Helping Kentucky Small Businesses
Start, Grow, and Succeed!
Review
5 Year Impact
Let the numbers show...in Kentucky, small business is BIG BUSINESS!
Challenges
Five years ago, the Kentucky Small Business Development Center faced numerous challenges. These included lack of awareness, not enough staff, a minimal presence in pockets of the state, and limited partnerships.
The Kentucky SBDC developed a strategic plan to address these challenges. As a result of this plan, the network demonstrated exceptional preparedness to assist small businesses when COVID-19 struck. The network immediately began offering a series of weekly webinars, disseminating critical information, and made a comprehensive suite of online tools readily available to small business owners, proving their 24/7 commitment to supporting entrepreneurs during a time when businesses and others were caught unprepared.
Then vs Now
The Kentucky SBDC has Grown Immensely in 5 Years!
From 2019 to 2023, the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC) experienced remarkable growth, reaffirming its commitment to serving entrepreneurs across the state.
"At the Kentucky SBDC, if you get one of us, you get all of us! "
This encapsulates the SBDC's collaborative spirit and dedication to providing support to small businesses while fostering a culture of teamwork and knowledge sharing among the SBDC staff, which translates into a higher level of service quality and comprehensive guidance for entrepreneurs seeking assistance.
One of the key factors contributing to the Kentucky SBDC's impressive growth was its consistent delivery of services throughout the state. With a network of offices strategically located across Kentucky, the SBDC ensured that businesses in both urban and rural areas had equal access to their valuable resources. The SBDC's Business Coaches boast a wide and diverse skill set. This expansive knowledge pool allows the SBDC to cater to the specific needs of a broad spectrum of industries, empowering small business owners with the tools and guidance necessary for sustained success in an ever-changing economic landscape. As a result, the Kentucky SBDC has become a trusted partner for countless entrepreneurs, driving their growth and contributing to the overall economic prosperity of Kentucky.
Our Partners
The Kentucky SBDC's growth has been tremendous.
From our partners, stakeholders, and champions, to our staff of hardworking Business Coaches and clients!
Celebrating Excellence
Empowering Entrepreneurs
with Award-Winning Support
Kentucky SBDC goes to
Washington D.C.
Nymbl Systems founder, University of Kentucky graduate and Kentucky Small Business Development Center client, Josh Lau was chosen as one of 11 SBDC clients from across the country to present at America’s Small Business Development Center’s Client Showcase and reception in Washington, D.C in 2019.
The Kentucky SBDC in Louisville wins National Award
The Kentucky Small Business Development Center’s Louisville Office received one of three 2022 National Small Business Week Resource Partner awards. The award recognizes the organization’s impact on economic development, job creation and small business growth The Kentucky Small Business Development Center in Louisville works to pivot its own business model to continue to serve business owners and entrepreneurs, and to connect small businesses with necessary resources to survive the pandemic, garnered them the award.
The Pacesetter Award Program Highlights Kentucky's standout Small Businesses
The Kentucky Small Business Development Center continued its Pacesetter Program by celebrating its award winners at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. It was the first in-person awards ceremony since 2019 due to COVID-19.
Kentucky SBDC Network members win National "40 Under 40" Award
America’s SBDC launched the 40 Under 40 Award to recognize outstanding young SBDC staff across the nation who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and commitment to the SBDC mission. Since its creation, the Kentucky SBDC has had 4 representatives to be recognized at the America's SBDC National Conference.
Kentucky SBDC Staff Presents at National Conference
Each year, the America's SBDC asks Business Coaches from across the country to submit presentations for its National Conference. The Kentucky SBDC had 4 submissions accepted to present in 2022, more than any other SBDC Network!
Kentucky SBDC Hosts 2023 Regional Director's Meeting in Louisville
The Kentucky SBDC had the opportunity to host Southeast SBDC State Directors and Advisory Board members at Louisville's Seelbach Hotel in 2023. The week featured conversations with SBDC clients and America's SBDC leadership on how to best serve small business owners throughout the region.
Transforming Small Businesses Through Innovative Programs
Click on the tabs below to read more!
International
Trade
Feature one
International Trade
The Kentucky Small Business Development Center provides Kentucky businesses with no-cost assistance in international trade and exporting. Our specialized team can offer information, coaching, and training to existing and new-to-export companies interested in pursuing international trade opportunities.
Creative Economy
and Tourism
Feature two
Creative Economy and Tourism
The Kentucky SBDC offers specialized services for small businesses in creative industries, including artisans, creatives, local restaurants, the food and beverage industry, equestrians, tourism-based businesses, and more, through its dedicated Creative Economy and Tourism Team composed of trained Business Coaches from across the Commonwealth.
Restaurant
Specialists
Feature three
Restaurant Specialists
The Kentucky SBDC Restaurant Specialist Team provides tailored support and expertise to clients with the food and drink industry. Members of the team come with experience in the space, including a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in this sector.
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Childcare
Services
Feature four
Childcare Services
Opportunities for Kentuckians to find childcare are extremely sparse. The Kentucky SBDC developed an initiative with a team of Business Coaches to help provide resources and assistance to at-home and facility-based childcare services throughout Kentucky.
"They Said It"
Dean Nancy M. Cox, Ph.D.
UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
"The Kentucky SBDC's statewide network has been incredibly important for business owners as they navigate challenges. We are proud to work with the entrepreneurs as they build a future for themselves and their communities, and celebrate the impact the [Kentucky SBDC] Centers have as well as the successes of the clients they serve."
Eddie Jacobs
"The services that the SBDC provides to Kentucky have helped power the engine that has created and sustained small businesses throughout the Commonwealth."
Alejandro Ramirez
2022 Kentucky Small Business Person of the Year
2022 Kentucky Pacesetter Award Winner
"My business would not be here today without the help of my Business Coach and the Kentucky SBDC. They helped me take my business idea and make it a reality. Throughout the years, as my company has grown and developed, the Kentucky SBDC services and guidance have been key factors in our success!”
Christine Gnamba
It was a great experience working with the Small Business Development Center. They really listened to me! They helped me to do what I don't understand because of the language barrier. Everything has gone well and I'm very happy for their support!"
Client Success
Kentucky SBDC clients are dedicated to leaving a lasting imprint on their communities, enriching the lives of their families, and achieving personal success. Every small business owner holds a distinctive narrative that exemplifies their unwavering dedication and hard work. Here, you'll find a collection of videos that tell their inspiring journeys. Click to watch!
An Exciting Look to the Future
The future of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center is a dynamic landscape of innovation and growth, where emerging entrepreneurs receive support and resources to thrive in a rapidly evolving business world.
With a commitment to fostering economic prosperity and empowering local businesses, the Kentucky SBDC is forging a path towards a vibrant and resilient small business ecosystem that benefits our communities and stakeholders alike!
Connect
Connecting our resources, clients, and stories to our host institution, the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Food, Agriculture and Environment.
Leverage
Leveraging University of Kentucky Extension Offices as statewide referral sources.
Build
Building a consistent and strong relationship with the College’s Ag Communications Services.
Unlock Growth Opportunities
with the Kentucky SBDC
Join us in making a lasting impact in the lives of small business owners throughout the Commonwealth!