We're named Small Business for a reason.
The Kentucky Small Business Development Center in Louisville is the premier small business resource in Greater Louisville. We give small business owners and entrepreneurs the tools they need to successfully start and grow a business in Louisville. Along with one-on-one business coaching by Certified Business Advisers, we also provide business training at no or low cost.
It's not just about what we do for companies — it’s how we do it.
We know starting and growing a business can be challenging. At the Small Business Development Center, our team stands ready to help you achieve your business goals. We've assembled an expert team of professional business coaches who believe in entrepreneurs and small business owners. With a combined 40+ years of experience, we know how to cut through the process and bring your vision to life. We are committed to your success and will be with you each step of the way – all at no cost to you.
Our Team
The Kentucky SBDC in Louisville provides one-on-one coaching at no cost to existing and potential entrepreneurs in the Louisville region. We also meet the educational needs of the local small business community by offering a variety of low-cost training programs taught by industry experts and qualified SBDC coaches.
left to right: Tiffany Shumake, Janet Flaugh, Dave Oetken, Claire Bridges, and Rhonda Jones.
Dave Oetken, MBA, CPM, EDFP. CM&AA, CEPA
Center Director, Senior Business Coach
Dave has worked with the KSBDC for since 2011. Dave began his business career in the sports/entertainment industry, primarily in ice skating and ice hockey. He has owned and managed three ice rinks and earned the Manager of the Year award from the Ice Skating Institute of America. In addition, Dave was operations manager for several professional ice hockey teams in both the East Coast Hockey League and the American Hockey League. He has also owned, operated and sold several businesses in the food manufacturing industry. From there he moved into the restaurant field, owning and operating a number of franchise concepts. Since 2005 he has owned Louisville News Company, one of the largest distributors of thoroughbred horse publications in the eastern United States. David has a B.A. and M.B.A. from Bellarmine University. Dave has his Export and Trade Counseling Certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration. He is an Economic Development Finance Professional, a Certified Commercial Property Manager, Certified Mergers & Acquisition Advisor and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor
Claire Bridges
Business Coach
Claire has a background in management, sales, and operations. Prior to joining the Kentucky SBDC in Louisville in 2022, she spent 10 years growing the Mayan Cafe, a Latin-inspired farm-to-table restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. Most notably, Claire led the expansion and unprecedented growth of the Mayan Cafe Catering business. Claire also holds a real estate license and currently serves clients in Louisville and surrounding counties. A graduate of the University of Louisville, Claire holds a B.A. in music and continues to perform professionally. Through her diverse experience, she recognizes that building an intentional and authentic community is beneficial to individuals and small businesses and uses this to inform her work as a business coach.
Janet Flaugh
Communications and Community Outreach Director
Janet Flaugh has worked with the Louisville SBDC since 2006. Before joining the KSBDC she served as director of volunteer services for the Kentucky Center for the Arts community and still enjoys Louisville’s vibrant arts scene as a patron. Janet has a B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University. When not at work, Janet enjoys anything outdoors – ranging from camping, hiking, kayaking/rafting, fishing to gardening and nature photography.
Tiffany Shumake
Business Coach
Tiffany has an extensive background in data analytics, small business planning and minority certifications. Tiffany is the owner of 3 small businesses all located in Louisville, Kentucky. Tiffany takes pride in entrepreneurship. She is always willing to go the extra mile. Tiffany is a community volunteer and has served on several boards. Tiffany has an Associate degree in Business Administration from Jefferson Community Technical College. When not working Tiffany enjoys spending time with family and taking vacations.
Rhonda Jones
Business Coach
Rhonda Jones joined the Kentucky SBDC in Louisville team in 2020 as an expert in financial analysis, business management, and sales. Rhonda earned her EMBA from Bellarmine University, as well as professional certification from the American College of Financial Services. Jones has previous experience working with the Kentucky SBDC, but most recently with RR Jones & Associates.
Community Impact
In the last 5 years, we've helped start new businesses, raise funding, and created new jobs.
203 new businesses
$58.8 million in business loans, Equity, and COVID19 Relief
895 new jobs and 510 jobs retained
Partners
We are part of America's SBDC national network comprised of over 1,000 Centers across the U.S., including 12 in Kentucky. The Louisville Small Business Development Center is a public / private partnership supported in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Kentucky. We serve a nine county district including Bullitt, Carroll, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Owen, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble.
