Graphic: Building the Economy, Impacting Lives
Home > News & Events > Kentucky Small Business Development Center Granted National Accreditation

Kentucky Small Business Development Center Granted National Accreditation Program honored at national conference in Denver

9/25/2007

Lexington, KY - The Kentucky Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) joins an elite group of SBDCs after receiving full accreditation from the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC), the national accrediting body for Small Business Development Centers.  Only 20% 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.  The Kentucky SBDC received recognition of this accomplishment at the ASBDC’s national conference held in Denver.

“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.

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 employees
  • 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
  • State Director Becky Naugle’s 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.