Business owners thank Gibbens at CVC celebration

A downtown luncheon on Friday was intended as a celebration of the 30th anniversary of a nonprofit organization. But it turned into a love fest between Sue Gibbens and some of the owners of small businesses that she has helped get started or expand here over the past six years.

Gibbens is the executive vice president of the Henderson office of Community Ventures Corp. (CVC), a Lexington-based nonprofit that is the largest Small Business Administration lender in the nation, helping entrepreneurs and small businesses secure loans ranging from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars.

In fact, CVC President and CEO Kevin Smith said his organization expects in a couple of weeks to have $900,000 to loan in the Henderson area through the USDA Intermediary Relending Program, which is intended for businesses in rural communities. Loans of up to $150,000 will be available.

But Gibbens, a Certified Economic Developer and the local face of CVC, is more than a loan officer. She's also a consultant, a mentor to fledgling business owners even a provider of a shoulder for a nervous entrepreneur to cry on.

"They become my best friends, my kids," Gibbens said of her clients following the anniversary celebration.

The affection was obvious as client after client owners of small businesses ranging from a power-washing service to a professional philanthropy consulting firm thanked or even hugged her during the luncheon.

Three of those clients spoke about their businesses and the role Gibbens played.

Rebecca Goodman knew that opening Mind's Eye Studio to teach art to children in Morganfield was "a very risky business."

"But CVC had faith in me that I could do it," Goodman continued, as Gibbens helped her figure out how to research demographics such as income levels and average family size to help assess the feasibility of her venture. Gibbens also helped her obtain a micro loan.

Since opening with 17 students in 2008, Goodman's studio has grown to an average of 105 students.

Originally posted here:
Business owners thank Gibbens at CVC celebration