The Contractor Initiative supports small businesses and contractors seeking to build capacity, strengthen operations, and prepare for construction-related opportunities.
Through training, technical assistance, coaching, and access to resources, participants receive support in areas such as business documentation, financial readiness, procurement preparation, bonding, insurance, licensing, estimating, and project management.
The initiative is open to eligible participants and is designed to provide practical support that helps businesses improve readiness, compete more effectively, and pursue sustainable growth.
This education series covers financing, bonding, procurement, and business growth — Classes are running through May 2027. Enroll now.
Classes are held from 4:30pm – 6:00pm. Participants may join in person at 4303 West Broadway, Louisville, KY 40211, or online via Zoom. Register for classes.
In his role as Manager of Mentorship & Business Development, Anthony Walker is driving OneWest’s efforts to empower local entrepreneurs through strategic mentorship and professional growth. With a focus on community collaboration and business acceleration, we’re excited to see Anthony’s leadership strengthen our impact across West Louisville.
(502) 384-0490
Evon J. Smith
Evon J. Smith, a real estate developer with more than 20 years of experience, joined OneWest as President and CEO on January 2, 2018.
Smith is the founding president of Sustainable Community Resources, a real estate development firm with offices in Winston-Salem and Greensboro, North Carolina that specializes in rural and urban real estate development in low-to-moderate resource communities.
She is a partner on the $100 million, mixed-use South Elm Street Redevelopment Project (now Union Square) in Greensboro, and she led redevelopment of the historic Goler Heights neighborhood in downtown Winston-Salem. That project included construction of more than 20,000 square feet of commercial and retail space and more than 200 new housing units.
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C., and completed executive leadership programs at Duke and Harvard universities. She also served 10 years on the North Carolina State Association of Community Development Corporations board, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Advisory Board, and the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership Real Estate Committee.
As President & CEO, Smith will direct implementation of OneWest’s five-year strategic plan, which includes commercial and mixed-use development efforts beginning at the 18th Street and West Broadway corridor. Continuing the work that the OneWest board and volunteers have already begun, Smith will build relationships with government, nonprofit, business and community organizations, and act as an advocate for responsible investments, financial commitments and policies that impact west Louisville.
(502) 384-0490
Tracy Malone
Natasha Wade is the Project Manager of The Plan Room at OneWest, where she works exclusively with contractors to help them strengthen and grow their businesses. She provides guidance on business development, certifications, licensing, capability statements, bid opportunities, networking, and industry resources. With a background in project management, business operations, and community engagement, Natasha is committed to helping contractors build capacity, increase competitiveness, and access new opportunities for success.
“My goal is to equip contractors with the tools, resources, and connections they need to grow sustainable and successful businesses.” – Natasha Wade
Jerad Davidson
In his new capacity as Construction Manager, Jerad Davidson is poised to spearhead OneWest’s development projects. With almost 20 years of experience, we eagerly anticipate Jared’s commitment to responsible revitalization to thrive.
