Impact Stories

Jackson Ward is one of Richmond’s most historic neighborhoods that has experienced an economic renaissance in its downtown corridor over the past decade. With the promise of major future developments to come, Jackson Ward has thrived with new restaurant, retail, and living spaces. Jackson Ward’s revitalization was at the heart of a new VCC loan to help a local real estate investor purchase a 15-unit apartment building, called Bliley’s Garage. The property, once a service …

As Richmond manufacturing has evolved, the need for large amounts of warehouse space for the tobacco trade has declined, providing pioneering developers with properties to create innovative new residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. The Clopton Siteworks development is transforming tobacco warehouses in south Richmond into flexible, modern office and warehouse spaces for a new generation of workers and emerging companies. The project’s ultimate goal is to bring 500 jobs to the Jefferson Davis Corridor. The …

Heart Havens has seven group homes throughout Virginia that support adults with a developmental disability. The nonprofit empowers its residents to live happy and vibrant lives and empowers them continue to enjoy their passions while pursuing their goals. The idea for Heart Havens began with a simple question in 1993, when a parent of an adult with a developmental disability asked her United Methodist pastor: “Where will my child live when I’m gone?” Over the …

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. …