KY
If Kentucky held a derby for digital media platforms, TikTok would be in the winner’s circle. It’s a crucial commerce hub for millions of people and thousands of businesses across the state.
Small business owners in Kentucky are upping their game. TikTok is helping them to increase sales and capture investment opportunities.
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Porgie's Hot Dog + Soda Shop
McDaniels, KY
Porgie's delights the Rough River area with handmade hot dogs and unique toppings. TikTok has helped this rural dining spot attract out-of-town customers and grow its takeout business. Online interest is so high that the owners plan to begin shipping their food across the country!
- family run
- young entrepreneur
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Kentucky Fi
Nicholasville, KY
Kentucky Fi is a wireless internet service provider focused on bringing fast, affordable internet access to rural Kentuckians. Founder John Gill says TikTok is doing more than bringing him customers and generating revenue, it's literally helping him expand the Kentucky Fi network. Through his channel he has been able to connect with new partners and small businesses that have allowed him to add wireless access points to serve more people throughout the region.
- family run
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Jolly Bait Shop
Node, KY
The Jolly Bait Company, a store selling soft plastic fishing baits, was started by owner Dathan Jolly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic when stores were all out of bait. Jolly says well-made lures have always been a part of his success when kayaking down the Little Barren River, so he was excited to make his own to share. Despite being based in the small community of Node, KY, Jolly has attracted new customers through TikTok and has found a way to connect to people across the country by showing off the bait he makes— he has now sold bait to customers in all 50 states.
- young entrepreneur
Oxford Economics surveyed 1,050 small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and 7,500 individuals using TikTok to learn how businesses and users interact with the app and leverage it as a tool to grow their business, stay connected, and contribute to their local economies.