Every year, through the Small Business Institute (SBI) at UofL, faculty and students in the management department share College of Business expertise and resources with small business owners facing the challenges of start-up, growth or survival.

     In recent months, the success of the program led by associate professor of management and SBI Director Bruce Kemelgor has received notice in two industry newsletters.
     This spring the Hobby Manufacturers Association (HMA) highlighted a study conducted by two UofL MBA students—Travis Foley and Jason Huber—seeking to establish the size of the model hobby industry.  The survey was designed to give the industry valid statistics for use by HMA members, lending institutions, potential entrepreneurs and industry dealers.  The results earned raves from the association leadership, who presented the findings in a special executive summary newsletter to members.  (Also available on the web at www.hmahobby.org.)
     According to the report, “The 2007 survey received an unprecedented 52.9% participation rate from companies included in the survey mailing.”  A previous research project by the organization generated a 14% response.
     The UofL students’ survey results revealed a growing industry, with 2006 sales of $1.192 billion and projected sales of $1.274 billion for 2007. Their data also provided the organization with updated information on how its members communicate, build profitability, attract customers and use the internet.
     Kemelgor, who is the current national SBI president, also was featured in a recent edition of the Costco Connection, the monthly magazine distributed nationwide to Costco members.  The publication also appears on the web at www.costcoconnection.com.
     In a feature entitled “Business 101—Students provide invaluable advice to small-business owners,” Kemelgor explains the basic premise behind SBI’s years of success stories.
     “SBI is dedicated to bridging the gap between academic understanding and actual small-business practices,” he says.   The story goes on to encourage readers who own small businesses to seek out SBI connections in their areas.
     UofL’s program serves scores of clients every year, providing research tools and management guidance at no cost to local business owners. Because of the volume of requests, Kemelgor limits participation to those situations likely to produce the best experience for students and the most positive outcomes for businesses. In return, he asks only that the companies make a donation—of any amount—to the college’s scholarship fund.
     “It’s good for the business community and good for our students,” he says.
     For more information about the program, or to apply for services for your small business, contact Kemelgor at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

(Posted 5/15/08)