The Kentucky Small Business Development Center recently named Kevin Norvell, the state office’s program coordinator, as its State Star.  

Each year, America’s Small Business Development Center calls on each network to recognize their State Star. The State Star is an SBDC employee who exhibits the criteria of an exemplary performer by making a significant contribution to their SBDC program and showing a strong commitment to small business.  

Norvell recently was recognized at the America’s SBDC State Star Virtual Award Ceremony and will be again at the 41st Annual America’s SBDC National Conference  in September. 

“The Kentucky SBDC is proud to announce Kevin Norvell as our 2021 Kentucky SBDC State Star,” said Kristina Joyce, director of KSBDC. “Kevin has been with the Kentucky SBDC for 11 years and has worn many hats while with the network. As the program coordinator at the state office, Kevin is the “coach of the coaches” and works with business coaches to ensure they have access to the tools, information and the resources to help Kentucky small businesses succeed. We are honored to have Kevin as an integral key to the success of the Kentucky SBDC and thrilled to have him represent our network as our 2021 State Star.”  

“It’s a great honor to be selected by my co-workers and peers,” Norvell said. “My role as the program coordinator is especially fulfilling, as I see first-hand the growth and success of our business coaches as they work with small-business owners and entrepreneurs across Kentucky.  Access to the ceremony, along with each network’s State Star is available at  https://americassbdc.org/state-stars-save-the-date-2020-2021/. 

The Kentucky Small Business Development Center has been assisting the state’s small-business community since 1981. Through its growing network of centers and an experienced and knowledgeable staff, the Kentucky SBDC provides unparalleled business coaching and training services that help existing business owners and potential entrepreneurs succeed. Their services include one-on-one business coaching, training workshops, market research, loan packaging help, assistance with financial projections and information needed to make informed business decisions. Kentucky SBDC is co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and is administered by the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in partnership with regional academic institutions, economic development organizations, the private sector and the commonwealth of Kentucky.