Resources available for area small businesses, from startup to growth

As center director of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (Kentucky SBDC) in Elizabethtown, I regularly work with both aspiring and established entrepreneurs across the region. We continue to see strong momentum, with increased startup activity and expansion driven by market opportunity and local growth.

During National Small Business Month, it’s important to not only recognize the impact of small businesses, but also the resources available to support them at every stage. 

At Kentucky SBDC, we meet entrepreneurs where they are: whether they have a fully developed business concept or just a dream. We help them work through key fundamentals such as market research, financial planning and legal structure so they are prepared to launch. Starting a business includes many moving parts, including entity formation, licenses, permits, tax registration and marketing, which can feel overwhelming. We break the process down into manageable steps and guide clients through each one. 

Over the last three years, the Elizabethtown center worked with 443 clients, supported more than 1,000 jobs, helped launch approximately 40 new businesses and helped clients obtain almost $15 million in funding. Statewide, the Kentucky SBDC served 2,650 clients, helped start over 200 and supported more than $54 million in capital funding last year. 

Our services include one-on-one coaching, training workshops, market research, loan packaging assistance, financial projections and more. Every engagement is confidential and tailored to the individual. To quell concerns from new entrepreneurs, our business coaches replace fear with preparation, because many common business challenges can be anticipated and managed with proper planning.

Our support also extends beyond startups. We work with businesses at every stage, offering services such as financial analysis and benchmarking, loan packaging, strategic planning and growth planning. Whether a business is expanding, trying to overcome a plateau or exploring new markets, we offer the expertise and the network to support that growth.

Established business owners often face challenges such as cash flow constraints, hiring difficulties or uncertainty about growth. In these cases, we can assess their situation, identify obstacles and work through solutions together. We also help refine business plans so business owners are well-prepared before approaching lenders as they take the next step.

Kentucky SBDC also offers specialized support teams for high-impact industries, including creative economy and tourism, childcare, international trade and restaurant and food service. These teams provide targeted expertise to help businesses navigate industry-specific challenges and opportunities. 

Our work is strengthened by a network of community partners who share a commitment to supporting local businesses. This includes organizations such as the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, local governments, chambers of commerce, economic development and industrial foundations, and the Kentucky Community and TechnicalCollege system. Workforce partners such as the Kentucky Career Center - Lincoln Trail (KCC-LT) also play a key role, offering training and support that help businesses grow and adapt, such as incumbent worker and on-the-job training. 

Getting started with the Kentucky SBDC is straightforward. It begins with a phone call or online inquiry, followed by an intake conversation to understand the client’s goals and determine the best path forward. Services are confidential and provided at no cost. 

To learn more, visit kentuckysbdc.com/elizabethtown or call 270-209-6060 to schedule an initial meeting. Statewide training opportunities are also available at kysbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events. 

Patricia Krausman serves as center director of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center in Elizabethtown, which serves a 11-county area, and she is a member of the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board. She can be reached at 270-209-6060 or patricia.krausman@uky.edu. 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.