Community Ventures Corporation on Thursday announced the opening of the Women's Business Center of Kentucky in downtown Louisville.

The center, which is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, is designed to mentor and support female entrepreneurs.

Community Ventures has hired Sharron Johnson, who has formerly worked for organizations including the Louisville Minority Business Development Center and Sullivan University, as the facility's director.

A grand opening will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. April 18 at its offices at 811 South Second Street. The public is welcome.