Steel Company Forges Growth in Rural Kentucky with CDFI Support
Client: Solid Steel Solutions
Client Location: Middlesboro, KY
CDFI: Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC)
CDFI Service Area: London, KY and 22 adjoining counties
Small business financing, development, training, and management assistance
In Middlesboro, Kentucky, a small business is making a big impact. Metal fabrication company Solid Steel Solutions has grown into a regional leader in specialized repair work for highwall mining coal auguring equipment — and it’s now gaining national recognition.
This year, the company received both the state and national Rural Excellence Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration, an honor that underscores its remarkable transformation.
At the center of that story is Missy Carter, who began her journey with the company as a secretary and advanced to become president and CEO. When the business faced instability, Carter stepped in to help, leading to its current success with 14 full-time employees and a 20,000-square-foot facility.
CDFIs Help Small Businesses Build Strong Futures
Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) played a key role in Solid Steel Solutions’ evolution by providing more than financing.
“I want to give a huge thanks to Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation for being there from the very beginning — not just with financing but also with the technical support we needed to grow,” said Carter.
In addition to serving clients across eastern Kentucky, western Virginia, and West Virginia, Solid Steel Solutions is working to diversify its customer base and expand into new industries beyond coal.
Now a national award-winning business, Solid Steel Solutions exemplifies the resilience and promise of rural entrepreneurship. With the right support, small businesses are empowered to shape a thriving economy and future.
Rural and Small Business Development Prioritized by CDFIs
Solid Steel Solutions’ success story is a powerful example of how CDFIs drive change in rural communities and among small businesses — two key priorities at the heart of OFN’s mission.
By providing financing and hands-on support, CDFIs help small businesses navigate uncertainty, create and maintain quality jobs, and contribute to their regional economy. OFN is committed to advancing rural development by supporting CDFIs that foster small business growth and build opportunity and wealth where mainstream financing often cannot.
Visit our small business page and rural development page to learn more about how OFN and our network of CDFIs prioritize these issues.
To read other stories about thriving small businesses funded by CDFIs, visit our impact stories page.
Are you an OFN member CDFI with a great borrower story to share?
Your client success stories illustrate what it means to deliver opportunity for all. They help OFN demonstrate how CDFIs work to help create good family-wage jobs, decent affordable homes, healthy foods, greener neighborhoods, and so much more.
Stay Connected with OFN
Subscribe to receive regular updates straight to your inbox and check out our blog for the latest coverage from OFN and the CDFI industry.
Follow us on social media.