New program looks to help entrepreneurs

A new program developed by the Kentucky Small Business Development Center is aiming to help entrepreneurs jump-start their companies and put them on the path to success.

The organization is working to expand the state's arts business through a program called Access to Market, which will provide entrepreneurs with step-by-step business coaching, product development and pricing expertise, according to a news release from the development center.

The program will be funded partly by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration and will select 50 artisan businesses in Kentucky to participate in the program based on an application process.

Participants in the program will get the chance to achieve an online presence through websites and social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Those who participate in the program will also get a chance to develop wholesale clients and move from local to regional to national sales, the release reported.

There are more than 6,700 arts-related businesses in Kentucky that employ more than 24,000 people, which can prove the new program to be extremely helpful to those looking for a chance to expand their business and receive help starting a successful small business marketing plan for their company.

According to Business Journals, small businesses can benefit from knowing their clientele, finding better ways to reach out to them, and making sure they are connecting with their customers and others who might be in need of the product or services the company is offering. Accommodating clients, delivering promises that were made and not being afraid to ask clients for an endorsement of a company's product or services are also important in making sure a business gets the most out of its marketing efforts.