A recap of the ESO & Technical Assistance Providers Convening
On February 6, 2025, a group of Technical Assistance Providers and Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) gathered at Hazard Community and Technical College for a pivotal convening aimed at strengthening support systems for entrepreneurs across Eastern Kentucky. Hosted by SOAR Innovation, this event provided a collaborative space to align efforts, share resources, and strategize for a more cohesive entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than 40 people representing 17 organizations attended the meeting.
The day began with a welcome from KY Innovation’s Marilyn LeBourveau and Lisa Bajorinas, with the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC) and Executive Director of the KY Innovation Hubs, setting the stage for a productive and engaging discussion. SOAR Innovation is powered by KY Innovation.
Joshua Ball, Chief Operating Officer of SOAR, provided an overview of SOAR Innovation’s mission and its role in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. He outlined key areas of focus, including the SOAR POWER Grant and strategic initiatives designed to connect resources with those who need them most.
“SOAR brought together our technical assistance providers and entrepreneurial support organizations to talk about ways that we can strengthen the startup ecosystem across the region. We connected, we shared insights, and we discussed ways that we could better serve all entrepreneurs. to create a broader tomorrow, that we deserve an eastern continent.” Joshua Ball, Chief Operating Officer at SOAR said.
Participants were encouraged to contribute to SOAR’s service map to ensure a clear understanding of available resources, client assessment processes, and organizational capacities. Presentations followed from key partners, including SOAR Energy’s Kacy Hicks, who shared insights into regional energy initiatives, and Danna Barnett, who provided an overview of the EDA Recompete SEA program and the Mighty Network platform.
“It is important to bring our organizations together to learn about what each and every one of us have to offer our clients, to better understand connections that can be made and resources to be leveraged to further our clients along their journey in entrepreneurship.”
Sharing Impactful Stories
The afternoon featured an engaging session where providers shared their services and impact stories. Each organization had five minutes and two slides to introduce their work, fostering a better understanding of the resources available to entrepreneurs in the region.
“Being able to know what’s out there and know who we can lean on and partner with to amplify each other’s mission and serve our entrepreneurs, that’s really the biggest point that I took away from today,” said Kendra Hargis-Stenzel, Director of Innovation and Talent Development for UK Innovate’s Launch Blue, an immersive accelerator program for tech startups. “Being able to know what’s out there and know who we can lean on and partner with to amplify each other’s tuition and serve our entrepreneurs, is really the biggest point that I took away from.”
A facilitated discussion followed, focusing on gaps in service delivery and opportunities for collaboration. Attendees shared insights on how to streamline referrals, improve client onboarding, and maximize the collective impact of their efforts.
It’s always energizing to be in a room with other organizations that share similar passions to what our organization shares, particularly as it relates to entrepreneurs and people who have dreams,” said Brian Hutchinson from Community Ventures Corporation.
This convening reinforced the shared commitment to create a thriving business ecosystem in Eastern Kentucky. By working together, these organizations are poised to provide seamless, impactful support to entrepreneurs, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation in the region.
To learn more about SOAR Innovation, visit https://soar-ky.org/soar-innovation/.