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Michael Ashcraft, Director of Business Services, brings a unique background in business development for small and large for-profit businesses as well as nonprofit organizations. Prior to his current role at TKT, Michael was President and CEO of Career Resources, Inc., a nonprofit organization that performed workforce development and career advisory services in the region.

An entrepreneur who worked most of his career for small businesses and started several of his own, Michael was the Executive Director of the Greater Louisville Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for seven years. He guided the Greater Louisville SBDC through tremendous growth in an entrepreneurial leadership role and was awarded the Sutton Landry State Star Award in 2005 for service and excellence in the Kentucky SBDC network.

Michael was instrumental in helping establish the Entrepreneurial 1-Stop at 123 East Main Street, a collaborative effort between Greater Louisville Inc., Louisville Metro Government, the University of Louisville, Sullivan University, Bellarmine University and area service providers to offer entrepreneurs a true 1-stop location for business assistance and funding. During his tenure at the Greater Louisville SBDC, Michael and his team guided thousands of entrepreneurs in business plan development and training, resulting in the creation of hundreds of jobs, $30 million in small business loans and over $100 million in new revenue. He also was market manager for a manufacturing company and held various positions in management, marketing, and purchasing for several retail companies.

As the director, facilitator and coach for FastTrac® GrowthVenture™ program, Michael coordinates with regional business entities that are committed to the wealth creation and growth of their clients, members and constituents.

Michael works to understand the stakeholders and their missions thoroughly to offer comprehensive programs targeted to meet the goals of our strategic partners and assure positive outcomes and return on investment based on the growth of small businesses.

Michael has a BBA, with a focus in Marketing, from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Bellarmine University. As a native of Louisville, he is committed to the successful growth of small businesses in the region.