayden Village Center will include a number of community services …

Opportunity There is a shortage of safe and affordable housing on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. With the Bailey House Apartments project, the Eastern Shore Housing Alliance will be able to assist the private housing production sector in delivering adequate housing, related services, and facilities to the market. Solutions Mission-Focused Lending As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), VCC can support projects like Bailey Road Apartments with VCC’s mission to create jobs, energize places, and …