Small Town Merchant Program
Independent retailers and restaurants are the heart and soul of small towns and main streets across Kentucky. Successful retailers build vibrant downtown destinations, but they face unique challenges ranging from inventory control, advertising, merchandising and staffing, to big box competition.
The Kentucky SBDC Small Town Merchant Program includes hands-on initiatives and resources designed to address the specific needs of retail and restaurant businesses.
Local organizations such as Main Street programs, Chambers of Commerce, Retail and Restaurant Associations and others can work with the Kentucky SBDC Small Town Merchant Program to deliver targeted, relevant guidance that local business owners can put to use immediately. The Small Town Merchant Program will kick-off in January 2013 with a series of workshops held across the state. These two hour sessions will feature National Retail Consultant Marc Willson and focus on the timely topic of staying relevant to a changed customer. Following the session, several attendees’ will be chosen to receive a special business audit by Willson himself.
Small Town Merchant Program highlights:
- Individual, Comprehensive Retail Business Checkup and Restaurant Check-up
- Confidential, On-site Business Audit
- Continuing business assistance from local SBDC consultants
For more information on the Small Town & Merchant Program please contact your local Kentucky SBDC.
View some of the highlights from one of Marc’s sessions in the video below:
