SOMERSET, KY – Three SKED clients were among 12 Kentucky small businesses honored as high performing by the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Small Business Administration at the annual Kentucky Celebrates Small Business event in Lexington this week.
McCauley Egg Company, located in Mount Vernon, Dollhouse Daycare, of Columbia, and Lollipop Kidz Child Care Center, located in Beattyville, were each presented with the SBDC’s Pacesetter Award at the event.
The Kentucky Pacesetter Award recognizes high-performing traditional, startup, and legacy small businesses that are producing innovative products, increasing sales, creating jobs and serving communities of the Commonwealth.
“Kentucky’s entrepreneurs continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, innovation and leadership. Small businesses are the foundation of communities across the Commonwealth, and we are proud to celebrate the outstanding business owners who continue to create jobs, strengthen local economies and inspire future entrepreneurs,” said Kristina Joyce, Kentucky SBDC state director.
Jesse and Leslie McCauley lead McCauley Egg Company as third-generation owners, working daily to maintain the values of quality and care that have guided the 72-year-old family-owned business, ensuring it will pass on to their children someday.
With support from SKED and its small business loan fund, the McCauleys were able to finance the purchase of the business from Jesse’s father in 2024. SKED’s assistance enabled the company to continue serving its customers and navigating economic challenges.
“We (McCauley Egg Company) are honored to be selected as a recipient of the SBDC Pacesetter Award,” said Jesse McCauley. “Our business has been the backbone of our family since 1954, and we are grateful to continue its legacy and for our efforts to be recognized by the SBDC.”
SKED, collaborating with the SBDC through its Kentucky Childcare Initiative, was instrumental in helping Tanya and Michael Moore open Lollipop Kidz Child Care. Recognizing the need for quality childcare as the community’s Moore Care Clinic expanded in Beattyville, the childcare initiative helped the Moores bring their vision to life when they opened the center more than a year ago.
The Kentucky Childcare Initiative assisted the Moores in securing the resources needed to bring their innovative curriculum to life. The childcare center is now a well-equipped and purpose-driven space serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers where it’s needed most.
“Amanda (Kelly) and SKED have been such a blessing to all of us at Lollipop Kidz Childcare,” Moore said. “Her commitment, caring heart, guidance, and unwavering support have helped shape our center in so many meaningful ways. Thank you, Amanda, for believing in us. Lollipop Kidz is better because of you.”
With assistance from SKED’s small business loan program and business coaching from Kyle Mann of the Southeastern Kentucky SBDC, Audreanna and Austin Bradshaw purchased a successful daycare in the heart of their hometown. Their partnership with SKED is enabling them to expand and improve the facility to meet Columbia’s growing demand for childcare.
The Bradshaws operate Dollhouse Daycare, the largest capacity childcare facility in Columbia.
“SKED and Kyle (Mann), with the SBDC, helped the process of purchasing my daycare a breeze,” Bradshaw said. “From day one, of just tossing around ideas to currently seeing those business plans in action and helping me with any questions I may have.”
SKED Small Business Training Director Amanda Kelly has provided free technical assistance to each of these businesses over the past two years.
“It has been an honor to celebrate these incredible Kentucky small businesses and to see companies like McCauley Egg Company, Dollhouse Daycare, and Lollipop Kidz Child Care Center recognized,” Kelly said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with each of them, and they are truly hardworking, passionate business owners who care deeply about their communities. I’m so proud of all they’ve accomplished and grateful to have been a small part of their journey.”
For a complete list of winners click here.
