Local entrepreneurs fill Hal Rogers Student Commons to learn about state incentive programs

Small business owners from across the community filled Somerset Community College’s Hal Rogers Student Commons on June 21 ready to learn about state incentives that can help their enterprises grow. 

Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) President and CEO Chris Girdler said the workshop, a partnership between his organization and the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, was one of the most well attended in SPEDA’s history. 

“We received incredibly positive feedback about this workshop, from the knowledge of the folks at the Kentucky Innovation Office to the quality of the information presented,” Girdler said. “We are thrilled to partner with our friends at the Chamber to provide events like these, which give valuable insight for business owners on ways they can thrive in the marketplace. Small businesses are crucial to our economy and this workshop is hopefully the first of many that provide resources to them.”

The workshop was presented by Kristine McNeil and Tori Wood, project managers for the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s Innovation Office. They shared information about the Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit, loan support options, and how small tech companies can leverage an Angel Tax Credit program to attract investors.

Bobby Clue, executive director of the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber, said providing informational sessions like these is crucial in supporting small businesses, which are “the backbone of our country’s economy.”

“We are proud to partner with SPEDA to bring quality speakers and training opportunities into our local community to provide our business community with the resources they need to succeed in today’s ever-changing economy,” Clue said.

Watch SPEDA’s Facebook page (@spedaky) and website for more information about future workshops.