What if the next business that changes Eastern Kentucky starts with one idea?
At SOAR, we believe entrepreneurship has the power to transform communities.
That’s why we created the SOAR Social Enterprise Accelerator; to help entrepreneurs across Eastern Kentucky build businesses that create both economic opportunity and lasting community impact.
Because when local entrepreneurs succeed, our communities succeed.
Every business starts with an idea.
Sometimes it’s a product.
Sometimes it’s a service.
Sometimes it’s a solution to a challenge you’ve experienced firsthand.
The next great business in Eastern Kentucky may already exist in someone’s notebook, on a kitchen table, or in a conversation with family and friends.
The question isn’t whether great ideas exist here.
We know they do.
The question is whether those ideas receive the support they need to become thriving businesses that strengthen our region.
That’s exactly why SOAR launched the Social Enterprise Accelerator.
What Is a Social Enterprise?
Let’s start with the obvious question.
What exactly is a social enterprise?
Simply put, it’s a business with a purpose beyond the bottom line.
Like any successful business, a social enterprise sells products or services, earns revenue, and strives for growth. What makes it different is that it’s intentionally designed to solve a challenge facing its community while building a sustainable business.
That challenge might be expanding access to childcare.
Address transportation barriers.
Creating jobs.
Improving housing.
Revitalizing downtowns.
Developing workforce solutions.
Or meeting another need that makes life better for the people who call Eastern Kentucky home.
In other words, social enterprises don’t choose between making a profit and making a difference.
They do both.
And at SOAR, we believe those businesses represent some of the greatest opportunities to build a stronger, more resilient Eastern Kentucky.
That’s why we created the SOAR Social Enterprise Accelerator… to help entrepreneurs turn purpose-driven ideas into successful, sustainable businesses.
Why SOAR Invests in Social Enterprise
For years, SOAR has worked alongside communities, entrepreneurs, educators, employers, and local leaders to strengthen Eastern Kentucky’s economy.
We’ve celebrated businesses that create jobs.
Supported startups bringing innovative ideas to market.
Connected people with meaningful employment.
Helped communities think differently about opportunity.
The Social Enterprise Accelerator is a natural extension of that work.
Because building a stronger Eastern Kentucky isn’t only about attracting new businesses.
It’s also about helping local entrepreneurs build businesses that solve problems, create opportunity, and improve quality of life right here at home.
Through the accelerator, participants receive expert coaching, one-on-one mentoring, practical business development support, and connections to experienced entrepreneurs and community leaders who understand both the opportunities and challenges of building a business in Appalachia.
Great ideas deserve more than encouragement.
They deserve the right support system.
From Idea to Reality
Earlier this year, the first cohort of the SOAR Social Enterprise Accelerator completed the program.
Over several months, entrepreneurs refined business models, strengthened their strategies, connected with mentors, and prepared to grow businesses designed to create lasting impact.
The results have been inspiring.
Shining Stars Daycare
Letcher County, like many communities across Eastern Kentucky, faces a shortage of quality childcare that makes it difficult for parents to participate in the workforce and for employers to fill open positions. Recognizing this need, Chrystal Bentley, Director of Shining Stars Daycare, enrolled in SOAR’s Social Enterprise Accelerator to strengthen her business knowledge, connect with funding partners, and access financing opportunities, including participation in our revolving loan fund hosted by SKED. Equipped with these resources, Chrystal successfully opened Shining Stars Daycare in Jenkins, creating 40 new childcare slots for local families while generating new employment opportunities within the community. Her success demonstrates how investing in local entrepreneurs can address critical childcare shortages, strengthen the workforce, and provide a scalable model for other Eastern Kentucky communities seeking community-driven economic solutions.
Orascom, LLC
Martin County native Khaled Sabry, founder of Orascom, LLC, had a vision of providing affordable, dependable construction services to communities across Eastern Kentucky while helping address the region’s housing and infrastructure needs. Through SOAR’s Social Enterprise Accelerator, Khaled strengthened his business model, developed a compelling pitch deck, and gained the business preparation needed to pursue funding opportunities. After equipment essential to his business was destroyed in a flood, he secured a $10,000 American Express grant to replace those assets. Building on that momentum, Khaled completed the Social Enterprise Accelerator and went on to participate in Accelerate 606, where he received a $10,000 investment to continue growing his business. Khaled’s success reflects the mission of the Social Enterprise Accelerator: meeting entrepreneurs where they are, equipping them with the tools and connections they need, and helping them transform their vision into businesses that create lasting economic impact for Eastern Kentucky.
These businesses may look different.
They serve different customers.
They solve different challenges.
But they share one thing in common.
They’re proving that business can be a powerful force for positive change.
That’s exactly what the SOAR’s Social Enterprise Accelerator was created to support.
Could Your Idea Be Next?
Maybe you’ve noticed a need in your community.
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of starting a business.
Maybe you’re already operating one and wondering how to grow your impact.
Wherever you are on your entrepreneurial journey, SOAR’s Social Enterprise Accelerator was built to help you take the next step.
Applications are now open for our FREE Fall Cohort.
Participants receive:
- Biweekly business coaching from experienced entrepreneurs and business experts.
- One-on-one mentoring with the SOAR Innovation team and industry leaders.
- Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, mentors, and community partners across Eastern Kentucky.
- Practical business development support to strengthen your business model and prepare for growth.
- Demo Day, where you’ll showcase your business, receive valuable feedback, and build momentum for what’s next.
Whether you’re starting with an idea or growing an existing business, you’ll join a network of entrepreneurs committed to building a stronger Eastern Kentucky through innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven business.
Build a Business. Change Your Community.
The future of Eastern Kentucky won’t be built by one organization.
It will be built by entrepreneurs willing to take an idea, solve a problem, create opportunity, and invest in the communities they love.
At SOAR, we’re proud to stand alongside those entrepreneurs through the Social Enterprise Accelerator.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to turn your idea into reality, this is your opportunity.
Applications are now open for the next FREE Social Enterprise Accelerator cohort.