Building a Solid Foundation with SBA Resources
Situation
Dunn Electric, LLC specializes in commercial, industrial and residential electrical installation and service, including data, fire alarm, sound, video and voice products. Founded in 2004 by Steven Dunn, the company has over 35 years of combined experience.
However, after two years in business, the company was looking for a way to better grow the business. That is when Steven connected with the Louisville Small Business Development Center.
Solution: How the SBA Helped
An SBA resource partner, the Louisville SBDC has worked with Steven since 2006 to help him understand the business side of his business, including the financial aspects, and how to leverage other resources.
Dunn Electric is a Kentucky-certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). This certification encourages growth for MBEs, helps expand their markets and allows these businesses to compete for work in other states.
The company is a client of the Kentucky Procurement and Technical Assistance Center, another SBA resource partner. Working with the PTAC has enabled Dunn Electric to obtain over $500,000 in government contracts in just a few years, including major projects with the Federal Aviation Administration and Kentucky Air National Guard.
Dunn Electric was also awarded contracts from other federal agencies, including the Ohio River Bridges Project, as well as KFC Yum! Center arena, University of Louisville football stadium and projects on the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University campuses.
Always improving his skills, knowledge and connections, Steven received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Technology from Tennessee State University. Also, he has been nationally certified in fire alarm systems and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college.
Successful Impact / Outcome
When COVID-19 impacted the country, Steven needed liquidity to keep his company going. He received an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), EIDL Advance grant and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. He stated, “Those loans helped save the business and five jobs.”
Recently, Steven secured an SBA line of credit through Republic Bank and Trust to fuel growth. In 2020, he was also recognized as the SBA Kentucky 2020 Minority Owned Small Business of the Year.
To recognize their business success, Steven and his spouse, Shea, believe strongly in giving back to the community. Some of their favorite charities include Kentuckiana Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kosair Charities and the Kentucky Police Officers Association.