KSBDC Receives Grant to Create, Retain Jobs

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 8, 2011) – The Kentucky Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) has received a $659,863 grant as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 to support job creation and retention within the small business community through individualized, in-depth consultations with entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

The one-time only grant will allow the SBDC to:

• Increase key counseling services that include exporting, health care and high-growth businesses;
• Add the equivalent of three full-time counselors to support Central Kentucky, the area showing the greatest demand;
• Develop a suite of services for independent professionals that will increase their ability to make money in their professions; and
• Host  regional events that present information on the Jobs Act and SBA’s services including support for exporting

 Additionally, the KSBDC plans to increase job creation and retention by providing additional assistance to small businesses in accessing capital, developing strategic plans, determining market diversification tactics and assisting in shoring up financial issues and financial institution relationships. 

 “We are excited to offer these additional services to our clients. Last year the KSBDC served a total of 28,279 Kentuckians. The Jobs Act funding will help us expand this reach even further, creating new jobs and supporting job retention in our state,” said Becky Naugle, state director of the KSBDC. 

The funding has been provided under a key provision of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. The funds are one time funds intended to meet the critical need for business expansion and job creation.

The Kentucky Small Business Development Center is a network of 16 offices located throughout the Commonwealth that help existing and start-up businesses succeed by offering high quality, in-depth, and hands-on services. These services include: no-cost confidential business consultations, affordable business workshops, seminars, and research to make informed business decisions. For more information on the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, or to locate a center near you, visit www.ksbdc.org or call 859.257.7688.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Sarah Magargee-Hineman, (859) 257-7661; Carl Nathe, (859) 257-1754, ext. 238.