High Impact Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is the Mayor's High Impact Portfolio program?
A:  The High Impact Program is a private-public partnership, initiated by Mayor Abramson and funded by Louisville Metro, that identifies and serves fast growth, revitalized and enabling companies. Through GLI's economic development solutions, the objective is to establish a firm relationship with high impact companies that results in further job and wealth creation.

Q:  How and when did the program get started?
A:  The High Impact Portfolio program began from a series of focus groups, in 2003, conducted among various business leaders on the subject of entrepreneurship. One particular message that came as a result of these focus groups was the observation that "greater Louisville does not pay enough attention to established, growth businesses that are specifically headquartered here." Mayor Jerry Abramson to this message to heart and envisioned the High Impact Portfolio program. He then charged Greater Louisville Inc. with its delivery and management.

Q:  How are companies selected to the portfolio?
A:  Companies are initially considered for the portfolio based upon information obtained from external market research, various financial databases, GLI's internal business information and referrals. Each candidate's CEO is then interviewed to determine their eligibility against a set of criteria.

Q:  What are the eligibility criteria?
A:  Companies selected to the portfolio must meet the criteria for one of the three possible categories, depending on their age and current business objectives. Companies may be large or small, privately or publicly held, and within any industry sector; all must be headquartered or divisionally headquartered in greater Louisville.

Gazelle
	At least four years old
	At least 20% growth rate, each year, for the last four years, starting from a base of $100,000
	At least $1 million in annual revenue for the last three years
	Positive operating profit

Renaissance
	At least 10 years old
	Have been in a state of rapid growth in the recent past, with at least 10% growth currently and for the last four years
	Undergoing change in management or leadership structure, gain of large new client, entry into new market, launch of new product/service or change in mission or business direction

Strategic Enabler
	Provides a vital product or service that enables other companies to grow at a fast rate
	Guidance center or business incubator
	Investment firm of operating businesses
	Technical solution provider

Q: How does the program assist high impact companies?
A: Either an existing relationship is strengthened or a relationship is formed with each qualifying high impact company through:

	A confidential business evaluation and determination of the company's value to the community; growth potential; risk factors; satisfaction with the community and its services; emerging problems and untapped marketing opportunities
	Utilization of economic development and government professionals to create customized business growth strategies in the areas of: capital; workforce; expansion; interactive partnerships; and topline solutions
	Programming, education and networking to foster professional development through Best Practices sharing, CEO Roundtables, workshops and panel discussions
	Public recognition as each company feels best suits their interests

Q:  What is the cost?
A:  The High Impact Portfolio program's services are complimentary to qualifying companies.

Q:  What are the requirements of companies selected to the portfolio?
A:  Company executives agree to provide requested information in a confidential manner through a one-on-one interview that covers a wide variety of areas of their business including employment, average salaries, growth percentage, revenues, etc. They also agree to provide program feedback. It is important to determine not only what has led to each company's success but, even more importantly, what challenges and issues lay ahead in pursuit of their growth objectives.

Q:  Why are these companies important to our community?
A:  These local companies have the greatest potential for job and wealth creation within our economic community. Most are fast growth with positive cash flow, but this group also includes old companies with new energy and some companies that play important roles in enabling others to grow quickly. They have the potential to grow good-paying jobs and become great corporate citizens.