865 Opportunity Fund Makes High Impact Loan to Little Vols Learning Center

Little Vols Learning Center in Karns received a loan from the 865 Opportunity Fund for renovations, expanding its capacity to serve the Knoxville community. Owner Michael Dowsey is utilizing the funding to make capital improvements to a former preschool that he purchased with the help of a HUD Block Grant from Knox County. “The loan application was not difficult. A Pathway Lending coach helped me throughout the process,” he said.

A University of Tennessee graduate with a master’s degree in social work, Dowsey is unveiling new curriculum at an open house for the public on Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 75334 Oak Ridge Highway. The childcare facility currently serves about 50 children aged 1-3 years. An infant care wing is opening soon, and future plans call for an afterschool program.

“We are excited to mark this milestone, and eager to ensure a variety of funding sources exist for small businesses,” said Nancy Nabors, Director of Regional Enhancement for the Knoxville Chamber. “We’re also pleased that this loan is for a childcare center, which is much needed in our community.”

The 865 Opportunity Fund is part of a collaborative effort aimed at expanding Knoxville’s small business ecosystem, with opportunities focused on minority- and woman-owned businesses in Anderson, Blount, Grainger, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Roane, Sevier, and Union counties. Rebranded earlier this year, the fund is a collaboration between Pathway Lending, First Horizon, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and Regions Bank with an emphasis on providing loans between $5,000 and $50,000 to eligible small businesses.

Businesses interested in learning more about the 865 Opportunity Fund can schedule an inquiry Zoom or phone call with Aaron Owen at pathwaylending.org/865fund.

“We have the privilege of helping small business owners take advantage of opportunities to grow their businesses,” said Owen, vice president of lending for Pathway. “We look forward to seeing firsthand the impacts this capital has throughout our community.”

Pathway Lending is a nonprofit, mission-driven lending institution that serves Tennessee communities and small businesses and specializes in working with veteran, women, minority, rural and low-income small business borrowers. In addition to the 865 Opportunity Fund, the organization offers a complete catalog of small business and commercial loan products, from $5,000 to $5 million, and a full range of learning programs, from classrooms to one-to-one coaching, to businesses at any stage in any industry.

Pictured: Michael Dowsey, Owner, Little Vols Learning Center