Local small business development leader spotlights program helping prospective business owners

Henry Snorton III leads the Small Business and Entrepreneurial Development Resource Center, and at Tuesday’s Hopkinsville Rotary Club meeting, he spotlighted how the organization supports small business development in Christian County.

The resource center, formerly known as Minority Economic Development Initiative, was launched in 1988 and was a part of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council. The organization later joined the Christian County Chamber of Commerce, before becoming an independent nonprofit in 2009.

The resource center provides financial and educational assistance to support new and existing local small businesses. Since 1988, Snorton says the resource center has helped create over 650 jobs and leverage over $6.5 million in capital investments. The resource center receives funding from the City of Hopkinsville, Christian County Government and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Snorton says their organization was one of the first to support business developments on 6th Street in Hopkinsville.

The resource center hosts a wide variety of programs to support small business development. For small business startups, Snorton says they offer micro loans to folks who may not be eligible for a loan through a bank.

Then, the resource center also hosts transitional assistance classes for Fort Campbell soldiers near retirement who might want to start their own business.

To bring visitors to Christian County, the resource center helps host community and sports events. Snorton says they started the local African American Historic Site Tour, which later evolved into the African American Cellphone Tour.

Starting on November 16, the resource center is set to host its Startup Hoptown and Business Growth Training Series. In the series, folks can learn about sales, customer service and strategic planning. Those interested in registering can call 270-885-8885. More information about the resource center is available at yourlocalstartupcenter.org.

Local small business development leader spotlights program helping prospective business owners

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