LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 5, 2022)—The Kentucky Small Business Development Center announced 10 winners of the 2022 Pacesetter awards during the annual Kentucky Celebrates Small Business celebration, held in Frankfort at the Capitol Rotunda. It was the first in-person awards ceremony since 2019 due to COVID-19.
This year, the Pacesetter awards were divided into two categories: Traditional Pacesetters and Startup Business Pacesetters. The awards recognize high-performing, second-stage and startup businesses that are producing innovative products, increasing sales, creating jobs and serving Kentucky communities.
“It takes a lot to succeed, and even more to advance, as a small business,” said Kristina Joyce, Kentucky Small Business Development Center state director. “These businesses prove their strength and commitment to our communities, to their employees and to our Kentucky economy, both by investing in their startups and then by staying the course.”
Each winning business was given a trophy to display in their place of business, and a video about their organization. The following businesses received 2022 Kentucky Pacesetter recognition:
Traditional Pacesetters:
- Equus Run Vineyards, LLC, Midway
- Hand Therapy PlusTotal Body Rehab, Owensboro
- Lenoxburg General Store, Lenoxburg
- Southern Prep, Pikeville
- Stevie Ray’s Blues Bar, Louisville
- Universal Spartan, LLC, Vine Grove
Startup Pacesetters:
- Pho KYtchen, LLC, Lexington
- Pirogue’s Cajun Food Truck, Glasgow
- Salt of the Earth Halotherapy, Paducah
- Yocum’s Ag Repair, LLC, Woodburn
The Kentucky Small Business Development Center has been assisting the commonwealth’s small-business community since 1981. Through its statewide 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. Our 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.
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Kentucky SBDC is funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U. S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of SBA
UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, through its land-grant mission, reaches across the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension to enhance the lives of Kentuckians.