Interested in starting your own business, or expanding your business? Planters Bank will host the SEED Summit on Friday, Jan. 31, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to help you get there.
The Planters Bank annual SEED Summit is a must-attend gathering for entrepreneurs, innovators and business enthusiasts. Get ready to be inspired by insightful speakers, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and network with like-minded individuals. This event is your opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, discover new opportunities, and nurture your entrepreneurial spirit.
This year, at the end of the day, participants can choose to either attend a Business Plan Workshop (especially helpful for those planning to apply for the SEED Grant, but useful for everyone) or schedule a 1:1 Marketing session with a professional. There will also be bankers available all day for individual sessions.
Who’s speaking this year

Four speakers are lined up for this year’s event, including:
- Talia Bateman: Sales and Leadership Coach for Southwestern Consulting.
- Sarah Whitaker: Owner of Williams Advertising and chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Small Business Policy Council.
- Chris Wooldridge: An instructor in the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business and director of the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development.
- Eric D. Coleman: Retired business executive with over 25 years of corporate experience.
There will be two small-business panels. The first will feature Hal McCoy with McCoy Properties, Graham and Heather Dawson with The Mixer, and Jeff and Sherri Robinson with Blackhorse Pub & Brewery. The second small-business panel will feature Bradley Jackson with Byers & Harvey Real Estate & Property Management, Jeremiah Hussung with Wendy’s of Bowling Green, Jeff Truitt with ServPro, and Chris McEnaney with McDonald’s.
During lunch, guests will be able to visit vendors and have headshots taken by Cat Lacy.
Plus, there are optional end-of-day panels, one on business plans and the other offering 1:1 marketing sessions.
What they’re saying about SEED Summit

Last year’s event was a big success, with rave reviews from participants:
“It was an amazing experience from the presenters to the food,” one said. “The speakers were all great and answered a lot of questions of current and aspiring entrepreneurs.”
“I had the best time,” another participant said. “Each speaker hit on something that I have been struggling with. I feel like this has been the best business seminar I have been to in a while.”

How to sign up
The 2025 SEED Summit will be held at The Bruce, on Conference Center Drive in Hopkinsville, on Friday, Jan. 31, with registration and networking starting at 8 a.m. The event closes at 2:30 p.m., with optional sessions continuing until 3:30 p.m.
Registration is $25, and 100% of registration fees will be donated to the United Way. To register, go to the Planters Bank SEED Summit website.
Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to connect, learn and grow. See you at the Planters Bank SEED Summit!