Entrepreneurship

Advocacy

Commission on Small Business Innovation and Advocacy

Is a regulation, law or mandate affecting your small business? As a small-business owner, you need a voice in state government. The Kentucky Commission on Small Business Innovation and Advocacy (CSBIA) is that voice.The CSBIA is an independent state commission that relies on the expertise of a thirteen-member board, appointed by the Governor.

The CSBIA provides information on proposed state legislation, regulations and recently enacted state law that impact small business. The Commission looks at issues such as licensing/permitting requirements, taxes, and other areas of government that affect small business.

The CSBIA exists to accomplish the following:

  • Address matters of small business as it relates to government affairs
  • Promote a cooperative and constructive relationship between state agencies and the small business community to ensure coordination and implementation of statewide strategies that benefit small businesses in the Commonwealth
  • Coordinate and educate the small business community on federal, state, and local government initiatives of value and importance to the small business community
  • Create a process by which the small business community is consulted in the development of public policy
  • Aid the small business community in navigating the regulatory process, when that process becomes cumbersome, time consuming, and bewildering to the small business community
  • Advocate for the small business, as necessary when regulatory implementation is overly burdensome, costly, and harmful to the success and growth of small businesses in the Commonwealth
  • Collect information and research those public policies and government practices which are helpful or detrimental to the success and growth of the small business community
  • Review administrative regulations and provide advisory opinions on potential impact to small business

Interested parties may review proposed new regulations and legislation and provide comment.

To review proposed new regulations, visit the RegWatch page.
To review proposed and new legislation, see the Legislative Research Commission page.

If you have questions or comments about the impact of government regulations on small business, please email CSBA@ky.gov or call 502-564-7670.

The CSBA is overseen by a board of business owners and is appointed by the Governor.

Incentive Program Overview

Current members

CSBIA Meeting Dates

  • March 14, 2025 (11 a.m.)
  • June 13, 2025 (11 a.m.)
  • September 12, 2025 (11 a.m.)
  • November 14, 2025 (11 a.m.)

CSBIA Meeting Materials

 

Small Business Ombudsmen

If you are a small business and need assistance due to a regulation that’s causing you difficulty, or if your small business is experiencing any other problem for which the state can provide help, Kentucky’s small business ombudsmen are here for you.

Each cabinet in Kentucky state government has a small business ombudsman who will work with you to resolve issues you may face. Those ombudsmen are listed below. Click on the ombudsman’s email address and send him/her the specific issue you are facing. Be sure to include complete contact information so that the proper ombudsman can follow up with you about your situation.

Health and Family Services
Imelda Pastrano
Imelda.pastrano@ky.gov
Military Affairs
April Brown, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.)
judith.a.brown38.nfg@mail.mil
Economic Development
David Brock
DBrock.gov
Energy and Environment
Kari Johnson
Kari.Johnson@ky.gov
Finance
Brad Nilsson
Brad.nilsson@ky.gov
Justice and Public Safety
Gina Hill
gina.hill@ky.gov
Education and Labor
Marjorie Arnold
marjorie.arnold@ky.gov
Personnel
Tanya Lawrence
TanyaR.Lawrence@ky.gov
Public Protection
Sherelle Roberts-Pierre
Sherelle.Roberts@ky.gov
Tourism, Arts & Heritage
Jessica Tyler
jessicas.tyler@ky.gov
Transportation
Kenny Bishop
kenny.bishop@ky.gov