Kentucky Small Business Development Center granted national accreditation
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 15, 2007) - The Kentucky Small Business Development Center (KSBDC), headquartered at the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics, joins an elite group of SBDCs after receiving full accreditation from the Association of Small Business Development Centers, the national accrediting body for Small Business Development Centers. Only 20 percent of SBDC programs nationwide receive full accreditation without conditions.
The accreditation review process, mandated by Congress, is based on standards influenced by Malcolm Baldridge to ensure that SBDC programs are operating efficiently and effectively. Baldridge was U.S. Secretary of commerce from 1981 until his death in a rodeo accident in July 1987. He was a proponent of quality management as a key to this country's prosperity and long-term strength.
“This review confirms the KSBDC is the premier provider of services and resources for small businesses who continue to be the driving force innovating communities and boosting Kentucky’s economy,” said Becky Naugle, state director of the KSBDC.
The review team, comprised of representatives of SBDCs in Oklahoma and Washington, conducted on-site assessments and interviewed employees in each of the 15 KSBDC service centers. The team evaluated several areas of the KSBDC including leadership and organizational management, service delivery, client and stakeholder support and program performance. The review team recognized the KSBDC for several program accomplishments including:
The accreditation review process, mandated by Congress, is based on standards influenced by Malcolm Baldridge to ensure that SBDC programs are operating efficiently and effectively. Baldridge was U.S. Secretary of commerce from 1981 until his death in a rodeo accident in July 1987. He was a proponent of quality management as a key to this country's prosperity and long-term strength.
“This review confirms the KSBDC is the premier provider of services and resources for small businesses who continue to be the driving force innovating communities and boosting Kentucky’s economy,” said Becky Naugle, state director of the KSBDC.
The review team, comprised of representatives of SBDCs in Oklahoma and Washington, conducted on-site assessments and interviewed employees in each of the 15 KSBDC service centers. The team evaluated several areas of the KSBDC including leadership and organizational management, service delivery, client and stakeholder support and program performance. The review team recognized the KSBDC for several program accomplishments including:
- Extraordinary support from all university hosts.
- A statewide staff of highly qualified and educated aligning strategic goals with performance expectations through the implementation of a performance leadership system.
- Creative programs and outreach that impacts small businesses and benefits stakeholders.
- The development of a great leadership system and effective program of services to small business and entrepreneurs.
Accreditation reviews are conducted every four years. Without being accredited, programs risk losing federal funding.
The Kentucky Small Business Development Center is a network of 15 service centers located throughout the Commonwealth that help start-up and existing businesses succeed by offering one-on-one management consultations, expert-led training workshops and a variety of resources. To find the service center nearest to you visit the KSBDC Web site.
connect with us