Every year, the Kentucky Small Business Development Center administers the state’s small business awards, awarding the small business of the year, young entrepreneur of the year, and more.

This year, Regina Becknell of MACED’s Paintsville office was awarded the 2019 Small Business Administration Microlender Financial Services Advocate of the Year!

This summer will mark 15 years since Regina joined MACED’s staff. She is a project specialist who works with local entrepreneurs to discuss their business ideas and see them through the lending process if it is right for them. Starting a business can be intimidating, and Regina finds ways to make it more approachable. Many clients who work with Regina appreciate her one-on-one attention and have found her tips instrumental to their success!

Regina started at MACED in July 2004. A graduate of Berea College, she recently served as the president of the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce in Prestonsburg and worked part-time for the Morehead State University Small Business Development Center. She has years of experience in fundraising, marketing, finance, design, leadership initiatives, economic development and technical assistance to businesses. Regina has also served as board member for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives and has been a member of the Kentucky Industrial Development Council and Prestonsburg Rotarian. Contact Regina at rbecknell@maced.org or 606-264-5910.

This is an excerpt from a story provided by MACED, a Blueprint partner of SOAR. The full story can be found on their website here.