by Julia Paulus

Since starting Lexx Funding in 1997, Joy Ann Venverloh has funded more than 125 small businesses, allowing them to win contracts and complete jobs they otherwise could not have.

“I have had the opportunity to fund many businesses who could not get funding through traditional means,” she says. “This working capital allowed them to improve their cash flow, increase their profits and promote the growth of their company. Through Lexx Funding’s accounts receivable program, many business owners have been able to increase inventory, pay payroll on time, buy supplies at a discount and strengthen their balance sheet since they have had the money to take care of their bills. As a result, more jobs were completed on time and on budget.”

Venverloh is a true advocate for the growth of small businesses, and her company is only one of the many reasons she has been named this year’s Financial Services Champion. She spends time volunteering for the Missouri Venture Forum, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and other organizations; speaking at events such as Minority/Woman/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise training seminars; and counseling small-business owners on business plans and alternative sources of funding that may be available to them.

“From being actively involved with Small Business Week to counseling small businesses to her political knowledge and involvement with small-business legislation, Joy Ann has generously donated her time,” says Elizabeth Pecha-Poelker, the president of NAWBO’s St. Louis chapter. “As a small-business owner, this is a true donation. It is not her job to do this; she is not paid to do it. She does it because she believes in small business and knows she can help.”