America's #1 Trusted Small Business Development Network Celebrates 35 Years Business has changed dramatically in the last 35 years, from the introduction of new technologies to the expansion of global trade. And America's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network has been there throughout -- helping small businesses succeed, and helping aspiring entrepreneurs achieve the American dream of owning their own business. 

"America's small businesses are truly the engine of economic growth, and for 35 years, America's SBDCs have been like spark plugs helping to keep that engine going," said Charles "Tee" Rowe, President of America's SBDC.

Today, a new business is opened by an SBDC in-depth client every 33 minutes; a new job is created in the U.S. by an SBDC in-depth client every 7 minutes; $100,000 in new sales are generated by SBDC in-depth clients every 4 minutes; and $100,000 in capital is obtained by SBDC in-depth clients every 15 minutes. 

America's SBDC network is a partnership that includes the U.S. Congress, SBA, the private sector, and the colleges, universities and state governments that manage SBDCs across the nation. SBDCs provide management and technical assistance to an estimated one million small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs each year. Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can go to their local SBDCs for free, face-to-face business consulting and at-cost training on writing business plans, accessing capital, marketing, regulatory compliance, international trade and more. 

The 35-year story of how America's Small Business Development Center Network grew -- from a small pilot program to a nationwide business education and training infrastructure with nearly 1,000 centers throughout the nation providing management and technical assistance to over a million Americans annually -- is a unique one. It chronicles the commitment of key federal lawmakers, training professionals, college and university officials, state and local policymakers, private and public sector partners, dedicated SBDC personnel, an active trade association and, most of all, the millions of small business men and women who have come to America's SBDCs seeking to improve their lives through America's free enterprise system. 

Celebrating 35 years to us doesn't mean looking back, it means looking to the next 35 years and where our network is going and what we are doing that is changing and revolutionizing the small business world. To learn more about what the SBDC program in your state is doing for small business, go to the SBDC locator and find out how SBDCs are helping businesses start, grow and thrive where you live. 

To learn more about America's SBDC or find your local SBDC, visit AmericasSBDC.org today!

Living a dream is what owner Kathy Welch says she has been doing for the past four years. She has always wanted to own and operate her own business doing something she loves. Welch first met with Management Consultant Michelle Spriggs with the Morehead State University Small Business Development Center in September 2010 discussing her idea to open a small business concentrating in the field of medical billing. Welch had more than 20 years of experience in the field so her desire and expertise were certainly geared for this business.

In December 2010, Genesis Billing and Solutions Inc. was opened and Welch's dream had become a reality. She began her business with two employees and handling the medical billing for two local physician offices within Eastern Kentucky. Fast forward four years and Welch employees have doubled. She handles the medical billing for nine physicians and collections for five medical professionals. Genesis Billing and Solutions Inc. currently services Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. Genesis Billing and Solutions Inc. have expanded its services to offer medical billing in general surgery, M.D., podiatry, chiropractic, mental health, durable medical equipment, gynecology and collections.
Welch has been fortunate in her struggles in owning and operating her small business. She has made every effort in keeping overhead to a minimum and meeting the needs of all her clients. Her biggest challenge has been staying current with government requirements and all that it requires to run this type of business when dealing with and receiving monies from the government.

"I am truly blessed to be living my dream. Michelle and the SBDC have been instrumental in assisting me with the challenges I have encountered in my business and the growth I have experienced," said Welch.

Business hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information Genesis Billing is located at 202 Irene Street, Suite 102, Prestonsburg or call Welch at 606-886-6606. You can also visit their website at letusbillforyou.com