A client of the Eastern Kentucky University Small Business Development Center (EKU SBDC) recently received the Kentucky Small Business Administration Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Josh Barrett, managing member of Josh Barrett & Associates, LLC, Richmond, was honored at the SBA Kentucky Small Business Awards program in Frankfort on May 3. The firm handles real estate sales, property management and investments.
“This young man possesses a drive that is rare to find, and it is an honor to work with someone who has the intangibles that distinguish greatly successful entrepreneurs from those treading water,” said Jason Rainey, assistant director of the EKU SBDC, in his nomination of Barrett.
“As a mission-based organization, our goal at EKU SBDC is to work with clients and help them realize their dreams and business goals,” Rainey added. “I began working with Josh while he was a student at EKU, and it has been great to see his growth and success these past few years.”
Barrett said he was “most honored to receive this award. I am very blessed and daily thank God for the ability to live and grow in this beautiful Commonwealth. I am so thankful for the growth my businesses have seen in the past years, and I hope that we can continue to grow and excel, touching people’s lives for the better, giving to those in need, and continuing active involvement in our amazing community.”
Kentucky House Majority Leader Jonathan Shell called Barrett’s award “a testament to his hard work, professionalism and entrepreneurial spirit. It is extremely impressive for a young man like Josh to have already achieved such a high level of success, and I expect nothing but continued excellence from him in the future.”
More than 150 attended the awards ceremony, held in the Capitol Rotunda. Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton and Secretary of State Allison Grimes were on hand to assist in the presentation of awards.
For more information about services available through the EKU SBDC, visit sbdc.eku.edu or call 859-622-1384.