Kentucky Small Business Development Center staff recognized with national award

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 23, 2024) — The Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is proud to announce four staff members were awarded with national recognitions. Claire Bridges, Aaron Harned and Johnna Wilford were announced as America’s SBDC “40 Under 40” recipients, and Janet Flaugh was named “Kentucky SBDC State Star.”

“We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments from our team,“ said Kristina Joyce, Kentucky SBDC state director. “These awards are a reflection of their hard work, passion and commitment to excellence and the small business community.”

The America’s SBDC 40 Under 40 award is selected by a panel of judges from the America’s SBDC millennial interest group. The Kentucky SBDC State Star is chosen each year by each staff member of this network.

“Being recognized as an SBDC top 40 under 40 is an honor,” said Claire Bridges, Kentucky SBDC in Louisville business coach. “Working with small businesses and watching them succeed from the plans we lay together is very gratifying work. Seeing their impact in our community, we begin to understand how vital small businesses are. As a coach, I love being one piece in the puzzle of success for small businesses.”

Aaron Harned, Kentucky SBDC in Paducah business coach, also expressed his appreciation and looks forward to the future.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with and support so many passionate entrepreneurs and small business owners,” he said. “I’m thankful for the support of my colleagues and the Kentucky SBDC network.”

Johnna Wilford, Kentucky SBDC State Office business officer, says the award is a testament to the work done to support small businesses across the country.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as one of the 40 Under 40,” she said. “I am grateful to be part of such a dynamic community. I look forward to continuing drive positive change in our local economies.”

Janet Flaugh, Kentucky SBDC in Louisville communications coordinator, was equally grateful.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized as the Kentucky SBDC State Star. As a member of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center team, I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact our services have on entrepreneurs in our state. I’m proud to represent our organization and the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support small business.”

Each awardee was celebrated at the recent America’s SBDC National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information about the America’s SBDC “40 Under 40” and “State Star” awards, please visit www.americassbdc.org.

Kentucky SBDC

The Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been assisting the Commonwealth’s small business community for over 40 years. With centers statewide and an experienced and knowledgeable staff, the Kentucky SBDC provides unparalleled business coaching and training services at no cost to help existing business owners and potential entrepreneurs start, grow and succeed.

Kentucky SBDC services include one-on-one business coaching, training workshops, access to market research, loan packaging help, assistance with financial projections and information needed to make informed business decisions.

Kentucky SBDC is co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and is administered by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in partnership with regional academic institutions, economic development organizations, the private sector and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

SBA

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.