1

Small Business

resource guide

KENTUCKY 2019-2020

in kentucky

GROW YOUR BUSINESS
2

BY NEW SOUTH MEDIA

To schedule a meeting or to learn more, contact 

Buddy Butler at buddy@newsouthmediainc.com

or call 304.615.9884.

We have all heard the phrase “content is 

king.” Creating rich, engaging, and inspiring 

content differentiates your brand in the 

marketplace. But who has time to focus on 

anything other than running their business?

Narrative works with you to develop 

the tools to tell your story across all 

media platforms. Powerful and authentic 

storytelling helps you stand out. It inspires 

action. It creates an emotional impact and 

forges enduring relationships. It separates 

you from the competition.

Let us help 

give voice 

to your 

story.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

Brand Voice

Articles

Blogs

Website Content

Social Media Posts

Email Content

Brochures

Catalogs

Visitor Guides

Books

Copywriting

Photography

Videos
 3

CONTENTS

Funding 

Programs 

22 National Success Story

With the help of a 7(a) business 

acquisition loan of $1.1 million, 

Mark Moralez and John Briggs 

purchased Printing Palace in 

Santa Monica becoming small 

business owners.

25 SBA Lenders 

33 Need Financing?

34 Go Global with 

International Trade

36 R&D Opportunities for 

High Growth Startups

38 National Success Story

Cheeseburger Baby owner 

Stephanie Vitori persevered 

through a financial storm and a 

natural disaster.

42 Surety Bonds

Contracting 

44 National Success Story

Jennifer Rahn steers the course 

for Admiral Engineering, 

succeeding as a small business 

subcontractor.

47 Government Contracting

48 SBA Certification 

Programs

49 Woman-Owned Small 

Business Certification

Local Business 

Assistance 

8 National Success Story

Jerado and Joyce Reynolds 

know their local landscape for 

entrepreneurship support.

11 Local SBA Resource 

 Partners

14 How to Start a Business

17 Your Advocates

18 Programs for 

 Entrepreneurs

19 Programs for Veterans

20 Local Success Story

The SBA helped Paul Isenberg 

construct a high quality care 

center that suited the needs of 

busy parents like himself.

 ON THE COVER Bowling Green 

farmland, photo by David Barajas on 

Unsplash; Louisville skyline, photo 

by David Barajas from Unsplash; Paul 

Isenberg, photo courtesy of the SBA; 

photo by USA-Reiseblogger from Pixabay 

Kentucky Edition 2019-2020
4
 5
6

PUBLISHED BY

New South Media, Inc.

304.413.0104 | newsouthmedia.com

PUBLISHER

Nikki Bowman, nikki@newsouthmediainc.com

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Pam Kasey, pam@newsouthmediainc.com

Jess Walker, jess@newsouthmediainc.com 

DESIGNER

Hayley Richard, hayley@newsouthmediainc.com

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Holly Leleux-Thubron, holly@newsouthmediainc.com

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR 

Heather Mills, heather@newsouthmediainc.com

ADVERTISING SALES 

Meggan Hoyman, Kelley McGinnis, Bryson Taylor

sba@newsouthmediainc.com

Copyright: New South Media, Inc. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of the publisher. 

© 2019 NEW SOUTH MEDIA, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Marketing & Customer Service directs 

the publication of the Small Business Resource Guide under SBA Contract #SBAHQ17-C-0018. SBA publication summer 2019 national edition #mcs-0089.

WRITER/EDITOR

Becky Bosshart

(202) 205-6677

rebecca.bosshart@sba.gov

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Paula Panissidi Tavares

paula.tavares@sba.gov

The SBA’s participation in this publication is not an endorsement of the views, 

opinions, products or services of the contractor or any advertiser or other participant 

appearing here. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Directory listings do not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any 

opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.

Printed in the United States of America.

While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information contained here is accurate as of the date of publication, the information is subject to 

change without notice. The contractor that publishes this guide, the federal government, or agents thereof shall not be held liable for any damages arising from the use 

of or reliance on the information contained in this publication.

huntington.com

Loans 

from the

SBA lender 

in our region.
 7

District Director Letter

Welcome to the 2019-2020 edition of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 

Kentucky Small Business Resource Guide. The SBA helps make the American 

dream of small business ownership a reality. We are the only federal agency 

dedicated to helping our 30 million small businesses start, grow, expand, or recover after 

a disaster. The SBA Kentucky District Office works with an extensive network of business 

advisers and lenders to help Kentucky’s 347,000 small businesses at every stage of 

development—in turn, supporting the 700,000 Kentuckians employed by small enterprises.

Across our state in the last year, we empowered the state’s small businesses to:

• Find an ally, advocate or mentor via our SBA Resource Partners, which includes 

SCORE, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and the 

Veterans Business Outreach Center, all powered by the SBA.

• Access over $170 million in SBA-guaranteed loans using 66 local banks, credit unions, 

community-based lenders, and microlenders. These 651 businesses that qualified for 

SBA financing then hired thousands of new employees, bought needed equipment, 

and built or renovated facilities.

• Receive $785 million in federal contract awards.

Stay up to date on SBA events near you and get valuable Kentucky business information by

following us on Twitter @SBA_Kentucky. Register for email updates at sba.gov/updates. 

Use our Small Business Resource Guide to power your dream of starting, growing, or 

expanding your small business here in Kentucky.

Sincerely,

The SBA Kentucky District Office

Deputy District Director & SBDC 

Project Director

Robert Coffey

(502) 582-5971 x266

robert.coffey@sba.gov

Economic Business Development 

Specialist & HUBZone Liaison

Cherie Guilford

(502) 582-5971 x261

cherie.guilford@sba.gov

Lender Relations Specialist & District 

International Trade Officer

Dana Winston

(502) 582-5971 x227

dana.winston@sba.gov

Lender Relations Specialist

Sharron Johnson

(502) 582-5971 x243

sharron.johnson@sba.gov

Lead Economic Development 

Specialist, Veteran Business 

Development Officer, Women’s 

Business Center Liaison & 

SCORE Liaison

Tommie Causey

(502) 582-5971 x237

tommie.causey@sba.gov

Senior Area Manager & Public 

Information Officer

Michael Ashcraft

(502) 582-5971 x225

michael.ashcraft@sba.gov

SBA Kentucky 

District Office

Romano Mazzoli Federal Building

600 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Place, room 188

Louisville, KY 40202

(502) 582-5971

sba.gov/ky

@SBA_Kentucky COURTESY OF DAVID BARAJAS FROM UNSPLASH
8

Made 

to Last

Joyce and Jerado Reynolds used SBA 

support to succeed.

Written by Micaela Morrissette

How We Did It

COURTESY OF SHANA SURECK PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCAL BUSINESS 

ASSISTANCE
 9

LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

Reynolds Welding & 

Fabrication has grown 

steadily, building a loyal 

customer base, since 

Jerado Reynolds founded 

the company in 2005.

“At first the company was just Jerado,” 

recalls his wife and co-owner, Joyce 

Reynolds. “Then it was him and me part 

time.” During the day she worked as a 

nurse and spent her evenings doing all 

the company’s paperwork. The Reynolds 

sank everything they earned into the 

business—money, time, and energy. She 

remembers with pride helping Jerado 

weld a stair railing at a local school. Her 

son later attended that same school, 

and she watched her child and others 

using the rail, benefiting from the 

hard work the couple did together. It 

was then Joyce decided as much as she 

loved her day job, she wanted to devote 

herself full time to the family business 

in Windsor, Connecticut. She wanted 

to work side-by-side with her husband, 

fully focused on administration and 

business growth. As they both hoped, 

word of mouth spread; clients made 

referrals. Joyce was soon overwhelmed 

with paperwork. They brought on two 

employees—doubling up in the busy 

seasons. They were able to maintain four 

full-time employees by 2009. After this, 

Joyce says, they saw that “things were 

not moving.” She wanted to scale up.

Challenge

The company wasn’t growing in part 

because it wasn’t certified with the 

state department of transportation or 

prequalified with the Connecticut State 

Department of Administrative Services, 

Joyce says. She decided to tackle the 

certification problem full time, leaving 

her nursing career. This was the change 

she'd been wanting to make, but since 

her background was in health care, 

Joyce didn’t feel fluent in the languages 

of construction or business. Joyce 

wanted to learn, and she had incentive: 

they needed the certifications to bid 

on bigger jobs. “Never be afraid to ask 

questions,” she says. Joyce needed to 

find people with answers.

Solution

She and Jerado connected with the 

University of Hartford Entrepreneurial 

Center & Women’s Business Center, an 

SBA Resource Partner, where “from day 

one it was, Eureka! Everyone wanted 

to see us win.” Women entrepreneurs 

receive essential business counseling and 

training from this national network of 

community-based centers. Most helpful 

was the detailed personal attention 

available through free one-on-one 

business counseling. Joyce also learned 

about workshops offered by providers like 

the Metropolitan District, a Connecticut 

nonprofit municipal corporation offering 

water and sewer services. At a meetand-greet, Joyce understood how much 

the SBA could help her business. An 

SBA professional walked Joyce through 

the extensive paperwork and, crucially, 

helped her register the company in 

the System for Award Management 

(sam.gov), positioning the company for 

new federal contracts.

“Resources like the Entrepreneurial 

Center and the SBA will train you from 

bottom to top,” Joyce says. “They have 

finance classes that open your eyes 

regarding taxes. You'll learn how to 

register your business. They’ll help 

with a contract or your website or 

accountability statements. Everything!”

Before the SBA, Reynolds Welding 

attempted the DOT certification on five 

separate occasions, always falling short 

because the process was so complicated. 

Joyce secured the certification with SBA 

guidance on the first attempt.

Benefit

Reynolds Welding now employs more 

than 15 workers, constructing stairs, 

rails, structural beams, and columns 

throughout the region. Jerado is working 

5Tips for Success

Find a great business mentor.

To find your local SBA office and 

resource partners in your area, visit 

sba.gov/localresources.

Have a healthy view 

of competition. 

We’re not always competing. 

We’re a competitor, but if a similar 

business has extra work, they’ll send 

it to us and vice versa. That’s the 

relationship to have.

Record everything you do.

Navigating business relationships 

in this age means keeping an email 

record of everything you do. Leave a 

clear paper trail.

Sacrifice to ensure quality.

We don’t cut corners. Sometimes you 

have to lose money to do quality work—

it’s rough, but nothing is more important.

Seek SBA assistance to 

see if you qualify for 

business certifications.

We used to look for jobs. Now that 

we’re on the SBA Subcontracting 

Network database, SubNet, and 

sam.gov, we have a continuous flow 

of contractors reaching out to us. 

on two bridges—a lifelong dream. Joyce 

continues to move forward, getting 

Reynolds qualified for the SBA 8(a) 

Business Development Program, which 

provides free business development 

education to small businesses so they 

can better compete in the public sector. 

“When I came on full time, I set a goal 

for what I would like for the company, 

and I’ve achieved 80% of that,” Joyce 

says. When she secures 8(a) certification 

for Reynolds, she’ll have hit all her 

objectives. Then, she admits, she’ll 

probably come up with some new ones. 

COURTESY OF SHANA SURECK PHOTOGRAPHY
10

LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

SBA Resource Partners

No matter your industry, location, or experience, if you have a dream, the SBA is here to help you achieve it. Our SBA 

Resource Partners offer mentoring, counseling, and training to help you startup and thrive at all stages of the business 

life cycle. These independent organizations operating across the United States and U.S. territories are funded through SBA 

cooperative agreements or grants.

Achieve your dream of business ownership and remain 

competitive in an ever-changing global economy with assistance 

from your local SBDC. Access free counseling and free or lowcost training on topics like regulatory compliance, technology 

development, and international trade. Find an SBDC adviser at 

sba.gov/sbdc.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

Join the ranks of other business owners who have experienced 

higher revenues and increased growth thanks to SCORE, the nation’s 

largest network of volunteer business mentors. Experienced 

executives share real-world knowledge to fit your busy schedule. 

SCORE mentors are available for free as often as you need, in person, 

via email or over video chat. Find a mentor at sba.gov/score.

SCORE

Women entrepreneurs receive essential business counseling and 

training from this national network of community-based centers. 

Each center tailors its services to help you navigate the challenges 

women often face when starting or growing a business. To learn 

about SBA resources for women visit sba.gov/women.

WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTERS

Veteran and military entrepreneurs receive business training, 

counseling, and referrals to other SBA Resource Partners at 

a Veterans Business Outreach Center, sba.gov/vboc. Receive 

procurement guidance to better compete for government 

contracts. VBOCs also serve active duty service members, 

National Guard or Reserve members, veterans of any era, and 

military spouses.

VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTERS

950

Small Business 

Development Centers

+

20

Veterans Business 

Outreach Centers

+

100

Women’s Business 

Centers

+

300

SCORE chapters

+
 11

LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

SBA’s Resource Partners are independent organizations funded through SBA cooperative 

agreements or grants.

SCORE

Call for an appointment or visit sba.gov/score.

Louisville Chapter #75

(502) 888-4543

Chapter Chair Carl Coslow

scorelouisville@scorevolunteer.org

louisville.score.org

Bardstown Counseling Center

310 Xavier Drive

(502) 386-5603 or (502) 350-0948

Ashley Patterson

ashley@skyforwardfoto.com

Our Local SBA Resource 

Partners

Big Sandy Counseling Center–Pikeville

(859) 806-8258

Branch Manager Bill Shutters

bill.schutters@gmail.com

Bowling Green Counseling Center

Chamber of Commerce Center

710 College St.

(270) 901-4745

Branch Manager Greg Siegelman

bowlinggreen@score-kentucky.org

Elizabethtown Counseling Center

Elizabethtown Chamber of Commerce

111 W. Dixie Ave.

(270) 765-4334

elizabethtown@score-kentucky.org

Lexington Chapter #276

389 Waller Ave., suite 130

(859) 231-9902

Chapter Chair David Johnson

Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m.

scorelex@gmail.com

lexington.score.org

London Counseling Center

(859) 231-9902

Cliff Ellerbrook

scorelex@gmail.com

New Albany, IN Counseling Center

Community Foundation Office Building

4102 Charlestown Road

(812) 944-9178

Branch Manager Paul Staashelm

522score@netpointe.com

Northern KY Counseling Center

Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

300 Buttermilk Pike, suite 330

(513) 684-2812

Bill DiGrezio

score@scoreworks.org

scoreworks.org

Scottsburg, IN Counseling Center

Mid America Science Park Business Center

821 Lake Road

(812) 752-9521

David Church

dchurch3200@gmail.com

Arthur and Sandra Johnson, owners 

of 21 Short Stop in Georgia, received 

assistance from their local Small Business 

Development Center and SCORE chapter. 
12

LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

Small Business Development Centers

Kentucky SBDC State Office

343 Waller Ave., suite 205

(859) 257-7668 or toll free (888) 475-SBDC

ksbdc.org

State Director Kristina Joyce

kjoyce@uky.edu

Associate State Director Gordon Garrett

gmgarr2@uky.edu

Associate State Director/Finance 

Accountant David Stevens

dsteven@uky.edu

Data Analyst Kristy Coates

kristy.coates@uky.edu

Program Coordinator Scarlett Consalvi

sconsalvi@uky.edu

Executive Assistant Joyce Smith

 joyce.smith19@uky.edu

CENTRAL KENTUCKY

University of Kentucky 

SBDC Bluegrass

Serving Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, 

Fayette, Franklin, Harrison, Jessamine, Mercer, 

Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and Woodford counties

(859) 257-7666 or toll free (888) 475-7232

Director/Management Consultant 

Shawn Rogers

shawn.rogers@uky.edu

Management Consultant John Zink

john.zink@uky.edu

Management Consultant/Communications 

Coordinator Becky Marefat

becky.marefat@uky.edu

University of Kentucky 

SBDC Elizabethtown

Serving Breckinridge, Grayson, Green, 

Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, 

Taylor, and Washington counties

1105 Juliana Court, suite 6

(270) 765-6737

Director/Management Consultant 

Patricia Krausman

patricia.krausman@uky.edu

Management Consultant Steve Heil

steve.heil@uky.edu

Communications Coordinator 

Neeley Hacker

neeley.hacker@uky.edu

University of Kentucky SBDC 

South Central

Serving Adair, Casey, Clinton, Estill, 

Garrard, Jackson, Laurel, Lincoln, Madison, 

McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, 

Wayne, and Whitley counties

440 Old Whitley Road, suite 101, London

(606) 454-7042

Director/Management Consultant 

Kevin Norvell, kevin.norvell@uky.edu

University of Kentucky 

SBDC Louisville

Serving Bullitt, Carroll, Henry, Jefferson, 

Oldham, Owen, Shelby, Spencer, and 

Trimble counties

614 W. Main St., suite 6000

(502) 625-0123

Director/Management Consultant 

David Oetken

david.oetken@uky.edu

Assistant Director/Management 

Consultant Toni Sears

toni.cardell@uky.edu

Management Consultant Vallorie Henderson

vallorie.henderson@uky.edu

Communications Coordinator Janet Flaugh

janet.flaugh@uky.edu

Special Projects Manager Lauren Roebuck 

lyroebuck@gmail.com

Northern Kentucky 

University SBDC

Serving Boone, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant, 

Kenton, and Pendleton counties

305 Johns Hill Road, Highland Heights

(859) 448-8801

Director/Management Consultant 

Rebecca Volpe, volper1@nku.edu

Management Consultant

Kim Wolf, wolfk2@nku.edu

Data Specialist 

Jesica Jehn, jenhj2@nku.edu

Southeast Kentucky Community 

and Technical College SBDC

Serving Bell, Clay, Harlan, Knox, Leslie, 

Letcher, and Perry counties

Middlesboro Campus

100 College Road

(606) 248-0563 or toll free (888) 225-SBDC

Director/Management Consultant 

Sam Coleman, samuel.coleman@kctcs.edu

Management Consultant 

Mike Morley, mmorley@setel.com

Communications Coordinator 

Gabrielle Wright, gwright001@kctcs.edu

EAST KENTUCKY

Morehead State University SBDC 

District Office

Serving Bath, Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, 

Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, 

Robertson, and Rowan counties

149 E. Main St., Morehead

(606) 783-2895

District Director/Management Consultant 

Mark Murphy

m.murphy@moreheadstate.edu

General Management Consultant 

Rachel Bowling

rtbowling@moreheadstate.edu

General Management Consultant 

Mike Jackson

m.jackson@moreheadstate.edu

Morehead State University 

SBDC Prestonsburg

Serving Breathitt, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, 

Lee, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Pike, and 

Wolfe counties

6 Bert Combs Drive, room 207

(800) 648-5372 x2681

Management Consultant Michelle Spriggs, 

m.spriggs@moreheadstate.edu

Morehead State University 

SBDC Ashland

Serving Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, and 

Lawrence counties

1400 College Drive

(606) 329-8011

Management Consultant Kayla Keeton, 

kbkeeton@moreheadstate.edu
 13

LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

Veterans 

Business 

Outreach 

Center

Veteran entrepreneurs or small business 

owners can receive business training, 

counseling and mentoring, and referrals 

to other SBA Resource Partners at a 

Veterans Business Outreach Center, 

sba.gov/vboc. This is also the place to 

receive procurement guidance, which 

can help your business better compete 

for government contracts.

Serving Kentucky & Tennessee

201 Venture Circle, Nashville, TN

(615) 425-7171

pathwaylending.org/vboc

Director Reggie Ordonez, reggie.

ordonez@pathwaylending.org

O'Connor Belting, a Delaware 

family-owned business, 

expanded with the help of an 

SBA-guaranteed 7(a) loan.

Women’s 

Business 

Center

For your nearest Women’s Business 

Center, visit sba.gov/women.

Women’s Business Center 

of Kentucky

1450 N. Broadway, Lexington

(859) 231-0054 x1003 or (800) 299-0267

wbckentucky.org

Director Phyllis Alcorn, palcorn@cvky.org

1812 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville

(502) 566-6076 x1047

Program Assistant Margaret Prince, 

mprince@cvky.org
14

LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

The Startup Logistics

Even if you’re running a home-based 

business, you will have to comply with 

many local, state, and federal regulations. 

Do not ignore regulatory details. You may 

avoid some red tape in the beginning, but 

your lack of compliance could become 

an obstacle as your business grows. 

Taking the time to research regulations 

is as important as knowing your market. 

Carefully investigate the laws affecting 

your industry. Being out of compliance 

could leave you unprotected legally, lead 

to expensive penalties, and jeopardize 

your business.

onestop.ky.gov/start

dhbc.ky.gov/bce/bc

Market Research

Need to do research on your clients and 

location? View consumer and business 

data for your area using the Census 

Business Builder: Small Business Edition, 

https://cbb.census.gov/sbe. Filter your 

search by business type and location to 

view data on your potential customers, 

including consumer spending, and a 

summary of existing businesses, available 

as a map and a report.

Business License & Zoning

Licenses are typically administered by a 

variety of state and local departments. It is 

important to consider zoning regulations 

when choosing a site for your business. 

Contact the local business license office 

where you plan to locate your business. 

You may not be permitted to conduct 

business out of your home or engage in 

industrial activity in a retail district.

Name Registration

Register your business name with the 

county clerk where your business is 

located. If you’re a corporation, also 

register with the state, onestop.ky.gov.

Taxes

As a business owner, you should know 

your federal tax responsibilities and make 

some business decisions to comply with 

certain tax requirements. The IRS Small 

Business and Self-Employed Tax Center,

go.usa.gov/xPxYR, offers information on 

a variety of topics including: obtaining an 

Employer Identification Number, paying 

and filing income tax, virtual workshops, 

forms, and publications.

How to Start a 

Business in KentuckyCOURTESY OF THE SBA

Dac Tran grew her Viet Wah 

market in Seattle, WA with the 

help of an SBA-backed 7(a) loan.

Thinking of starting a business? Here are the nuts & bolts.
 15

LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

As the IRS continues to implement some 

of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, 

your tax obligations may change. Visit 

the Tax Reform Provisions that Affect 

Businesses page on irs.gov for the latest 

tax reform updates that affect your bottom 

line. For local assistance, visit irs.gov/help/

contact-my-local-office-in-kentucky.

» State Taxes

Visit revenue.ky.gov for information 

on business taxes, like sales and use 

tax. Also register your business and 

search for forms or find a service center.

Social Security

If you have any employees, including 

officers of a corporation but not the 

sole proprietor or partners, you must 

make periodic payments, and/or file 

quarterly reports about payroll taxes 

and other mandatory deductions. 

You can contact the IRS or the Social 

Security Administration for information, 

assistance, and forms, at (800) 772-1213 

or visit socialsecurity.gov/employer. 

You can file W-2s online or verify job 

seekers through the Social Security 

Number Verification Service.

Employment Eligibility 

Verification

The Federal Immigration Reform and 

Control Act of 1986 requires employers 

to verify employment eligibility of new 

employees. The law obligates an employer 

to process Employment Eligibility 

Verification Form I-9. The U.S. Citizenship 

and Immigration Service offers information 

and assistance through uscis.gov/i-9-

central. For forms call (800) 870-3676. For 

the employer hotline call (888) 464-4218 or 

email I-9central@dhs.gov.

E-Verify, operated by the Department 

of Homeland Security in partnership 

with the Social Security Administration, 

electronically verifies the Social Security 

number and employment eligibility 

information reported on Form I-9. It’s the 

quickest way for employers to determine 

the employment eligibility of new hires. 

Visit e-verify.gov, call (888) 464-4218 or 

email e-verify@dhs.gov.

Health & Safety

All businesses with employees are 

required to comply with state and federal 

regulations regarding the protection of 

employees, visit dol.gov for information. 

The Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration provides information on 

the specific health and safety standards 

used by the U.S. Department of Labor. 

Call (800) 321-6742 or visit osha.gov. For 

the state labor department, visit labor.

ky.gov to find information on training, 

OSHA standards, and required wage and 

hours workplace posters.

Employee Insurance

Check with your state laws to see if you 

are required to provide unemployment 

or workers’ compensation insurance for 

your employees. For health insurance 

options, call the Small Business Health 

Options Program at (800) 706-7893 

or visit healthcare.gov/smallbusinesses/employers.

Department of Labor Association 

Health Plans allow small businesses, 

including self-employed workers, to 

band together by geography or industry 

to obtain healthcare coverage as if 

they were a single large employer. For 

information, visit dol.gov/general/topic/

association-health-plans.

For information on state insurance 

and employee compensation, visit labor.

ky.gov/comp and insurance.ky.gov. 

For information on Kentucky’s Electronic 

Workplace for Employment Services, visit 

kewes.ky.gov.

Environmental 

Regulations

State assistance is available for 

small businesses that must comply 

with environmental regulations 

under the Clean Air Act. State Small 

Business Environmental Assistance 

programs provide free and confidential 

assistance to help small business 

owners understand and comply with 

complex environmental regulations and 

permitting requirements. These state 

programs can help businesses reduce 

emissions at the source, often reducing 

regulatory burden and saving you money. 

To learn more about these free services 

visit nationalsbeap.org/states/list.

Accessibility and 

ADA Compliance

For assistance with the Americans with 

Disabilities Act, call the ADA Center 

at (800) 949-4232 or the Department 

of Justice at (800) 514-0301. Direct 

questions about accessible design and 

the ADA standards to the U.S. Access 

Board at (800) 872-2253, TTY (800) 

993-2822, ta@access-board.gov or visit 

access-board.gov.

Child Support

Employers are essential to the success 

of the child support program and are 

responsible for collecting 75% of support 

nationwide through payroll deductions. 

The Office of Child Support Enforcement 

at Health and Human Services offers 

employers step-by-step instructions 

for processing income withholding 

orders for child support. Download the 

fact sheet about the Employer’s Role 

in the Child Support Program at the 

Office of Child Support Enforcement’s 

website at acf.hhs.gov/programs/css > 

employer responsibilities. You can also 

find information about other employer 

responsibilities and tools that can make 

meeting those responsibilities easier, 

such as electronic income withholding 

orders and the Child Support Portal. 

Send questions to employerservices@

acf.hhs.gov.

» Kentucky Child Support

csws.chfs.ky.gov/csws

Intellectual Property

Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are 

types of intellectual property that serve 

to protect creations and innovations. 

The United States Patent and Trademark 

Office is the federal agency that grants 

U.S. patents and registers trademarks. 

For information and resources about 

U.S. patents and federally registered 

trademarks consult uspto.gov. Call 

the patent and trademark office help 

center at (800) 786-9199 or visit the U.S. 

Patent and Trademark headquarters in 

Alexandria, Virginia.

A patent for an invention is the grant of 

a property right to an inventor, issued by 

the U.S. patent office. The right conferred 

by the patent grant is the right to exclude 

others from making, using, offering for sale, 

or selling the invention in the United States 

or importing the invention into the country. 

For information visit uspto.gov/inventors.

There are three types of patents:

• Utility patents may be granted to 

anyone who invents or discovers any 

new and useful process, machine, 

manufacture, or composition 
16

LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

• of matter, or any new and useful 

improvement.

• Design patents may be granted to 

anyone who invents a new, original, 

and ornamental design for an article of 

manufacture.

• Plant patents may be granted to 

anyone who invents or discovers and 

asexually reproduces any distinct and 

new variety of plant, other than a tuber 

propagated plant or a plant found in an 

uncultivated state.

A trademark or service mark includes 

any word, name, symbol, device, or any 

combination, used or intended to be used 

to identify and distinguish the goods/

services of one seller or provider from 

those of others and to indicate the source 

of the goods/services. Trademarks and 

service marks may be registered at both 

the state and federal level. The U.S. Patent 

and Trademark Office only registers federal 

trademarks and service marks. Federally 

registered trademarks may conflict with 

and supersede those registered only at the 

state level. Visit uspto.gov/trademarks.

» State Trademarks

Kentucky Secretary of State

sos.ky.gov/bus/tmandsm

Copyrights protect original works of 

authorship including literary, dramatic, 

musical and artistic, and certain other 

intellectual works. Copyrights do not protect 

facts, ideas, and systems, although they may 

protect the way they are expressed.

For general information contact:

» U.S. Copyright Office

U.S. Library of Congress

James Madison Memorial Building

101 Independence Ave. Southeast

Washington, DC

(202) 707-3000 or toll free (877) 476-0778

copyright.gov

Chambers of Commerce

kychamberexecutives.com

Economic Development

Visit Think Kentucky: Cabinet for Economic 

Development at thinkkentucky.com, 

where you can also find resources and 

financial incentives.

Reeves Clippard used the business knowledge he 

acquired in the SBA Emerging Leaders program to 

grow A/R Solar in Seattle, WA.

COURTESY OF THE SBA

Advantage Kentucky Alliance 

Manufacturing Extension Program

advantageky.org

Kentucky Arts Council and Kentucky 

Crafted Program

artscouncil.ky.gov

Kentucky Association of Economic 

Development

kaedonline.org

Export Assistance

St. Louis U.S. Export Assistance Center

Regional Export Finance Manager 

Larry D. Cresswell

Serving Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska

Office of International Trade

U.S. Small Business Administration

1100 Corporate Square Drive, suite 215

St. Louis, MO

(314) 540-7587

larry.cresswell@sba.gov

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Export Assistance Center–Louisville

Snyder Building

601 W. Broadway, room 634B

(502) 582-5066

export.gov/Kentucky

U.S. Export Assistance Center–Lexington

301 E. Main St., suite 110

(859) 225-7001

export.gov/kentucky

U.S. Export Assistance Center

Office of International Trade

Serving Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and 

central & western Tennessee

230 Peachtree St. NW, suite 1725

Atlanta, GA

(404) 730-2706

Regional Export Finance Manager 

David Leonard, david.leonard@sba.gov

sba.gov/offices/regional/iv

sba.gov/international

State Exporting Resources are available 

at thinkkentucky.com/international/

exports.aspx.

Kentucky World Trade Center–Louisville

444 S. Fifth St., suite 600

(502) 574-1599

wtcky.org

Kentucky World Trade Center–Lexington

301 E. Main St., suite 110

(859) 225-0006

wtcky.org
 17

LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

Advocacy

When you need a voice within the federal 

government for your interests as a small 

business owner, the SBA’s regional advocates 

are here to assist. The advocates analyze the 

effects of proposed regulations and consider 

alternatives that minimize the economic 

burden on small businesses, governmental 

jurisdictions, and nonprofits. Find your 

regional advocate at sba.gov/advocacy.

Your advocate helps with these small 

business issues:

» if your business could be negatively 

affected by regulations proposed by the 

government

» if you have contracting issues with a 

federal agency

» when you need economic and small 

business statistics

The SBA’s Office of Advocacy also 

independently represents small business and 

advances its concerns before Congress, the 

White House, federal agencies, federal courts, 

and state policy makers.

Ombudsman

Entrepreneurs who have an issue with an 

existing federal regulation or policy can 

receive assistance from the SBA’s national 

ombudsman.

The ombudsman’s office helps you:

» resolve regulatory disputes with federal 

agencies

» reduce unfair penalties and fines

Your 

Advocates

» seek remedies when rules are 

inconsistently applied

» recover payment for services done by 

government contractors

Make your voice heard by participating in a 

Regional Regulatory Enforcement Fairness 

Roundtable or a public hearing hosted by the 

SBA’s national ombudsman. These events 

are posted periodically on the ombudsman 

website, sba.gov/ombudsman.

To submit a comment or complaint through 

the online form, visit sba.gov/ombudsman/

comments. Your concerns will be directed to 

the appropriate federal agency for review. The 

SBA will collaborate with you and the agency 

to help resolve the issue.

To report how a proposed federal 

regulation could unfairly affect you, 

find your regional SBA advocate at 

sba.gov/advocacy.

To submit a comment about how 

your business has been hurt by an 

existing regulation, visit 

The SBA’s offices of advocacy and ombudsman are sba.gov/ombudsman/comments

independent voices for small business within the 

federal government.
18

LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

Online Resources

Find free short courses and learning 

tools to start and grow your small 

business at sba.gov/learning. The 

free SBA Online Learning Center is a 

great resource for every entrepreneur, 

especially rural business owners looking 

for easy access to vital business training.

Courses include:

• writing your business plan

• buying a business

• financing options

• digital and traditional marketing to win customers

• disaster recovery

• understanding your customer

Regional Innovation Clusters

Create jobs and grow the economy through an SBA Regional 

Innovation Cluster.

Who should join

Small businesses driving innovation in one of these tech industries:

• advanced composites

• agTech

• bioscience

• food processing

• data sciences

• medical sciences

• power and energy

• unmanned aerial systems

• water tech

• wood products

How it works

Each industry cluster is based in a geographic region. Your small 

business must be located in or near that region in order to join the 

cluster. For example, the AgLaunch Initiative cluster, which focuses 

on agricultural technology, is located in the Tennessee area. A 

small agTech business in or near Tennessee will connect with 

other agTech suppliers, service providers, and related institutions 

through that innovation cluster.

How it benefits you

Network with other industry innovators and connect with 

resources that will help your small business find funding. You’ll 

also receive guidance on how to better compete for government 

contracts and other opportunities so you can grow and expand. 

Receive free technical and legal assistance to develop your tech 

and get it to market for government and industry buyers.

Get involved

Find an SBA Regional Innovation Cluster near you by visiting 

sba.gov/localassistance. Select the regional innovation clusters 

on the drop-down menu.

Entrepreneurial 

Opportunities

Native American 

Workshops 

Tribal enterprises and business organizations 

can receive training at an SBA Entrepreneurial 

Empowerment Workshop. These workshops 

cover business concepts important for starting, 

growing, or expanding a small business. RedWind 

instructors identify and help participants avoid 

common pitfalls. Learn how to prepare a business 

plan, gain access to capital, and basic book 

keeping. Request a workshop in your area by 

visiting nativesmallbusiness.org.
 19

LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

Need entrepreneurship training?

In Boots to Business, you explore 

business ownership and other selfemployment opportunities while learning 

key business concepts. You will walk away 

with an overview of entrepreneurship 

and applicable business ownership 

fundamentals, including how to access 

startup capital using SBA resources. 

Boots to Business is conducted on all 

military installations as part of the 

Department of Defense’s Transition 

Assistance Program.

Who’s eligible?

Service members transitioning out of 

active duty and military spouses.

Are you a veteran or member of 

the National Guard or Reserve or a 

military spouse? Boots to Business: 

Reboot teaches this entrepreneurship 

curriculum off base and in local 

communities. Register for either B2B 

program at https://sbavets.force.com.

For women veterans

Receive entrepreneurial training geared 

toward women veterans, service members, 

and spouses of service members through 

these SBA-funded programs:

» Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of 

Entrepreneurship in Syracuse, New York

» LiftFund in San Antonio, Texas

For service-disabled veterans

Learn how to start and grow a small business 

using these SBA-funded programs:

» Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans 

with Disabilities in Syracuse, New York

» Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at 

the Riata Center for Entrepreneurship, 

Spears School of Business, Oklahoma 

State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma

» Veteran Entrepreneurship Jumpstart at 

St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, 

Pennsylvania

» Dog Tag Inc., affiliated with Georgetown 

University in Washington, DC

Opportunities 

for Veterans

Need financing?

Loan Fee Relief

To encourage lending to members of the 

military community who want to start 

or grow their business, the SBA reduces 

upfront guarantee fees on select loans. That 

means the cost savings will be passed down 

to you, the eligible veteran or qualifying 

military member. Ask your local SBA district 

office or SBA Lender about the Veterans 

Advantage program.

Have an employee who was called to 

active duty?

You may receive funds that enable your 

business to meet ordinary and necessary 

operating expenses when an essential 

employee is called up to active duty in the 

military reserve. Ask your local SBA district 

office or SBA Lender about the Military 

Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

Interested in contracting?

Veteran-owned and service-disabled 

veteran-owned small businesses interested 

in federal contracting receive training from 

the Veteran Institute for Procurement, 

which offers a platform with three 

training programs to assist veterans. Visit 

nationalvip.org.

VIP Start

Enter the federal market and become ready 

for procurement. Nearly 200 veteran-owned 

businesses from 29 states plus Washington, 

DC have graduated from the program.

VIP Grow

Strategize to expand and operate within 

the federal marketplace. More than 700 

veteran-owned businesses from 42 states 

plus DC and Guam have graduated from 

this program.

VIP International

Enter or expand your federal and commercial 

contracting opportunities overseas.

Get certified

Learn about the service-disabled veteranowned small business certification program 

on page 49.

For more assistance

Veteran and military entrepreneurs 

receive business training, counseling, and 

referrals to other SBA Resource Partners 

at a Veterans Business Outreach Center, 

sba.gov/vboc. For veterans business 

information visit sba.gov/veterans.

Members of the military community can start and grow their small 

businesses with the help of SBA programs.

HOW THE SBA HELPED US SUCCEED

Margot Adam Langstaff, left, and Elisa Hamill, right, sought assistance from their 

local Veterans Business Outreach Center, which helped them better compete for 

government contracts. LifeHealth of Littleton, CO has expanded to more than 30 

states with offices in Washington, DC and San Antonio, TX. Their clients include the 

Department of Defense, the National Guard, and the Indian Health Service. They 

also expanded their business using an SBA-backed line of credit for $350,000. Margot 

started her career as an Army medic, eventually running one of the largest outpatient 

clinics in the Northeast at Ft. Devens, MA. COURTESY OF LIFEHEALTH
20

local success story

Paul Isenberg

OWNER/FOUNDER, SMART START CHILD CARE

Bowling Green, KY

Paul Isenberg started his 

first Smart Start Child Care 

center in 2011 with his mind 

on what he wanted for his 

own family. As the father of 

small children, Paul wanted 

high quality care that suited 

the needs of busy parents like 

him; he implemented that 

vision in his hometown. With 

SBA-backed financing and 

his own business education, 

Paul’s small business has 

expanded in Bowling Green. 

The SBA helped construct his 

first center at the same time 

his wife and business partner, 

Stacy, was receiving treatment 

for brain cancer. Stacy has 

recovered and Paul has found a 

fulfilling career.

• What challenge did you have? Our biggest challenge in the beginning was finding 

financing for a new center. A childcare center has high labor costs for experienced 

professionals. It also requires upfront construction costs to provide a safe yet creative 

environment for children. We also needed a convenient location for parents. Yes, 

the demand for quality childcare is there, but it’s extremely costly to meet all these 

needs. Since this was a new venture for me, the center had no track record, so traditional financing was more difficult.

• What was the SBA solution? The SBA guarantees loans made by lending institutions to small business that would not otherwise be able to obtain financing. My small 

business qualified for both the SBA-backed 7(a) and the 504 Certified Development 

Company loans. The 504 program allows those who are eligible to purchase or renovate 

real estate with a competitive fixed-rate mortgage. SBA-backed financing provided the 

working capital I needed to acquire new locations and hire the best qualified employees. In my business, windows of opportunity open and close quickly. Kelcey Rock at 

Hancock Bank & Trust Co., an experienced SBA Lender, listened to my vision and carefully reviewed my business plan. Kelcey understood the factors that drive my industry. 

Our SBA Lender ensured I had the capital I needed to fuel our growth. 

• What benefit did this have for you? The SBA helped me to reach the goals I set for 

my family and my business. Smart Start has grown dramatically. We are now one of the 

largest childcare companies in the region, and we haven’t compromised on quality or 

our values. Since 2016, Smart Start Child Care revenue has tripled and net profit has 

grown four fold. We have more than 125 employees and educate nearly 500 children.
 21

The SBA helped me to reach 

the goals I set for my family

and my business.”

Paul Isenberg

Owner/Founder, Smart Start Child Care

COURTESY OF THE SBA
22

Crafting a 

Business

SBA-backed financing helped Superstition Meadery expand 

into a multimillion dollar enterprise. 

written by Becky Bosshart

How We Did It

COURTESY OF SUPERSTITION MEADERY

FUNDING PROGRAMS

Financing Your Small Business
 23

FUNDING PROGRAMS

J

ennifer and Jeff Herbert’s 

home-based brewing has 

expanded into a global, 

multimillion dollar 

enterprise thanks to SBA 

assistance. Using Arizona honey and 

ingredients they’ve sourced from 

around the world (such as Tahitian 

vanilla and Moroccan saffron), the 

Herberts are selling nearly 30,000 

gallons annually of their honey-based 

fermented beverage. They operate a 

downtown Prescott, Arizona tasting 

room and state-of-the-art production 

facility, creating jobs and building 

a local craft industry. The Herberts, 

founding members of the American 

Mead Makers Association, have 

traveled around the world hosting 

pairing events and pouring at craft 

beverage festivals.

Challenge

The Herberts wanted to scale up their 

meadery while also staying true to 

their values of quality ingredients and 

craft process. It is often difficult for 

new entrepreneurs or unique concepts 

like a meadery to get traditional 

financing, even though they knew 

they had a great idea, the backing 

wasn’t there to expand. They say that 

choosing to do something new breaks 

the mold, which can be uncomfortable 

for traditional lenders.

5Tips for Success

Get guidance.

Develop a working relationship with 

an SBA Resource Partner (see page 8) 

to help you find the funding that works 

best for you.

Define your lending needs. 

Determine if a loan is right for you. Is 

this the right time? How much do you 

need? What are you going to use it for?

Talk to multiple lenders. 

See who best matches you and your 

business. Has the lender successfully 

worked with other businesses in 

your industry?

Check all options. 

Consult with your lender to see if 

you’re eligible for SBA financing 

programs, determined by your 

industry & experience; collateral; 

credit score; and the relationship & 

transparency you develop with the 

lending agent.

Be ready for the ups 

and downs.

Your entrepreneurial endeavor will 

be a roller coaster ride filled with 

challenges and successes. The path 

is all consuming so make sure that 

you love what you do. Passion is the 

price of admission.

Solution

Thanks to guidance from an SBA 

Resource Partner, the Small Business 

Development Center at Yavapai 

Community College, Jennifer and Jeff 

learned about financing that worked 

for them. The SBA guarantees loans 

made by lending institutions to small 

business that would not otherwise be 

able to obtain financing. Their small 

business qualified for two SBA-backed 

loans totaling more than $600,000. The 

Herberts’ first SBA-backed loan allowed 

them to acquire commercial property to 

design and build their mead production 

facility. Their second SBA-backed loan 

provided the funding for professional 

brewing equipment to complete their 

7,450-square-foot production space. The 

Herberts recently purchased a historic 

building in downtown Phoenix, Arizona 

to open a mead-pairing restaurant.

Benefit

The Herberts started with two 

employees and now have over 20 

producing 29,000 gallons this year. 

From a homegrown setup, Jennifer and 

Jeff are now charting revenue in excess 

of $2.6 million and distributing to 37 

states, across Europe and Southeast 

Asia. They have plans for another 

expansion, including a shipping 

warehouse to manage their online retail 

and wholesale orders. 

COURTESY OF SUPERSTITION MEADERY

Jeff & Jennifer Herbert, owners of Superstition Meadery, completed their 7,450-squarefoot production space and opened a tasting room in Prescott, AZ with the assistance of 

SBA-backed financing. See their story on YouTube by searching for the 2019 National 

Small Business Persons of the Year.
24

FUNDING PROGRAMS

SBA-backed Loans

help small business owners and entrepreneurs who are 

creditworthy but don’t qualify for conventional financing. 

If you cannot obtain a business loan with reasonable rates 

and terms, contact your local SBA Lender to see if you are 

eligible for SBA programs. The SBA works with participating 

lenders to reduce their risk, increasing the likelihood your 

loan will be approved with the terms that work best for 

you. The guarantee is conditional on the lender following 

SBA program requirements. Just like with any other loan, 

you make your loan payments directly to your lender in 

accordance with your terms.

Lender 

Match

Find a lender interested 

in working with you at 

sba.gov/lendermatch. 

This matching tool 

connects entrepreneurs 

with SBA Lenders in 

your area.
 25

FUNDING PROGRAMS

SBA Lenders

Our participating SBA Lenders serve all of Kentucky unless otherwise noted. To find more bank 

locations, visit the lender’s website.

ALEXANDRIA

Heritage Bank Inc.

7953 Alexandria Pike

(859) 261-2430

Robert Lamothe

heritage

bank-ky.com

PNC Bank Inc.

8210 E. Main St.

(513) 841-0024

Chris Goecke

pnc.com

U.S. Bank

7630 Alexandria Pike

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

ASHLAND

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

1544 Winchester 

Ave.

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

PNC Bank Inc.

1000 Carter Ave.

(513) 841-0024

Chris Goecke

pnc.com

BARBOURVILLE

Forcht Bank

406 Knox St.

(859) 263-6552

Chris Robinson

forchtbank.com

Hometown Bank 

of Corbin

238 Cumberland 

Ave.

(606) 526-2718

Malissa Shelton

ahometown

bank.com

BARDSTOWN

Fort Knox Federal 

Credit Union

100 Kelly Drive

(502) 942-0254

Michael 

Richardson

fortknoxfcu.org

PNC Bank Inc.

105 W. E. John 

Rowan Blvd.

(513) 841-0024

Chris Goecke

pnc.com

Town & Country 

Bank and Trust Co.

201 N. Third St.

(502) 348-3911

Raffo Wimsett

mytcbt.bank

Wilson & Muir 

Bank & Trust Co.

107 N. Third St.

(502) 479-7203

Andy Parker

wilsonmuir

bank.com

BARDWELL

First Kentucky 

Bank Inc.

400 U.S. Highway 

51 North

(270) 251-4960

Stacy Overby

firstkentucky.com

BEATTYVILLE

Peoples 

Exchange Bank

48 Center St.

(859) 744-9400

Louise Howerton

pebank.com

BEAVER DAM

First Kentucky 

Bank Inc.

1331 N. Main St.

(270) 251-4960

Stacy Overby

firstkentucky.com

BEDFORD

Bedford Loan 

Deposit Bank

45 Highway 42 East

(502) 222-4546

Bart Leet

bedfordbank.com

BENTON

CFSB

221 W. Fifth St.

(270) 727-6125

Jesse Clark

cfsbky.com

First Kentucky 

Bank Inc.

605 Main St.

(270) 251-4960

Stacy Overby

firstkentucky.com

Heritage Bank USA

660 Main St.

(270) 887-8405

Cell (931) 206-6570

Chip Knight

bankwith

heritage.com

U.S. Bank

201 E. 11th St.

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

BEREA

Cumberland Valley 

National Bank

235 Glades Road

(606) 878-7010

Haskew Hayes

cvnb.com

Central Bank

101 Brenwood St.

(859) 253-6229

Julie Szymanski

centralbank.com

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

525 Walnut 

Meadow Road

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

BLOOMFIELD

PNC Bank Inc.

101 S. Fifth St.

(513) 841-0024

Chris Goecke

pnc.com

Wilson & Muir 

Bank & Trust Co.

105 Taylorsville 

Road

(502) 479-7203

Andy Parker

wilsonmuir

bank.com

BOWLING GREEN

JPMorgan 

Chase Bank

924 Broadway Ave.

(502) 566-3671

Becky McClennen

chase.com

Fort Knox Federal 

Credit Union

2345 Gary 

Farms Blvd.

(502) 942-0254

Michael 

Richardson

fortknoxfcu.org

Hancock Bank 

& Trust

2501 Crossings 

Blvd., suite 250

(270) 843-2285

Kelcey Rock

hancockbank

online.com

Independence 

Bank

1950 Scottsville 

Road

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

Limestone Bank 

(formerly 

PBI Bank)

751 Campbell Lane

(270) 524-7283

Kenneth Kidd

limestone

bank.com

South Central 

Bank Inc.

2710 Nashville Road

(270) 651-7466

Josh Devore

southcentral

bank.com

U.S. Bank

1747 Scottsville 

Road

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

BRANDENBURG

Fort Knox Federal 

Credit Union

1452 Old State Road

(502) 942-0254

Michael 

Richardson

fortknoxfcu.org

Cecilian Bank

302 Bypass Road

(270) 737-1593

Tracie Oliver

thececilian

bank.com

WesBanco

(270) 986-0919

wesbanco.com/

borrow/businessloans

BURLINGTON

Forcht Bank

6100 First 

Financial Drive

(859) 263-6552

Chris Robinson

forchtbank.com

Heritage Bank Inc.

1818 Florence Pike

(859) 261-2430

Robert Lamothe

heritage

bank-ky.com

Huntington Bank

2252 Burlington 

Park

(859) 514-6022

Perry Dunn

huntington.com

CADIZ

Bank of Cadiz

79 Main St.

(270) 522-6066

Kevin Atwood

bankofcadiz.com

Heritage Bank USA

352 Main St.

(270) 887-8405

Cell (931) 206-6570

Chip Knight

bankwith

heritage.com
26

FUNDING PROGRAMS

FNB Bank Inc.

2558 Main St.

(270) 251-6058

Pat Bynum

growwithfnb.com

CALHOUN

BB&T

100 Main St.

(502) 562-5848

Megan Damron

(336) 550-0678

bbt.com

U.S. Bank

730 Main St.

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

CALVERT CITY

CFSB

456 Fifth Ave.

(270) 727-6125

Jesse Clark

cfsbky.com

Heritage Bank USA

20 Oak Plaza Drive

(270) 887-8405

Cell (931) 206-6570

Chip Knight

bankwith

heritage.com

CAMPBELLSBURG

United Citizens 

Bank & Trust Co.

8198 Main St.

(502) 732-6669

Matthew Brent

unitedcitizens

bank.com

CAMPBELLSVILLE

Citizens Bank & 

Trust Co.

201 E. Main St.

(270) 465-8193

Roberta Cox

cbtky.com

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

402 Campbellsville 

Bypass

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

Forcht Bank

1405 E. Broadway

(859) 263-6552

Chris Robinson

forchtbank.com

Fort Knox Federal 

Credit Union

121 Walmart Drive

(502) 942-0254

Michael 

Richardson

fortknoxfcu.org

CARROLLTON

United Citizens 

Bank & Trust Co.

503 Highland Drive

(502) 732-6669

Matthew Brent

unitedcitizens

bank.com

U.S. Bank

416 Highland Ave.

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

CAVE CITY

BB&T

102 Broadway St.

(502) 562-5848

Megan Damron

(336) 550-0678

bbt.com

South Central 

Bank Inc.

518 N. Dixie Highway

(270) 651-7466

Josh Devore

southcentral

bank.com

CENTRAL CITY

First Kentucky 

Bank Inc.

109 N. Second St.

(270) 251-4960

Stacy Overby

firstkentucky.com

Old National Bank

301 S. Second St.

(859) 825-6097

John Douglas

(810) 522-1409

Jeff Billig

oldnational.com

CECILIA

Cecilian Bank

104 E Main St.

(270) 737-1593

Tracie Oliver

thececilian

bank.com

CLAY CITY

Peoples 

Exchange Bank

5377 Main St.

Louise Howerton

pebank.com

Whitaker Bank Inc.

60 Irvine Road

(859) 543-4000

Bo Henry

whitaker

bank.com

CLINTON

Clinton Bank

220 E. Clay St.

(270) 653-4001

Glenn Reid

clinton

bankky.com

First Community 

Bank of the 

Heartland

114 E. Jackson St.

(270) 653-4301

Josh Bailey

fcbheartland.com

CLOVERPORT

Hancock Bank 

& Trust

102 W. Main St.

(270) 843-2285

Kelcey Rock

hancockbank

online.com

COLUMBIA

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

1005 Jamestown St.

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

CORBIN

Cumberland Valley 

National Bank

1200 Cumberland 

Falls Highway

(606) 878-7010

Haskew Hayes

cvnb.com

Hometown Bank 

of Corbin

(606) 526-2718

Malissa Shelton

ahometown

bank.com

Whitaker Bank Inc.

100 N. Main St.

(859) 543-4000

Bo Henry

whitaker

bank.com

COVINGTON

Fifth Third Bank

107 Brent Spence 

Square

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

Forcht Bank

502 Madison Ave.

(859) 263-6552

Chris Robinson

forchtbank.com

Republic Bank 

& Trust Co.

535 Madison Ave.

(502) 329-4510

Cell (502) 802-8106

Kathy Pleasant

republicbank.com

CYNTHIA

Fifth Third Bank

1005 U.S. Highway 

27 South

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

Kentucky Bank

939 U.S. 27

(859) 987-1795

Darren Henry

(859) 988-1352

Shawn King

kybank.com

DANVILLE

JP Morgan 

Chase Bank

237 W. Main St.

(502) 566-3671

Becky McClennen

chase.com

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

462 W. Main St.

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

Fort Knox Federal 

Credit Union

312 Skywatch Drive

(502) 942-0254

Michael 

Richardson

fortknoxfcu.org

U.S. Bank

111 S. Fourth St.

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

DAWSON SPRINGS

Planters Bank Inc.

50 Oak Heights

(270) 886-9030

Barry Meade

plantersbank

online.com

U.S. Bank

119 S. Main St.

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

EDGEWOOD

Commonwealth 

Bank & Trust Co.

160 Barnwood Rd.

(502) 259-2661

Nate Evans

cbandt.com

First Financial 

Bank

3580 Madison Pike

(317) 237-1588

Jeff Magginnis

(317) 360-7049

Mark Schoettmer

bankatfirst.com

EDMONTON

Edmonton 

State Bank

118 S. Main St.

(270) 487-6123

Tony High

edmonton

statebank.com

South Central 

Bank Inc.

702 W. Stockton

(270) 651-7466

Josh Devore

southcentral

bank.com

ELIZABETHTOWN

JPMorgan 

Chase Bank

1200 N. Dixie 

Highway

(502) 566-3671

Becky McClennen

chase.com

Citizens 

Union Bank

1830 N. Dixie 

Highway

(859) 361-8764

Christopher 

Jackson

cubbank.com

Fort Knox Federal 

Credit Union

1650 Ring Road

(502) 942-0254

Michael 

Richardson

fortknoxfcu.org

Magnolia Bank Inc.

651 W. Dixie Ave.

(270) 765-4072

Amanda Heady

magnolia

bank.com

Cecilian Bank

1808 N. Dixie 

Highway

(270) 737-1593

Tracie Oliver

thececilian

bank.com

WesBanco

(270) 986-0919

wesbanco.com/

borrow/businessloans
 27

FUNDING PROGRAMS

Wilson & Muir 

Bank & Trust Co.

250 W. Dixie Ave.

(502) 479-7203

Andy Parker

wilsonmuir

bank.com

ELKTON

Heritage Bank

536 W. Main St.

(270) 887-8405

Cell (931) 206-6570

Chip Knight

bankwith

heritage.com

EMINENCE

Citizens 

Deposit Bank

5230 S. Main St.

(502) 845-5639

Diann Harlow

cdbt.com

Limestone Bank 

(formerly 

PBI Bank)

646 Elm St.

(270) 524-7283

Kenneth Kidd

limestone

bank.com

United Citizens 

Bank & Trust Co.

5364 S. Main St.

(502) 732-6669

Matthew Brent

unitedcitizens

bank.com

FANCY FARM

First Community 

Bank of the 

Heartland

10308 State Route 

80 West

(270) 653-4301

Josh Bailey

fcbheartland.com

FLORENCE

BB&T

1065 Burlington Pike

(502) 562-5848

Megan Damron

(336) 550-0678

bbt.com

Central Bank

7310 Turfway Road

(859) 253-6229

Julie Szymanski

centralbank.com

Citizens 

Deposit Bank

8545 U.S. 

Highway 42

(502) 845-5639

Diann Harlow

cdbt.com

Commonwealth 

Bank & Trust Co.

7135 Houston Road

(502) 259-2661

Nate Evans

cbandt.com

Fifth Third Bank

335 Mt. Zion Road

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

Heritage Bank Inc.

7434 U.S. 

Highway 42

(859) 261-2430

Robert Lamothe

heritage

bank-ky.com

Heritage Bank

7434 U.S. 

Highway 42

(859) 261-2430

Robert Lamothe

heritage

bank-ky.com

Huntington Bank

6985 Houston Road

(859) 514-6022

Perry Dunn

huntington.com

Republic Bank 

& Trust Co.

8315 U.S. 

Highway 42

(502) 329-4510

Cell (502) 802-8106

Kathy Pleasant

republicbank.com

Stock Yards Bank 

& Trust Co.

4790 Houston Road

(513) 824-6158

Van Johnson

syb.com

U.S. Bank

8461 U.S. 

Highway 42

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

FORT MITCHELL

Central Bank

2075 Dixie 

Highway

(859) 253-6229

Julie Szymanski

centralbank.com

Huntington Bank

2514 Dixie Highway

(859) 514-6022

Perry Dunn

huntington.com

PNC Bank Inc.

2216 Dixie 

Highway

(513) 841-0024

Chris Goecke

pnc.com

FRANKFORT

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

427 Versailles Road

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

Independence 

Bank

629 Versailles Road

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

Republic Bank & 

Trust Co.

100 Highway 676

(502) 329-4510

Cell (502) 802-8106

Kathy Pleasant

republicbank.com

Traditional 

Bank Inc.

91 Arrowhead Court

(859) 498-0414

Ann Beckham

traditional

bank.com

Whitaker Bank Inc.

130 W. Main St.

(859) 543-4000

Bo Henry

whitakerbank.com

FULTON

Heritage Bank 

USA

306 Lake St.

(270) 887-8405

Cell (931) 206-6570

Chip Knight

bankwith

heritage.com

GEORGETOWN

Central Bank

100 W. Main St.

(859) 253-6229

Julie Szymanski

centralbank.com

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

112 Osborne Way

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

Peoples 

Exchange Bank

923 S. Broadway

(859) 744-9400

Louise Howerton

pebank.com

Republic Bank & 

Trust Co.

430 Connector Road

(502) 329-4510

Cell (502) 802-8106

Kathy Pleasant

republicbank.com

Whitaker Bank Inc.

101 W. Main St.

(859) 543-4000

Bo Henry

whitakerbank.com

GLASGOW

Limestone Bank 

(formerly 

PBI Bank)

1006 W. Main St.

(270) 524-7283

Kenneth Kidd

limestone

bank.com

South Central 

Bank Inc.

501 SL Rogers 

Wells Blvd.

(270) 651-7466

Josh Devore

southcentral

bank.com

U.S. Bank

200 S. Green St.

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

GRAYSON

Commercial 

Bank of 

Grayson County

208 E. Main St.

(606) 474-7811

Mark Strother

cbgrayson.com

GREENVILLE

First Kentucky 

Bank Inc.

145 N. Main St.

(270) 251-4960

Stacy Overby

firstkentucky.com

Old National Bank

131 E. Main Cross St.

(859) 825-6097

John Douglas

(810) 522-1409

Jeff Billig

oldnational.com

HARDINSBURG

Cecilian Bank

76 Public Square

(270) 737-1593

Tracie Oliver

thececilian

bank.com

HARRODSBURG

First Financial 

Bank

104 S. Chiles St.

(317) 237-1588

Jeff Magginnis

(317) 360-7049

Mark Schoettmer

bankatfirst.com

Whitaker Bank Inc.

2001 Pleasant Ridge

(859) 734-3316

Wayne Westerfield

whitakerbank.com

HAWESVILLE

Hancock Bank 

& Trust

220 Main St.

(270) 843-2285

Kelcey Rock

hancockbank

online.com

Independence 

Bank

225 U.S. 60

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

HAZARD

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

1665 Combs Road

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

Whitaker 

Bank Inc.

777 Morton Blvd.

(859) 734-3316

Wayne Westerfield

whitakerbank.com

HENDERSON

Fifth Third Bank

2555 U.S. 41 North

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

Independence 

Bank

235 N. Elm St.

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com
28

FUNDING PROGRAMS

U.S. Bank

2606 Zion Road

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

HIGHLAND 

HEIGHTS

Stock Yards Bank 

& Trust Co.

2635 Alexandria Pike

(513) 824-6158

Van Johnson

syb.com

WesBanco

(270) 986-0919

wesbanco.com/

borrow/businessloans

HODGENVILLE

Fort Knox Federal 

Credit Union

299 Lincoln Drive

(502) 942-0254

Michael 

Richardson

fortknoxfcu.org

Magnolia Bank Inc.

794 Old 

Elizabethtown Road

(270) 765-4072

Amanda Heady

magnolia

bank.com

HOPKINSVILLE

Bank of Cadiz

2808 Ft. 

Campbell Blvd.

(270) 522-6066

Kevin Atwood

bankofcadiz.com

Heritage Bank USA

4155 Lafayette Road

(270) 887-8405

Cell (931) 206-6570

Chip Knight

bankwith

heritage.com

Planters Bank Inc.

1312 Main St.

(270) 886-9030

Barry Meade

plantersbank

online.com

INDEPENDENCE

Heritage Bank Inc.

2040 Declaration 

Drive

(859) 261-2430

Robert Lamothe

heritage

bank-ky.com

Huntington Bank

6433 Taylor 

Mill Road

(859) 514-6022

Perry Dunn

huntington.com

KEVIL

First Community 

Bank of the 

Heartland

952 Kentucky Ave.

(270) 653-4301

Josh Bailey

fcbheartland.com

LA CENTER

C-Plant Federal 

Credit Union

339 E. 

Kentucky Drive

Jacob Chambers

(270) 650-3106

cplant.com

First Community

Bank of the 

Heartland

414 W. Kentucky 

Drive

(270) 653-4301

Josh Bailey

fcbheartland.com

Regions Bank

312 Broadway

(270) 441-1543

Maci McGullion

(615) 309-3415

Courtney Crants

regions.com

LAGRANGE

Bedford Loan and 

Deposit Bank

1010 New 

Moody Lane

LaGrange, KY 40031

(502) 222-4546

Bart Leet

bedfordbank.com

BB&T

200 W. Vine St., 

suite 100

(502) 562-5848

Megan Damron

(336) 550-0678

bbt.com

Citizens 

Union Bank

2100 KY 53

(859) 361-8764

Christopher 

Jackson

cubbank.com

Stock Yards Bank 

& Trust Co.

515 S. First St.

(513) 824-6158

Van Johnson

syb.com

LANCASTER

Whitaker Bank Inc.

39 Public Square

(859) 734-3316

Wayne Westerfield

whitakerbank.com

LAWRENCEBURG

First Financial 

Bank

1012 Bypass North

(317) 237-1588

Jeff Magginnis

(317) 360-7049

Mark Schoettmer

bankatfirst.com

Town & Country 

Bank and Trust Co.

1102 Bypass South

(502) 348-3911

Raffo Wimsett

mytcbt.bank

LATONIA

Heritage Bank Inc.

3600 Decoursey Ave.

(859) 261-2430

Robert Lamothe

heritage

bank-ky.com

Huntington Bank

3517 Decoursey Ave.

(859) 514-6022

Perry Dunn

huntington.com

Republic Bank & 

Trust Co.

535 Madison Ave.

(502) 329-4510

Cell (502) 802-8106

Kathy Pleasant

republicbank.com

LEITCHFIELD

Fort Knox Federal 

Credit Union

1453 Elizabethtown 

Road

(502) 942-0254

Michael 

Richardson

fortknoxfcu.org

Cecilian Bank

76 Public Square

(270) 737-1593

Tracie Oliver

thececilian

bank.com

Wilson & Muir 

Bank & Trust Co.

118 S. Main St.

(502) 479-7203

Andy Parker

wilsonmuir

bank.com

LEWISPORT

Hancock Bank 

& Trust

8280 U.S. Highway 

60 West

(270) 843-2285

Kelcey Rock

hancockbank

online.com

Independence 

Bank

8523 U.S. Highway 

60 West

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

LEXINGTON

Bank of the 

Bluegrass

215 Southland Drive

(859) 685-3046

Thomas E. Greinke

bankofthe

bluegrass.com

BB&T

200 W. Vine St., 

suite 100

(502) 562-5848

Megan Damron

(336) 550-0678

bbt.com

JPMorgan 

Chase Bank

1824 Alysheba Way

(502) 566-3671

Becky McClennen

chase.com

Central Bank

300 W. Vine St.

(859) 253-6229

Julie Szymanski

centralbank.com

Community Trust

Bank Inc.

100 E. Vine St.

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

Cumberland Valley 

National Bank

900 Beasley St., 

suite 150

(606) 878-7010

Haskew Hayes

cvnb.com

Fifth Third Bank

250 W. Main St., 

suite 300

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

Forcht Bank

2404 Sir Barton Way

(859) 263-6552

Chris Robinson

forchtbank.com

Huntington Bank

2333 Alexandria 

Drive

(859) 514-6022

Perry Dunn

huntington.com

Old National Bank

249 E. Main St., 

suite 101

(859) 825-6097

John Douglas

(810) 522-1409

Jeff Billig

oldnational.com

Peoples Exchange 

Bank

3101 Clays Mill 

Road, suite 100

(859) 744-9400

Louise Howerton

pebank.com

Republic Bank & 

Trust Co.

2401 Harrodsburg 

Road

(502) 329-4510

Cell (502) 802-8106

Kathy Pleasant

republicbank.com

Traditional 

Bank Inc.

3353 Tates 

Creek Road

(859) 498-0414

Ann Beckham

traditional

bank.com

WesBanco

(859) 244-7201

wesbanco.com/

borrow/businessloans

Whitaker Bank Inc.

2001 Pleasant Ridge

(859) 543-4000

Bo Henry

whitakerbank.com

LONDON

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

38 Shiloh Drive

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

Cumberland 

Valley 

National Bank

100 S. Main St.

(606) 878-7010

Haskew Hayes

cvnb.com

Forcht Bank

50 Old 

Whitley Road

(859) 263-6552

Chris Robinson

forchtbank.com
 29

FUNDING PROGRAMS

LOUISVILLE

BB&T

401 W. Main St., 

suite 200

(502) 562-5848

Megan Damron

(336) 550-0678

bbt.com

JPMorgan 

Chase Bank

416 W. Jefferson St.

(502) 566-3671

Becky McClennen

chase.com

Central Bank

321 W. Main St.

(859) 253-6229

Julie Szymanski

centralbank.com

Commonwealth 

Bank & Trust Co.

4912 U.S. 

Highway 42

(502) 259-2661

Nate Evans

cbandt.com

Eclipse Bank

3827 Shelbyville 

Road

(502) 671-4899

Cell (502) 550-7634

Thomas R. Bannon

eclipsebank.com

Fifth Third Bank

401 S. Fourth St., 

eighth floor

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

First Financial 

Bank

293 N. Hubbards 

Lane

(317) 237-1588

Jeff Magginnis

(317) 360-7049

Mark Schoettmer

bankatfirst.com

Forcht Bank

3747 Lexington 

Road

(859) 263-6552

Chris Robinson

forchtbank.com

Fort Knox Federal 

Credit Union

9915 Dixie Highway

(502) 942-0254

Michael 

Richardson

fortknoxfcu.org

Independence 

Bank

3901 Shelbyville 

Road

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

Limestone Bank 

(formerly 

PBI Bank)

2500 Eastpoint 

Parkway

(270) 524-7283

Kenneth Kidd

limestone

bank.com

Paducah Bank & 

Trust Co.

9200 Shelbyville 

Road

(270) 575-5700

Mark Link

paducahbank.com

Republic Bank & 

Trust Co.

661 S. Hurstbourne 

Parkway

(502) 329-4510

Cell (502) 802-8106

Kathy Pleasant

republicbank.com

Stock Yards Bank 

& Trust Co.

1040 E. Main St.

(513) 824-6158

Van Johnson

syb.com

U.S. Bank

6010 Brownsboro 

Park Blvd., suite C

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

WesBanco

(502) 569-4285

wesbanco.com/

borrow/businessloans

Wilson & Muir 

Bank & Trust Co.

130 St. Matthews 

Ave.

(502) 479-7203

Andy Parker

wilsonmuir

bank.com

MADISONVILLE

C-Plant Federal 

Credit Union

182 Madison 

Square Drive

Jacob Chambers

(270) 650-3106

cplant.com

Hancock Bank 

& Trust

2420 N. Main St.

(270) 843-2285

Kelcey Rock

hancockbank

online.com

Fifth Third Bank

1389 Whittington 

Drive

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

Independence 

Bank

629 E. Center St.

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

U.S. Bank

406 S. Seventh St.

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

MAGNOLIA

Magnolia Bank Inc.

4910 L&N Turnpike

(270) 765-4072

Amanda Heady

magnolia

bank.com

MAYFIELD

CFSB

100 Dick 

Castleman Bypass

(270) 727-6125

Jesse Clark

cfsbky.com

C-Plant Federal 

Credit Union

1101 Paris Road

Jacob Chambers

(270) 650-3106

cplant.com

First Kentucky 

Bank Inc.

223 S. Sixth St.

(270) 251-4960

Stacy Overby

firstkentucky.com

FNB Bank Inc.

101 E. Broadway

(270) 251-6058

Pat Bynum

growwithfnb.com

Independence 

Bank

100 E. College St.

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

Regions Bank

1104 Paris Road

(270) 441-1543

Maci McGullion

(615) 309-3415

Courtney Crants

regions.com

MAYSVILLE

Citizens 

Deposit Bank

1201 US Highway 68

(502) 845-5639

Diann Harlow

cdbt.com

U.S. Bank

1176 US Highway 68

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

MIDDLESBORO

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

1918 

Cumberland Ave.

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

First State Bank 

of the Southeast

1810 Cumberland 

Ave.

(606) 248-6236

Wade Bevins

ourfsb.bank

MORGANFIELD

C-Plant Federal 

Credit Union

817 U.S. Highway 

60 East

Jacob Chambers

(270) 650-3106

cplant.com

Fifth Third Bank

250 N. Morgan St.

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

Old National Bank

oldnational.com

130 N. Morgan St.

(859) 825-6097

John Douglas

(810) 522-1409

Jeff Billig

MOREHEAD

Kentucky Bank

kybank.com

400 W. First St.

(859) 987-1795

Darren Henry

(859) 988-1352

Shawn King

Whitaker Bank Inc.

140 E. Main St.

(859) 734-3316

Wayne Westerfield

whitakerbank.com

MOUNT STERLING

Peoples 

Exchange Bank

212 Apperson 

Heights

(859) 744-9400

Louise Howerton

pebank.com

Traditional 

Bank Inc.

49 W. Main St.

(859) 498-0414

Ann Beckham

traditional

bank.com

MOUNT 

WASHINGTON

Citizens 

Union Bank

375 Oakbrooke 

Drive

(859) 361-8764

Christopher 

Jackson

cubbank.com

Peoples Bank

415 Oak 

Brooke Drive

(502) 538-7301

Denise Laferty

peoplesbank

mtw.com

MUNFORDVILLE

Limestone Bank 

(formerly 

PBI Bank)

949 S. Dixie Highway

(270) 524-7283

Kenneth Kidd

limestone

bank.com

MURRAY

Bank of Cadiz

307-A N. 12th St.

(270) 522-6066

Kevin Atwood

bankofcadiz.com

BB&T

1104 Chestnut St.

(502) 562-5848

Megan Damron

(336) 550-0678

bbt.com

CFSB

1721 N. 12th St.

(270) 727-6125

Jesse Clark

cfsbky.com

Heritage Bank USA

1601 N. 12th St.

(270) 887-8405

Cell (931) 206-6570

Chip Knight

bankwith

heritage.com
30

FUNDING PROGRAMS

Independence 

Bank

721 S. 12th St.

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

Regions Bank

515 N. 12th St.

(270) 441-1543

Maci McGullion

(615) 309-3415

Courtney Crants

regions.com

U.S. Bank

1111 Main St.

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

NEWPORT

BB&T

401 W. Main St., 

suite 200

(502) 562-5848

Megan Damron

(336) 550-0678

bbt.com

Heritage Bank Inc.

647 Monmouth

(859) 261-2430

Robert Lamothe

heritage

bank-ky.com

U.S. Bank

810 Monmouth St.

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

NEW CASTLE

United Citizens 

Bank & Trust Co.

25 S. Main

(502) 732-6669

Matthew Brent

unitedcitizens

bank.com

NEW HAVEN

Town & Country

Bank and Trust Co.

148 S Main St.

(502) 348-3911

Raffo Wimsett

mytcbt.bank

NICHOLASVILLE

Central Bank

301 N. Main St.

(859) 253-6229

Julie Szymanski

centralbank.com

Kentucky Bank

920 N. Main St.

(859) 987-1795

Darren Henry

(859) 988-1352

Shawn King

kybank.com

Town & Country 

Bank and Trust Co.

3082 Bannon Road

(502) 348-3911

Raffo Wimsett

mytcbt.bank

OLIVE HILL

Commercial Bank 

of Grayson County

155 E. Tom T. 

Hall Blvd.

(606) 474-7811

Mark Strother

cbgrayson.com

OWENSBORO

JPMorgan 

Chase Bank

2938 Frederica St.

(502) 566-3671

Becky McClennen

chase.com

Fifth Third Bank

3205 S. Frederica St.

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

Independence 

Bank

3228 Highway 54

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

Old National Bank

3230 Mt. Moriah Ave.

(859) 825-6097

John Douglas

(810) 522-1409

Jeff Billig

oldnational.com

PADUCAH

CFSB

2550 Irvin 

Cobb Drive

(270) 727-6125

Jesse Clark

cfsbky.com

C-Plant Federal 

Credit Union

118 Bleich Road

Jacob Chambers

(270) 650-3106

cplant.com

FNB Bank Inc.

3445 Loan 

Oak Road

(270) 251-6058

Pat Bynum

growwithfnb.com

Independence 

Bank

3143 Broadway St.

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

Paducah Bank 

& Trust Co.

555 Jefferson St.

(270) 575-5700

Mark Link

paducahbank.com

Regions Bank

2990 Loan 

Oak Road

(270) 441-1543

Maci McGullion

(615) 309-3415

Courtney Crants

regions.com

PARIS

Fifth Third Bank

3350 Lexington 

Road

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

Kentucky Bank

401 Main St.

(859) 987-1795

Darren Henry

(859) 988-1352

Shawn King

kybank.com

Traditional 

Bank Inc.

3333 Lexington 

Road

(859) 498-0414

Ann Beckham

traditional

bank.com

PARK CITY

South Central 

Bank Inc.

24127 Louisville 

Road

(270) 651-7466

Josh Devore

southcentral

bank.com

PENDLETON

Bedford Loan & 

Deposit Bank

943 Pendleton Road

(502) 222-4546

Bart Leet

bedfordbank.com

United Citizens 

Bank & Trust Co.

7962 LaGrange 

Road

(502) 732-6669

Matthew Brent

unitedcitizens

bank.com

PIKEVILLE

BB&T

3663 N. Mayo Trail

(502) 562-5848

Megan Damron

(336) 550-0678

bbt.com

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

346 N. Mayo Trail

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

U.S. Bank

9782 Meta 

Highway

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

PINEVILLE

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

11792 U.S. 

Highway 25 East

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

First State Bank 

of the Southeast

287 US 

Highway 119

(606) 248-6236

Wade Bevins

ourfsb.bank

PRINCETON

First Southern 

National Bank

101 W. 

Washington St.

(606) 365-2137

Doug Daniel

fsnb.net

Planters Bank Inc.

208 N. Jefferson St.

(270) 886-9030

Barry Meade

plantersbank

online.com

PROVIDENCE

Independence 

Bank

211 U.S. Highway 

41-A South

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

Planters Bank Inc.

2251 Westerfield 

Drive

(270) 886-9030

Barry Meade

plantersbank

online.com

RADCLIFF

Fort Knox Federal 

Credit Union

3939 S. Dixie Blvd.

(502) 942-0254

Michael 

Richardson

fortknoxfcu.org

PNC Bank Inc.

100 N. Dixie Blvd.

(513) 841-0024

Chris Goecke

pnc.com

Cecilian Bank

245 N. Dixie Blvd.

(270) 737-1593

Tracie Oliver

thececilian

bank.com

RICHMOND

Central Bank

350 W. Main St.

(859) 253-6229

Julie Szymanski

centralbank.com

Cumberland Valley 

National Bank

2110 Lexington 

Road

(606) 878-7010

Haskew Hayes

cvnb.com

Fifth Third Bank

800 Eastern Bypass

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

First Southern 

National Bank

894 Richmond 

Plaza

(606) 365-2137

Doug Daniel

fsnb.net

RUSSELLVILLE

BB&T

102 NW Park Square

(502) 562-5848

Megan Damron

(336) 550-0678

bbt.com

First Southern 

National Bank

88 S. Bethel St.

(606) 365-2137

Doug Daniel

fsnb.net

U.S. Bank

135 W. Fourth St.

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com
 31

FUNDING PROGRAMS

SCOTTSVILLE

Edmonton 

State Bank

213 N. Main St.

(270) 487-6123

Tony High

edmonton

statebank.com

South Central 

Bank Inc.

414 E. Main St.

(270) 651-7466

Josh Devore

southcentral

bank.com

U.S. Bank

716 E. Main St.

(502) 533-8770

Joe Wathen

usbank.com

SEEBREE

Independence 

Bank

308 U.S. Highway 41

(270) 869-0791

Jim Davis

1776bank.com

Planters Bank Inc.

796 Highway 41N

(270) 886-9030

Barry Meade

plantersbank

online.com

SHELBYVILLE

Citizens 

Union Bank

1854 Midland Trail

(859) 361-8764

Christopher 

Jackson

cubbank.com

Commonwealth 

Bank & Trust Co.

422 Main St.

(502) 259-2661

Nate Evans

cbandt.com

Fifth Third Bank

300 Taylorsville 

Road

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

SHEPHERDSVILLE

Fort Knox Federal 

Credit Union

545 Conestoga 

Parkway

(502) 942-0254

Michael 

Richardson

fortknoxfcu.org

Limestone Bank 

(formerly 

PBI Bank)

155 Conestoga 

Parkway

(270) 524-7283

Kenneth Kidd

limestone

bank.com

Republic Bank 

& Trust Co.

438 KY 44

(502) 329-4510

Cell (502) 802-8106

Kathy Pleasant

republicbank.com

Stock Yards Bank 

& Trust Co.

183 Adam 

Shepherd Parkway

(513) 824-6158

Van Johnson

syb.com

WesBanco

(502) 569-4285

wesbanco.com/

borrow/businessloans

SOMERSET

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

239 N. Highway 27

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

Cumberland 

Valley National 

Bank

1520 S. Highway 27

(606) 878-7010

Haskew Hayes

cvnb.com

Forcht Bank

1846 S. Highway 27

(859) 263-6552

Chris Robinson

forchtbank.com

United 

Cumberland 

Bank

2568 S. Highway 27

(606) 376-5031

Michael Bush

unitedcumber

land.com

STANFORD

First Southern 

National Bank

102 W. Main St.

(606) 365-2137

Doug Daniel

fsnb.net

STANTON

Peoples 

Exchange Bank

53 E. Pendleton St.

(859) 744-9400

Louise Howerton

pebank.com

Whitaker Bank Inc.

130 Main St.

(859) 734-3316

Wayne Westerfield

whitaker

bank.com

STURGIS

Planters Bank Inc.

520 Adams St.

(270) 886-9030

Barry Meade

plantersbank

online.com

TOMPKINSVILLE

Edmonton 

State Bank

213 N. Main St.

(270) 487-6123

Tony High

edmontonstate

bank.com

South Central 

Bank Inc.

328 N. Main St.

(270) 651-7466

Josh Devore

southcentral

bank.com

VANCEBURG

Citizens 

Deposit Bank

10 Second St.

(502) 845-5639

Diann Harlow

cdbt.com

VERSAILLES

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

101 N. Main St.

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

Kentucky Bank

520 Marsailles Road

(859) 987-1795

Darren Henry

(859) 988-1352

Shawn King

kybank.com

WesBanco

(859) 244-7201

wesbanco.com/

borrow/businessloans

WALTON

Fifth Third Bank

340 Richwood Road

(502) 562-5512

Patrick Farnan

53.com

Heritage Bank Inc.

235 Mary Grubbs 

Highway

(859) 261-2430

Robert Lamothe

heritage

bank-ky.com

Huntington Bank

287 Richwood Road

(859) 514-6022

Perry Dunn

huntington.com

WHITESBURG

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

155 Main St.

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

Whitaker Bank Inc.

187 Main St.

(859) 734-3316

Wayne Westerfield

whitakerbank.com

WICKLIFFE

First Community 

Bank of the 

Heartland

359 Court St.

(270) 653-4301

Josh Bailey

fcbheartland.com

WILLIAMSBURG

Cumberland Valley 

National Bank

896 S. U.S. 

Highway 25 West

(606) 878-7010

Haskew Hayes

cvnb.com

First State Bank 

of the Southeast

941 N. Highway 

25 West

(606) 248-6236

Wade Bevins

ourfsb.bank

WINCHESTER

BB&T

825 Bypass Road

(502) 562-5848

Megan Damron

(336) 550-0678

bbt.com

Central Bank

300 W. Vine St.

(859) 253-6229

Julie Szymanski

centralbank.com

Community Trust 

Bank Inc.

1110 Pioneer Road

(800) 422-1090

Terry Spears

ctbi.com

Peoples 

Exchange Bank

175 Brooks 

Place Way

(859) 744-9400

Louise Howerton

pebank.com

Traditional 

Bank Inc.

875 Colby Road

(859) 498-0414

Ann Beckham

traditional

bank.com

WHITLEY CITY

United 

Cumberland 

Bank

47 S. Main St.

(606) 376-5031

Michael Bush

unitedcumber

land.com

NATIONAL/

REGIONAL BANKS

Fidelity Bank

(404) 553-2350

Cheryl Dalton

lionbank.com/

business

KeyBank

key.com/smallbusiness

Live Oak 

Banking Co.

(877) 890-5867

Steve Smits

liveoakbank.com

Wells Fargo Bank

(612) 667-1503

James Kallestad

wellsfargo.com
32

FUNDING PROGRAMS

Participating Certified 

Development 

Companies

Capital Access Corporation-Kentucky

401 W. Main St., 

suite 2010

Louisville

(502) 584-2175

Will Fensterer and Susie Redmon

cac-ky.org

Community Ventures

1450 N. Broadway

Lexington

(859) 231-0054

VP of Commercial Lending Lynn Littrell

cvky.org

HCDC Business Lending

(513) 631-8292

Andy Young and 

Mike Crowe

hcdc.com/financing

Premier Capital

(317) 613-3502

Gary Huff

504partner.com

Purchase Area Development District

(270) 247-7171

Mike Maxwell

purchaseadd.org

Small Business Growth Corp.

Serving Ballard, Carlisle, Crittenden, 

Graves, Livingston, Marshall, McCracken, 

Union, and Webster counties

(217) 787-7557

Doug Kinley

growthcorp.com

Community Advantage 

Lenders

Community Ventures

1450 N. Broadway

Lexington

(859) 231-0054

VP of Commercial Lending Lynn Littrell

cvky.org

Kentucky Highlands Investment Corp.

(606) 864-5175

VP of Business Lending Mark Bolinger

khic.org

Participating 

Microlenders

Community Ventures

Servicing Adair, Allen, Anderson, 

Ballard, Barren, Boone, Bourbon, Boyle, 

Breckinridge, Bullitt, Butler, Caldwell, 

Calloway, Campbell, Carlisle, Carroll, Casey, 

Christian, Clark, Crittenden, Cumberland, 

Daviess, Edmonson, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, 

Fulton, Gallatin, Garrard, Grant, Graves, 

Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, 

Hart, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, 

Hopkins, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, 

Larue, Lincoln, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, 

Madison, Marion, Marshall, McCracken, 

McLean, Meade, Mercer, Metcalfe, Monroe, 

Muhlenberg, Nelson, Nicholas, Ohio, 

Oldham, Owen, Pendleton, Powell, Scott, 

Shelby, Simpson, Spencer, Taylor, Todd, 

Trigg, Trimble, Union, Warren, Washington, 

Webster, and Woodford counties

cvky.org

1450 N. Broadway

Lexington

(859) 231-0054

1812 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

Louisville

(502) 566-6076

VP of Business Development Dan 

Heffernan

205 N. Columbia Ave.

Campbellsville

(270) 849-2323

Pam Russell, AVP

200 E. Third St., 

suite 302

Owensboro, KY 42303

(270) 926-0299

Ron Burkins, AVP

Kentucky Highlands Investment Corp.

Serving Bell, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, 

Estill, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, 

Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Madison, McCreary, 

Owsley, Perry, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, 

Wayne, and Whitley counties

(606) 864-5175

khic.org

Mountain Association for Community 

Economic Development

Serving Adair, Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, 

Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Clinton, 

Cumberland, Edmonson, Elliott, Estill, 

Fleming, Floyd, Garrard, Green, Greenup, 

Harlan, Hart, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, 

Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, 

Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, McCreary, Madison, 

Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Metcalfe, 

Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Owsley, 

Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Robertson, 

Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Wayne, Whitley, 

and Wolfe counties

433 Chestnut St.

Berea

(859) 986-2373

maced.org

Purchase Area Development District

Serving Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, 

Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall, and 

McCracken counties

1002 Medical Drive

Mayfield

(270) 247-7171

Mike Maxwell

purchaseadd.org

Southeast Kentucky Economic 

Development Corp.

Serving Adair, Bath, Bell, Breathitt, Boyd, 

Carter, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, 

Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Garrard, Green, 

Harlan, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, 

Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, 

Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, 

McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, 

Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, 

Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Taylor, Wayne, 

Whitley, and Wolfe counties

2292 S. Highway 27

Somerset

(606) 677-6102

Brett Traver

southeastkentucky.com
 33

FUNDING PROGRAMS

Need 

Financing?

Visit your local SBA office or lender to learn about 

these funding options.

Microloans

Eligible businesses can startup and grow with working 

capital or funds for supplies, equipment, furniture and fixtures. 

Borrow from $500 to $50,000 and access free business counseling 

from microlenders.

INTEREST RATE: loans less than $10,000, lender cost + 8.5%; loans 

$10,000 and greater, lender cost + 7.75%

TERMS: lender negotiated, no early payoff penalty

504 Certified Development Company Loan

If you do not qualify for traditional financing, but would like to 

purchase or renovate real estate or buy heavy equipment for 

your business, ask about the 504 loan. It provides competitive 

fixed-rate mortgage financing through a lender and a Certified 

Development Company.

MAX LOAN AMOUNT (UP TO 40% OF THE TOTAL PROJECT):

up to $5 million; $5.5 million for manufacturing or energy public 

policy projects

INTEREST RATE: below market fixed rates for 10, 20 or 25 year terms

TERMS: 20 or 25 years for real estate or long-term equipment, 

10 years for general machinery and equipment

GUARANTEE: the lender provides a senior loan for 50% of the 

project cost (with no SBA guarantee); the CDC finances up to 40% in 

a junior lien position (supported by the SBA guarantee)

SPECIAL CONDITION: a minimum borrower contribution, or down 

payment, is required, amounts vary by project but are usually 10%

The 7(a) Loan, the SBA’s Largest 

Financing Program 

If you cannot get conventional financing and you meet the 

eligibility requirements, you can use a 7(a) loan to buy real estate, 

equipment, or inventory for your small business. It may also be 

used for working capital, to refinance business debt or purchase a 

small business.

MAX LOAN AMOUNT: $5 million

INTEREST RATE: generally prime + a reasonable rate capped at 2.75%

TERMS: loan term varies according to the purpose of the loan, 

generally up to 25 years for real estate, 10 years for other fixed 

assets and working capital

GUARANTEE: 50 to 90%

CAPLines

Meet your revolving capital needs with lines of credit. CAPLines can 

be used for contract financing, seasonal lines of credit, builders line 

of credit, or for general working capital lines.

SBA Express Loan

Featuring a simplified process, these loans are delivered by 

experienced lenders who are authorized to make the credit decision 

for the SBA. These can be term loans or revolving lines of credit.

MAX LOAN AMOUNT: $350,000

INTEREST RATE: for loans less than $50,000, prime + 6.5%; for 

loans of $50,000 and greater, prime + 4.75%

TERMS: loan term varies according to the purpose of the loan, 

generally up to 25 years for real estate and 10 years for other fixed 

assets and working capital

GUARANTEE: 50%

Community Advantage

A financing program for women, veterans, low-income borrowers, and 

minority entrepreneurs just starting up or in business for a few years. 

Receive free business counseling as you work with a community-based 

financial institution.

INTEREST RATE: prime + 6%

TERMS: up to 25 years for real estate, 10 years for equipment and 

working capital

GUARANTEE: 75 to 90%
34

FUNDING PROGRAMS

Expand your Market

Small businesses can enter and excel in the 

international marketplace using State Trade 

Expansion Program grants and training. 

Visit sba.gov/internationaltrade to find 

out if your state is participating.

You can:

• learn how to export

• participate in foreign trade missions and 

trade shows

• obtain services to support foreign market 

entry

• translate websites to attract foreign buyers

• design international marketing products 

or campaigns

Financing for International Growth

Having trouble securing capital to meet your 

small business exporting needs? Use SBA 

international trade programs to cover short 

or long-term costs necessary to sell goods or 

services abroad. Loan proceeds can be used 

for working capital to finance foreign sales or 

for fixed assets, helping you better compete 

globally. You can apply for lines of credit prior to 

Go Global with 

International Trade

Businesses that export are more resilient—they are less dependent on any one market. Exporting also 

stabilizes sales for those who make seasonal products.

finalizing an export sale or contract, so adequate 

financing is in place by the time you win your 

contract. If you’ve been in business for at least 

a year, ask your area SBA regional finance 

manager about the Export Working Capital 

program. The International Trade Loan program 

also helps exporters who have been adversely 

affected by foreign importing competition, 

helping you better compete globally.

Max loan amount: $5 million

Interest rate: for Export Working Capital, the 

rate is negotiated between borrower and lender. 

For the International Trade Loan, it also cannot 

exceed prime + 2.75% for loan amounts over 

$50,000 and maturity of seven years or more

Terms: For Export Working Capital, typically 

one year, cannot exceed three years. For

International Trade Loans, up to 25 years for 

real estate, up to 10 years for equipment

Guarantee: up to 90%

Export Express uses a streamlined process 

that expedites the SBA guarantee—what 

small businesses need most when preparing 

to export or ramping up international trade 

on a fast timeline.

Max loan amount: $500,000

Expert Advice on 

Exporting

Find an SBA professional in one of the 

21 U.S. Export Assistance Centers, 

sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/

eac, located in most major metro 

areas. The centers are also staffed by 

the U.S. Department of Commerce 

and, in some locations, the ExportImport Bank of the United States and 

other public and private organizations. Visit your local Small Business 

Development Center (see page 8) for 

exporting assistance from professional business counselors.

COURTESY OF THE SBACOURTESY OF THE SBA

Interest rate: typically not to exceed prime 

+ 6.5%

Terms: up to 25 years for real estate, up to 

10 years for equipment, up to seven years 

for lines of credit

Guarantee: up to 90%

Approval time: 36 hours or less
 35

HOW THE SBA HELPED US SUCCEED

Small businesses that qualify for the SBA State Trade Expansion Program use 

grant proceeds to bolster their international market presence, which EarthQuaker 

Devices has done in a seismic way. A manufacturer of guitar special effects 

pedals in Akron, OH, EarthQuaker has built an international social media fanbase 

delivering content in seven languages, generating millions of website page views.

EarthQuaker owners Julie Robbins & Jamie Stillman developed their global 

marketing strategy and multilingual promo materials with the SBA State Trade Expansion 

Program. The couple also received global marketing counseling and research assistance 

from the Ohio Small Business development Center Export Assistance Network.

◀

COURTESY OF THE SBA

Help with Trade Barriers

If you need assistance with 

international trade regulations, 

the SBA can be your advocate in 

foreign markets. Call toll free (855) 

722-4877 or email your contact 

information and trade issue to 

international@sba.gov.
36

FUNDING PROGRAMS

R&D Opportunities for High 

Growth Startups

Engaged in high-risk research and development? Compete for funding to develop your 

cutting-edge technology.

Do you work in one of 

these areas?

» advanced materials

» agTech

» artificial intelligence

» biomedical

» cybersecurity

» energy

» first response

» national security

» space exploration

The Small Business Innovation Research 

and the Small Business Technology Transfer 

programs, also called America’s Seed Fund, 

provide more than $3.5 billion in early stage 

capital through a competitive awards process.

How it works

Every year, participating federal agencies 

announce topical areas that address their 

R&D needs. Eligible businesses submit 

proposals to win either grants or contracts. 

There are three phases:

» The proof-of-concept stage typically 

lasts from 6-12 months, and ranges from 

$100,000-$225,000.

» The full R&D period lasts about 24 

months and typically provides $600,000-

$1.5 million.

» The commercialization stage is when you 

seek public or private funds for your venture.

How your startup benefits

The funding agency does not take an equity 

position or ownership of your business. The 

federal government also protects data rights and 

the ability to win sole-source phase III contracts.

Participating agencies:

» Department of Agriculture

» Department of Commerce

› National Institute of Standards 

and Technology

HOW THE SBA HELPED US SUCCEED

Killer Snails brings science out of the laboratory and into classrooms and living rooms 

with award-winning educational games, such as BioDive, Assassins of the Sea, and 

Biome Builder. The Brooklyn, NY-based business gained access to startup funding 

thanks to the Small Business Innovation Research program. Dr. Mandë Holford, left, 

Jessica Ochoa Hendrix, right, and Dr. Lindsay Portnoy envisioned how venomous 

marine snail research could be used in extended reality and digital learning to engage 

students and meet educators’ needs. The business has raised more than $1.2 million to 

support a team of full-time employees. Killer Snails’s tabletop, digital, augmented and 

virtual reality games have won national and international awards.

◀

COURTESY OF THE SBA
 37

Investment Capital

Looking for investors? For mature, profitable busi-

nesses with sufficient cash flow to pay interest, a Small 

Business Investment Company can help scale up your 

small business.

How an SBIC works

Investment companies with financing expertise in 

certain industry sectors receive SBA-guaranteed loans, 

which means the federal government is responsible in 

case of default. These investment companies then use 

the SBA-guaranteed capital and private funds to invest 

in qualifying small businesses. Each SBIC has its own 

investment profile in terms of targeted industry, geogra-

phy, company maturity, the types and size of financing 

they provide.

To be eligible

The majority of your employees and assets must be within 

the United States. Some ineligible small businesses and 

activities include relenders, real estate, project financing, 

and foreign investment.

Visit sba.gov and click on Funding Program and then 

Investment Capital. › National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

» Department of Defense » Department of Education » Department of Energy » Department of Health and Human Services » Department of Homeland Security » Department of Transportation » Environmental Protection Agency » NASA » National Science Foundation

Visit sbir.gov to find funding opportunities and helpful program 

tutorials, as well as past award winners, such as Qualcomm, 

iRobot, Illumina, and Symantec.

SBIR Road Tour

Visit sbirroadtour.com to learn about national events 

connecting entrepreneurs working on advanced tech to the 

country’s largest source of early stage funding. Each SBIR Road 

Tour stop introduces participating federal agency program 

managers, who oversee over 5,000 new awards annually. 

Southwest U.S. stops in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and 

Colorado are planned for mid-August. Eastern stops in Vermont, 

New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland are planned 

for mid-September. The road tour stops in Miami and Puerto 

Rico in November.
38

I

f you ask Stephanie Vitori, the person who coined the term “bittersweet” 

must have run a business. In the 15 years Stephanie has owned 

Cheeseburger Baby, the Florida burger joint has endured recessions, 

multiple hurricanes, and competition from corporate franchises. She has 

grown along with Cheeseburger Baby, changing with each stage of the 

business lifecycle.

Vitori worked as a delivery driver before purchasing the business in 

2004. Since then, she’s expanded by purchasing two food trucks. She runs 

an open kitchen, which means customers can watch their 100% Angus 

beef cheeseburgers sizzle on the flat-top grill. 

Burgers are kept classic, no extra frills. “People 

feel at home,” Stephanie says. “You’re not just 

another table somebody has to serve.” Here, 

everybody feels like somebody, she says. So 

many people love a good cheeseburger, which 

is why all kinds of people are attracted to her 

restaurant. Cheeseburger Baby’s handcrafted 

patties have been featured on the Food 

Network and consumed by celebrities such as 

FUNDING PROGRAMS DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Smiling After the 

Storm

With SBA assistance, Stephanie Vitori rebuilt her Miami Beach, FL restaurant after Hurricane Irma.

written by Jess Walker

How I Did It

COURTESY OF THE SBA
 39

Jay-Z and Kanye West. Stephanie has met famous chefs “all through 

a cheeseburger.” But just as special to her is the Vietnamese couple 

who came in one day, speaking little English. They were eager to meet 

Stephanie and show her a napkin with “Cheeseburger Baby” scrawled 

on it. On the other side of the world, a friend had told them to come, 

so they did. It all just goes to show you, Stephanie says, people come 

together for a great cheeseburger.

Challenge

Despite these sweet moments, there have also been bitter ones. 

Hurricane Irma struck in 2017, and Cheeseburger Baby lost equipment 

and food supplies. Thirty percent of sales blew away with the wind. “It 

was a zombie zone in South Beach. People were scared to come since 

they thought everything was destroyed,” Stephanie says. “It was the 

roughest road I’ve ever traveled.”

Solution

An SBA disaster assistance loan aided Cheeseburger Baby’s recovery. 

The SBA provides direct low-interest loans to businesses of all sizes, 

nonprofits, homeowners, and renters to repair damage or replace 

property not covered by insurance or other forms of assistance. 

SBA disaster assistance loans can also be used to rebuild stronger, 

protecting your home or business against future damage caused by a 

disaster. The SBA also introduced Stephanie to her local Small 

DISASTER ASSISTANCE FUNDING PROGRAMS

What to do 

after a Disaster 

Declaration

After a disaster is declared 

by the President

Register with FEMA at 

disasterassistance.gov, or call (800) 621-3362, 

TTY 800-462-7585, or visit a Disaster Recovery 

Center. Locations can be found atfema.gov/drc. 

Businesses are automatically referred to the SBA. 

Most homeowners and renters will be referred 

by FEMA to the SBA to apply for disaster loan 

assistance. You must complete the SBA application 

to be considered for assistance. If the SBA cannot 

help you with a loan for all your needs, the SBA 

will in most cases refer you back to FEMA. If you do 

not complete an SBA application, you may not be 

considered for assistance from other agencies.

When you're affected by a disaster the SBA, the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency, and other organizations 

work together to provide assistance. Once immediate safety 

and security needs are met, the SBA helps get you and your 

community back to where you were before the disaster. Since 

low-interest SBA disaster assistance loans are government 

aid, creditworthiness and the ability to repay are taken into 

consideration before a loan is awarded.

Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program

Businesses affected by a Presidential disaster 

declaration are eligible to receive expedited 

financing through an SBA Express lender. These 

funds may be used for disaster-related purposes 

while the business waits for long-term financing 

through the SBA’s direct disaster loan program.

Loan Amount: $25,000

Terms: up to seven years

Guarantee: 50%

After a disaster is declared by the SBA

Businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, homeowners, 

and renters are eligible to apply 

for an SBA disaster assistance 

loan. Visit a Business Recovery 

Center or Disaster Loan 

Outreach Center in your area or 

visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to apply for a loan. 

You can also call the SBA customer service center 

at (800) 659-2955, TTY (800) 877-8339, and ask for 

an application package. FEMA grant assistance for 

homeowners or renters is not available under an 

SBA declaration.

Information you need to get started:

• address of damaged residence or business 

and contact information

• insurance information, including type of 

insurance, policy numbers, and amount 

received

• household and/or business income

• description of disaster-caused damage 

and losses

COURTESY OF THE SBA
40

FUNDING PROGRAMS DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Business Development Center, which 

provided assistance with financing 

options and marketing. She continues 

to meet with SBDC advisers every 

month to remain competitive in an 

ever-changing economy.

During disasters, the responsibility 

falls on the owner’s shoulders. But 

one lesson Stephanie has learned is 

the value in reaching out to others 

for assistance and counsel. While her 

brick-and-mortar restaurant was being 

rebuilt, she sold from a food truck. 

When the restaurant was operational 

again, she advertised that with 

spray paint on the plywood covering 

the broken windows. Stephanie 

and her wife, Gabrie Vitori, rebuilt 

Cheeseburger Baby by depending on 

each other and SBA assistance. See 

their story on YouTube by searching 

for the 2019 Phoenix Award for Small 

Business Disaster Recovery. “You’ve 

got to have resiliency. You’ve got 

to swallow your pride sometimes,” 

Stephanie says. “But you also have to 

believe in your product.”

Benefit

For Cheeseburger Baby, that product 

will continue satisfying the burger 

hankerings of locals, celebrities, and 

tourists alike. Vitori sees expansion in 

her future—she’d like to have a brickand-mortar restaurant and food truck 

in each growing town in South Florida. 

“My whole life is this. I’ve always felt 

a love for business ownership, ” Vitori 

says. “That drive keeps you going.” COURTESY OF THE SBA

Keep 

in 

mind

Since an SBA disaster 

assistance loan is a 

direct loan from the 

government, other 

organizations may 

reduce or not award 

you a grant if you have 

received an SBA loan 

or other assistance for 

your disaster loss. Be 

sure to check with the 

organization offering 

assistance to see how 

an SBA loan might 

affect your eligibility for 

their program. In general, recovery expenses 

covered by insurance, 

FEMA or other forms of 

assistance may reduce 

the amount provided 

by your SBA disaster 

assistance loan.

The SBA provides direct 

low-interest loans to 

businesses of all sizes, 

nonprofits, homeowners, 

and renters to repair 

or replace damaged 

property not covered 

by insurance or other 

forms of assistance. 

SBA disaster assistance 

loans can also be used 

to rebuild stronger, 

protecting your home or 

business against future 

damage caused by a 

disaster. For information 

visit sba.gov/disaster.

Get Ready

The Ready Business program, ready.gov/business, 

gives step-by-step guidance on how to prepare 

your business for a disaster. The series includes 

preparedness toolkits for earthquakes, hurricanes, 

inland flooding, power outages, and severe winds/

tornadoes. Spanish materials are available.
 41

DISASTER ASSISTANCE FUNDING PROGRAMS

Plan for an alternative location

Protect your documents Review insurance coverage 

Establish a solid supply chain 

Establish a communications plan 

Practice your plan with your staff 

Based on your location, assess your risk 

for every type of emergency. 

OPEN

• Identify several places to relocate your operations in case 

you must close your primary location for an extended time. 

• Consider creative options for available office space, including 

sharing space and resources with other businesses.

• Allow employees to telecommute until your location reopens.

• Contact your insurance agent to find out if your coverage 

is right for your business; make sure you understand the 

policy limits and deductibles.

• Ask about business interruption insurance, which 

compensates you for lost income and covers operating 

expenses if your company has to temporarily shut down 

because of a disaster.

• Keep copies of vital business documents in a digital 

format or in an accessible, protected off-site location.

• Discuss as a group how your plan would be affected by 

different types of disasters, such as an earthquake, tornado, 

flood, mudslight, or hurricane.

• If your vendors and suppliers are local and the disaster is widespread, you will all be in the same situation—

struggling to recover. Put a disaster response plan in place to get key supplies from companies outside your 

area. Create a contact list of contractors and vendors you plan to use.

• Test your calling tree or communications list to reach employees to ensure they and their families are safe.

Six essential preparedness steps for creating a continuity plan

The financial and emotional cost of rebuilding a business after a disaster can be overwhelming. 

With a business continuity plan in place, you can recover more quickly.Your plan also puts you 

in a better position to contribute to the economic recovery of your community.

Getting Back to Business:

1

2 3

4

5 6
42

FUNDING PROGRAMS

Eligible small businesses in the 

construction, supply, and service sectors 

better compete for contracting and 

subcontracting jobs using SBA-backed 

surety bonds.

How you benefit

Surety bonds help small businesses 

receive the bonding assistance they 

need to win contracts by providing the 

customer with a guarantee the work will 

be completed.

How surety bonds work

Many contracts require surety bonds, 

which are offered by surety companies. 

The SBA guarantee provides an incentive 

for surety companies to work with small 

businesses that would normally not be 

able to obtain the bond.

Is the program right 

for you?

Small businesses that often come to the 

SBA for surety bonds:

» startups and firms in business less 

than three years

» businesses with credit issues 

or internally prepared financial 

statements

» those who cannot secure bonding 

through regular commercial 

channels

» subcontractors with a desire to 

establish their own bonding as a 

prime contractor

» those wishing to increase their 

current bonding limits

SBA-backed surety bonds help small businesses succeed.

Surety Bonds

HOW THE SBA HELPED ME SUCCEED

With SBA-backed surety bonds, Frank Spencer III has been able to better compete for 

commercial and government contracts. Aztec Contractors of El Paso, TX received the 

bonding support it needed to compete for construction contracts with the General 

Services Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Mission and Installation 

Contracting Command. Frank acquired Aztec in 2006 with no capital and only two 

employees. Now he employs 25 full time and provides internship opportunities. Sales 

have grown to about $30 million annually. Aztec now qualifies for bonding in the 

standard surety market without SBA support. COURTESY OF AZTEC CONTRACTORS 
 43

FUNDING PROGRAMS

Ready to start? 

The SBA partners with 36 surety companies and hundreds of bonding agents. Find 

authorized agents at sba.gov/osg.

Do you want to discuss the advantages of the SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee program? 

Contact a bonding specialist:

Tamara E. Murray

Denver, CO

(303) 927-3479

Kevin Valdes

Seattle, WA

(206) 553-7277

Jennifer C. Bledsoe

Washington, DC

(202) 205-6153

For all contracts and subcontracts up to $6.5 million, the SBA 

guarantees bid, payment, performance, and ancillary bonds issued 

by surety companies. For federal contracts up to $10 million, the SBA 

makes a guarantee if it’s in the best interest of the government.

The SBA reimburses surety companies in case of default 90% of losses sustained for veteran & servicedisabled veteran, minority, 8(a), and HUBZone-certified small businesses; all projects up to $100,000 and 80% 

for all other small businesses.

For contracts under $400,000, the process is streamlined using the SBA’s QuickApp program.

» easy application

» no need to submit financials to the SBA

» online applications submitted to SBA authorized agents approved within hours

Need a surety bond 

guarantee fast?
44

Taking the Helm

Jennifer Rahn steers Admiral Engineering and Manufacturing to success as a government subcontractor.

written by Micaela Morrissette

How I Did It

COURTESY OF THE SBA

CONTRACTING

Doing Business with the Government
 45

J

ennifer Rahn was first 

hired as an office assistant 

at Phoenix, Arizona-based 

Admiral Engineering and 

Manufacturing Co. Rising 

to the top in a sector dominated by 

men, Rahn’s career sounds a lot like 

the classic American success story. She 

got there with the help of a mentor and 

business growth earned as a federal 

government subcontractor.

For 16 years, Rahn worked side-byside with then-owner David Schlosser, 

who became her mentor. Rahn says she 

learned “everything it takes to run a 

machine shop. I naturally just picked it 

up and wanted it.”

The learning curve was steep—

Admiral specializes in complex 

machined parts for industries including 

aerospace and communications—and 

Schlosser expected as much as he gave. 

“When I did something wrong, he told 

me, and I didn’t do that again,” Rahn 

said, laughing.

One of their largest clients, aerospace and defense company L3 

Technologies, nominated Admiral 

for the SBA Subcontractor of the 

Year award. As a subcontractor for L3 

Technologies, Rahn said she gets great 

satisfaction from knowing soldiers 

are able to communicate with their 

leaders because of parts her company 

has made.

When Schlosser decided to retire, he 

asked Rahn to purchase Admiral.

“He did not want to sell to a corporation that would bring in their own 

people or end up foreclosing,” Rahn 

says. “Then all your hard work is gone. 

I agreed because it was everything I had 

spent my life working on, too.”

In September 2017, she took over as 

owner and president. Ownership transition poses a unique set of challenges. 

Rahn wanted to maintain relationships 

with her existing clients, which include 

5Tips for Success:

Find a mentor.

I had a great mentor in my company, 

and I reached for opportunity when it 

was in front of me.

Always move forward.

The SBA has educational resources 

to improve your business know-how. 

To learn more about government 

contracting and SBA certification 

programs, call your local SBA 

district office or procurement center 

representative.

Compete smart.

See if your company can use the 

SBA Subcontracting Network 

database, https://eweb1.sba.gov/

subnet/client/dsp_Landing.cfm. 

SubNet connects businesses with 

subcontractors & small businesses 

with contract opportunities.

Know your industry.

I see everything; I have my hands in 

everything. I don’t want to expand to 

where I can’t do that anymore.

Build a team.

Everybody feels like this is our work 

family. My employees are as big a part 

of my company as I am, so I make 

sure they know that.

major government contractors. She’s 

grateful prime contractors have incentive to subcontract with small business, 

and that helps businesses like Admiral.

Rahn has plans to grow, but not in 

the typical ways. She’s investing in 

replacing equipment, enhancing efficiency and productivity while leading 

Admiral into new arenas like 3D printing. Because of the stability provided 

by being a government subcontractor, 

she’s able to do all of this. 

COURTESY OF THE SBA

CONTRACTING
46

Identify your product or service number at 

naics.com.

Search the FedBizOpps database (fbo.gov) to 

see if any federal agencies are looking for your 

product or service.

Attend an SBA district office workshop on 

contracting. Visit sba.gov/localassistance

to find your local office.

Talk to a local Small Business Development 

Center counselor (see page 8) or visit a 

Procurement Technical Assistance Program 

adviser. Find your closest center at aptac-us.org.

Obtain a free DUNS number at 

fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

Register with the System for Award 

Management (sam.gov) to start doing 

business with the government.

Are you eligible for SBA certification 

programs? Read more about the 8(a), 

woman-owned small business, and 

HUBZone programs. Find out if you are 

eligible and upload all required documents 

to certify.sba.gov.

How to do business 

with the government

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

CONTRACTING
 47

CONTRACTING

Does the government buy the 

product or service that you sell?

Are you capable of fulfilling 

a government contract (e.g., 

time, staffing, and materials)? 

Do you have an accounting 

system that produces financial 

statements, such as profit and 

loss statements, balance sheets, 

and cash flow projections?

Do you know where to find 

contracting opportunities?

Are you credit worthy?

Do you already have 

federal/state/local government 

contracting experience? 

Make sure you have:

 ∙ a DUNS number

 ∙ the NAICS codes and size standards

 for your industry

 ∙ SAM registration

Continue to question 2.

Start with your local SBA district 

office. If you can't identify at least 

three federal agencies that might 

buy what you sell, contracting might 

not be right for you.

∙ Is the majority owner(s) a U.S. citizen?

∙ Does your company have a place of 

 business in the U.S.?

∙ Is your business organized for profit? 

Government contracting may ∙ Does your business generate revenue?

not be for you at this time.

x

?

x Ask an SBA business opportunity 

specialist for help.

Your local SBA district office can 

help you gauge ramp-up time and 

other factors that contribute to 

government contracting success.

?

x Before you get into government 

contracting, make sure your 

accounting system is compatible 

with the government’s requirements.

x If you don't yet have contracting 

experience, you won't reap the full 

benefit of opportunities like the 

8(a) Business Development Program. 

You can participate in the 8(a) 

program once, so make sure it's the 

right time for you.

✓

✓ Continue to question 3.

✓ Continue to question 4.

✓ Continue to question 5.

✓ Continue to question 6.

Do you have cash on hand to 

purchase working inventory, if needed? 

x Talk to an SBA Lender about 

getting a line of credit or a loan to 

do business with the government.

✓ Continue to question 7.

✓ Continue to question 8.

✓ Continue to question 9.

Government Contracting

Is it for you?

Government contracting can be a valuable tool to grow your small business, but it isn’t for 

everyone. Complete the following readiness assessment to help you decide whether your 

company can successfully compete for government contracts.

? Talk to an SBA Lender 

about how to build credit.

x Visit an SBA Resource Partner 

for tips on repairing your credit.

x This is a requirement for 

participation in some government 

contracting programs.

It sounds like you may be a good fit for government contracting! 

Visit your local SBA district office or sba.gov/contracting for more information.

✓ Continue below.

x These are requirements for 

participation in government 

contracting programs.

Confirm your answer to all 

of the following:

Government Contracting OPEN

Is it right for you? Government contracting can be a valuable tool to grow your small business, but 

it isn't for everyone. Complete the following readiness assessment to help you decide whether your 

company can successfully compete for government contracts. 
48

CONTRACTING

SBA Certification Programs

Contracting certification programs are 

designed to help you better compete 

for and win federal contracts set aside 

for small businesses. Visit sba.gov/

contracting to learn more about setasides and whether one or more of these 

government certification programs is right 

for your business. To see if you are eligible 

and then certify as a woman-owned, 

HUBZone, 8(a), or All Small business, visit 

certify.sba.gov.

8(a) Business 

Development Program

If you’re an entrepreneur who is socially 

or economically disadvantaged, you 

may be eligible to receive business 

training and government contracting 

assistance through the 8(a) Business 

Development Program, sba.gov/8a. 

It includes free business development 

education, training workshops, and 

match-making opportunities with federal 

buyers. Firms owned by Alaska Native 

Corporations, Indian tribes, Native 

Hawaiian organizations, and Community 

Development Corporations are also 

eligible for 8(a) business development 

assistance.

To be eligible for the 8(a) program, your 

small business must:

» be owned and controlled by U.S. citizens 

who are socially and/or economically 

disadvantaged

» demonstrate at least a two-year track 

record and have potential for continued 

success

» have a net worth and adjusted gross 

income of less than $250,000 and assets 

under $4 million

HOW THE SBA HELPED 

ME SUCCEED

September Myres knew that becoming a 

government contractor would empower herself 

and other native peoples, while also growing 

her small business to the next level. She sought 

business development assistance from the SBA, 

qualifying for the SBA 8(a) Business Development 

Program, which helps small disadvantaged 

businesses compete in the federal marketplace. 

This program helped September strategically 

grow her company to become a competitive force 

in the environmental services industry. Sundance 

Consulting of Pocatello, ID has won contracts 

from the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. 

Forest Service. She has continually secured 

Department of Defense contracts to improve 

Native American lands adversely affected by past 

department activities. September often assists 

Native American tribes and Alaska Native villages 

with developing projects and community plans.

American Indians, Alaska Natives, and native 

Hawaiians seeking entreprenurial development 

training can start, grow, and expand their 

business with the help of the SBA, sba.gov/

naa. The Office of Native American Affairs 

also consults with tribal governments prior to 

finalizing SBA policies affecting tribes.

COURTESY OF THE SUNDANCE CONSULTING

Socially disadvantaged: those subjected 

to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias 

without regard to their individual qualities 

because of their identity as members 

of certain groups. The following groups 

often fit this status: Black Americans, 

Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native 

Hawaiians, Hispanic Americans, Asian 

Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian 

Americans. A person who is not a member 

of one of these groups must establish that 

it is more likely than not that he or she has 

suffered social disadvantage.

Economically disadvantaged: those whose 

ability to compete in the marketplace has 

been impaired because they have not had 

as much capital and credit opportunities 

compared to others in the same or similar 

line of business.

The benefits of the 8(a) program:

» You are assigned an SBA professional to 

help coordinate business development 

assistance.

» You could be awarded an 8(a) sole-source 

contract up to $4 million for goods and 

services, $7 million for manufacturing, 

exceptions apply.

8(a) small business that can provide the 

needed services. This is an accelerated 

process saving time for both you and the 

government agency or office.

All Small Mentor-Protege 

Program

Looking for an opportunity to partner with 

a more experienced firm for mentorship? 

That effort can be rewarded in the All 

Small Mentor-Protege Program, sba.gov/

allsmallmpp. At the same time you’re gaining 

invaluable direction and experience, you and 

your mentor can compete for government 

contracts, further growing your business.

To qualify for this program:

» Proteges must have a mentor prior to 

applying for the program. Visit your local 

SBA office for guidance. Ask about the SBA’s 

Resource Partners and the Procurement 

Technical Assistance Program for help in 

connecting you with a mentor business.

Your business could earn profit and gain valuable work experience by providing goods or services to 

the government.
 49

Women-Owned Small Business 

Certification

If you're a woman proprietor looking to sell to the federal 

government, you may be eligible for the Women-Owned Small 

Business certification, sba.gov/wosb. 

Here’s how to get certified:

• Your business must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more 

women who are U.S. citizens. The ownership must be direct and unconditional.

• A woman must hold the highest officer position and have managerial experience 

required to run the business.

• One or more women must manage the daily business operations on a full-time 

basis and conduct long-term decision making and planning.

To qualify as an economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business, your 

company must meet these criteria and the business owner and/or manager must 

meet certain income and asset requirements.

• Register with the System for Award Management (sam.gov) to start doing business with the government.

• Update your status as a woman-owned small business in sam.gov.

• Search the FedBizOpps database (fbo.gov) for your new business opportunity.

Self-certify as a woman-owned small business or an economically disadvantaged 

woman-owned small business for free, or obtain certification from one of the SBA’s 

approved third-party certifiers (which costs a fee):

• El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

• National Women Business Owners Corporation

• U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce

• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

All required documents must be uploaded to certify.sba.gov prior to submitting 

an offer on a contract set aside for the program.

1. Make sure you’re eligible

2. Register

4. Update your status

5. Search the database

3. Certify

» You must be certified as a small business 

within your NAICS industry classification 

(naics.com).

» Mentors and proteges must be 

organized for profit or as an agricultural 

cooperative.

» Mentors cannot own more than 40% 

equity in the protege’s business.

» An SBA determination of affiliation must 

not exist between the mentor and the 

protege. All Small-approved partnerships 

receive an exclusion of affiliation for 

contracting purposes.

HUBZone

Businesses located in Historically 

Underutilized Business Zones, sba.gov/

hubzone, can gain special access to federal 

contracts. To qualify for the certification, 

your small business must:

» be owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, 

a Community Development Corporation, 

an agricultural cooperative, Indian tribal 

government, Alaska Native Corporation, 

or a Native Hawaiian organization

» have a principal office located in a 

HUBZone, which includes Indian 

reservations and military facilities closed 

by the Base Realignment and Closure Act. 

Enter your address in our interactive map, 

maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/map, to 

see if you qualify.

» have at least 35% of your employees 

living in a HUBZone

Service-Disabled 

Veterans

If you’re a service-disabled veteran looking 

to enter the federal marketplace, you 

may be eligible for this small business 

certification. To determine your eligibility, 

contact a veterans business development 

officer at your local SBA office, or the SBA’s 

Office of Veterans Business Development, 

sba.gov/ovbd. After you have set up to do 

business with the government in sam.gov, 

update your status as a service-disabled 

veteran business. Keep in mind, the SBA 

does not officially certify this designation, 

so when a contract awarded based on 

this eligibility is protested, the SBA will 

determine if your business meets the 

eligibility status, ownership, and 

control requirements.

CONTRACTING
50

CONTRACTING

By the Numbers

The U.S. government is the largest single 

purchaser of goods and services in the 

world. Every year it awards more than 

$500 billion 

in contracts.

Of those prime 

contracts, the federal 

government must set 

aside 23 percent 

for small businesses. 

This includes: • 5 percent for small 

disadvantaged businesses

• 5 percent for women-owned 

small businesses

• 3 percent for HUBZonecertified small businesses • 3 percent for service-disabled 

veteran-owned small businesses

An O’Fallon Casting Inc. employee at 

work in O’Fallon, MO. Owner Vince 

Gimeno grew his business thanks to 

expert SBA business counseling.

Get Expert 

Contracting & 

Certification Help

Federal contracting can be complex, 

but you don’t have to do it alone. A 

Procurement Technical Assistance 

Center adviser can help you determine 

if your business is ready for government 

contracting. An adviser can also help 

you register in the System for Award 

Management (sam.gov), and see if 

you’re eligible for any small business 

certifications and/or programs. 

One-on-one counseling is free or low 

cost. Visit sba.gov/localassistance

to find your local SBA office or an SBA 

Resource Partner near you (see page 8).

Procurement Technical 

Assistance Center

Kentucky PTAC

200 W. Vine St., suite 420

Lexington

(859) 251-6019

kyptac.com

State Director Dr. Darrall Henderson

kyptacinfo@kstc.com
 51
52