Jamie Johnson recently began her role as Business Coach at the Owensboro office of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, where she’ll provide specialized coaching and services to local organizations.
The Owensboro SBDC office was vacated in September 2019, when Murray State did not renew their host agreement with the state office. The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation has been working with the state SBDC office since that time to secure funding and move forward with a presence in that office.
“I am excited that the Small Business Development Center will once again have a large presence in our community,” Johnson said. “I am ready to be a part of helping small businesses open, grow, and thrive. The SBDC will help bring jobs and revenue into the Greater Owensboro area.”
The Kentucky SBDC has been assisting the Commonwealth’s small business community for 40 years. Kentucky SBDC provides essential business coaching and training services that help existing business owners and potential entrepreneurs succeed.
Johnson’s role will include providing services such as one-on-one business coaching, training workshops, market research, loan packaging help, assistance with financial projections, and information needed to make informed business decisions.
“We are thrilled to have Jamie fill the role as Business Coach for the Kentucky SBDC,” said Brittaney Johnson, President/CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. “The Kentucky SBDC is a valuable resource for small businesses, and we are excited to have the presence and partner organization back in the Greater Owensboro region.”
Kristina Joyce, State Director of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, said they are happy to welcome Johnson as their newest business coach.
“Jamie’s background and skillset will provide an excellent resource to the entrepreneurs of the Owensboro area,” Joyce said. “Small business owners are looking for assistance now, more than ever before, and we are excited to have Jamie fill that need.”
A native of Owensboro, Johnson has been working in different capacities in the Greater Owensboro region for the last 10 years. She’s held positions at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, the Convention Center, and Marshall Ventures, and she is also a published author.
Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate and organizational communication from Western Kentucky University and is a graduate of the Leadership Owensboro Class of 2013. She has also served as a director on the Girls Inc. and Owensboro Dance Theatre boards. She and her husband Logan have two young sons, Henry and Simon.
“Thank you to the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation for partnering with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center to help bring the Owensboro office back,” Johnson said. “I am excited to partner with the GO EDC as I’m settling into my new role.”
