The Kentucky Small Business Development Center in Owensboro had a busy year in 2021.
And Jamie Johnson, director of the center, hopes 2022 will be even better.
“It’s going really well this year,” he said. “There are a lot of people in the area who want to start or expand businesses.”
His office helped more than 170 businesses create 407 jobs in Daviess and 10 other area counties.
They added $2.7 million to the local economy last year.
Of these, 19 were new companies and the rest, expansions.
Johnson said the Small Business Administration considers anything with fewer than 500 jobs a small business.
So his office can help almost anyone in the area who wants to start or expand a business.
The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. lists just four companies in Daviess County with more than 500 employees.
Last year, the local office helped graphic artists, restaurants, doctors and shops, among others.
“When starting a new business, there are different licenses, forms and tax identification numbers that need to be obtained,” Johnson said. “I help guide those starting a new business down the right path.”
The office also helps established businesses develop business plans, financial projections, marketing strategies, search engine optimization strategies and more.
“Our office and no-cost services are available to anyone who needs them,” Johnson said.
A state press release said, “New restaurants have been opening at an increasing rate in Owensboro since the start of the pandemic, and existing restaurants have been expanding.”
There are 14 SBDC offices throughout Kentucky.
The Owensboro office is located in the Commerce Center, 200 E. Third St.
Murray State University opened the office in 1982, but closed it on September 30, 2019.
The state took over, but the office was only open part-time until Johnson was hired in the fall of 2020.
People can call 270-574-9990 for appointments.
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