The economy may be shaky, but officials with one organization say people are still interested in starting up their own businesses right here in eastern Kentucky.

A forum Thursday was dedicated to helping entrepreneurs reach that goal. Officials with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center say with the slow national economy, supporting small business owners is important in ensuring a strong local economy.

Michelle Sword knows first hand the challenges that come with running a small business.

“I think that people are a little nervous about starting a new business, the challenges of maybe having some credit issues and then going to the bank, asking for money,” business owner Michelle Sword said.

Sword owns Signature Events in Pikeville. She's been in business for almost four years, but says it's always a learning process.

“There's so much more out there that is available to small business owners and entrepreneurs than what I was ever aware of,” Sword said.

That’s why she, along with other business owners, and those wanting to start a business, attended a small business forum in Pikeville.

“In uncertain times like we have right with credit possibly tightening up and people spending less money, we need every advantage we can get as small business owners,” Mike Morley said.

Mike Morley is the director for the Small Business Development Center at Morehead State University.

He says it's important to provide start-up businesses with resources they may not know about, like government loans and special financing. He says during a time when larger businesses are cutting back, small businesses fill the void.

“Someone has to pick that up and it's generally its small business people that pick up sectors of the economy and do things, services that need to be provided,” Morley said.

“Yes, it does make me nervous with the economy with the way it is right now, but you know I’m just going to keep going, I’m not going to let it stop me,” Joyce Idle said.

It’s an attitude that will help strengthen the economy.