The Eastern Kentucky University Small Business Development Center (EKU SBDC) recently co-hosted with the City of Berea Business Development Office and Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) the 2017 Business Resource Exchange in Berea.
The event was a collaborative effort to provide area entrepreneurs a community atmosphere and opportunity to make connections with individuals who can help their business succeed. The program included presentations from KY PTAC State Director Dr. Darrall Henderson on “How to Get Started with Government Contracting.” A panel of local lending professionals, moderated by Jason Rainey, assistant director of the EKU SBDC, provided an overview of equity investments, crowdfunding and business financing. Attendees also heard about social media marketing strategies from Nicole Mueller of Startup Productions and from Courtney Howard regarding how to utilize Amazon and Etsy to sell products online.
Between presentations, attendees were able to visit with 14 vendors and enjoy pastries Clementine’s Bake Shop, a local bakery and EKU SBDC client.
“Creating more opportunities for local entrepreneurs to network with resources and hear from local lenders on our panel is the right thing to do for our community and we are glad to be a part of the solution to continued job creation,” said Rainey.
Since 1982, through the Small Business Development Center at EKU, Eastern Kentucky University and the Small Business Administration have partnered to provide a variety of counseling, training, and information programs and services to existing and potential small business owners, as well as providing consulting services leading to loans and equity investments in the 15 counties it serves.
“Chris (EKU SBDC Director Chris Bowersock), Jason, and the Small Business Administration’s work is aligned with entrepreneurial success, whether it is starting a business, expanding a current business, or contemplating a new market opportunity,” said Dr. Tom Martin, executive director of the Center for Economic Development, Entrepreneurship and Technology (CEDET) at EKU.
For more information, visit sbdc.eku.edu or contact the center at 859-622-1384.