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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T130000
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UID:10000636-1788350400-1788354000@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:Session 2: Customer Discovery Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:Customer Discovery Bootcamp | Session 2\nTest Your Business Idea Before You Build It\nEvent Details \nWhen: September 2nd\, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET\nWhere: Workshops are Virtual via Zoom\nPresenters: The SOAR Innovation Team \nParticipants should plan to attend both sessions and complete a small amount of self-guided discovery work between workshops. \nYou have a business idea.\nMaybe you’ve already started building it.\nMaybe you’ve been thinking about it for months. \nBut one big question still remains: \nWill people actually buy it?\nCustomer Discovery helps you answer that question before you invest time and money building something the market doesn’t want. \nIn this expert led two-session bootcamp\, you’ll learn how to talk to potential customers\, understand their real problems\, and validate whether your idea is worth pursuing. \nWhat You’ll Learn\nCustomer Discovery helps founders move from guessing to learning. \nYou’ll learn how to: \n\nIdentify who your real customer is\nUnderstand the problems they are trying to solve\nTest whether your idea actually solves those problems\nDiscover what customers are willing to pay for\nTurn customer insights into clear messaging for your business\n\nWhat You’ll Get\nParticipants will receive tools and frameworks that make Customer Discovery easier to implement. \nYou’ll walk away with: \n\nGuidance from experts in the field of Entrepreneurship\nWorksheets that guide you through the discovery process\nAI-powered frameworks to help generate interview questions and analyze responses\nOutreach templates to help you connect with potential customers\nA clear understanding of your next step as a founder\n\nBy the end of the bootcamp\, you will have real insights from real people — not guesses. \nIf you have an idea and want to know if it’s worth building\, this workshop will help you find out.\nREGISTER NOW to secure your spot in the Customer Discovery Bootcamp.
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/session-2-customer-discovery-bootcamp/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Customer Discovery Bootcamp,SOAR event,SOAR Innovation,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T130000
DTSTAMP:20260814T144738Z
CREATED:20260806T181116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T144738Z
UID:10000649-1788433200-1788440400@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:Fall 2026 Cohort Kickoff | Social Enterprise Accelerator
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we welcome the newest cohort of social entrepreneurs and celebrate the start of another journey toward stronger communities across Eastern Kentucky. \nThe SOAR Social Enterprise Accelerator Kickoff marks the official launch of the Fall 2026 Social Enterprise Accelerator cohort. This special event brings together fellows\, community leaders\, entrepreneurial support organizations\, local governments\, funders\, and partners for an afternoon of connection\, inspiration\, and collaboration. \nWhether you’re curious about the Social Enterprise Accelerator\, interested in supporting community-driven businesses\, or looking to connect with entrepreneurs creating solutions to local challenges\, this event is an opportunity to see the impact of social entrepreneurship firsthand. \nLearn how the Social Enterprise Accelerator is helping strengthen communities across Eastern Kentucky—and meet the changemakers leading the way. \nEvent Details\nDate: Thursday\, September 3\, 2026\nTime: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.\nLocation: LKLP\n412 Roy Campbell Drive\nHazard\, KY 41701\nCost: Free \nWhat to Expect\nDuring this kickoff celebration\, you’ll have the opportunity to: \n\nMeet the Fall 2026 Social Enterprise Accelerator fellows\nLearn how the Social Enterprise Accelerator supports entrepreneurs tackling community challenges\nHear from accelerator alumni about their experiences and impact\nGain insights from regional leaders and community partners\nConnect with entrepreneurs\, nonprofit leaders\, local governments\, funders\, and business support organizations\nBuild relationships that can lead to future collaboration throughout the accelerator\n\nFeatured Speakers\nExpert Panel \n\nJordan Stidham\, LKLP Community Action Council\, Inc.\nKaren “KT” Thompson\, Appalachian Early Childhood Network (AECN)\nAndrea Muñoz\, Mountain Association\nAmanda Kelly\, Southeast Kentucky Economic Development (SKED)\n\nAlumni Panel \n\nAaron Loveland\, Loveland Brand Design\nKhaled Sabry\, Orascom\, Inc.\nBeck Reffitt\, Founder\, Keesee Housing Solutions\n\nWho Should Attend?\nThis event is designed for: \n\nEntrepreneurs and startups\nCommunity leaders\nLocal government representatives\nNonprofit organizations\nEntrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs)\nEconomic development professionals\nFunders and stakeholders\nAnyone interested in strengthening communities through social entrepreneurship\n\nAbout the Social Enterprise Accelerator\nThe Social Enterprise Accelerator helps mission-driven entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses that address real community needs across Eastern Kentucky. Through intensive coaching\, mentorship\, practical business training\, and a collaborative network of peers and partners\, fellows spend 12 weeks turning innovative ideas into lasting community impact. \nThe kickoff celebration is your opportunity to learn more about the program while encouraging and supporting the newest cohort as they begin their accelerator journey. \nRegister Today\nJoin us in celebrating the next generation of community changemakers and discover how the Social Enterprise Accelerator is creating lasting impact across Eastern Kentucky. \nRSVP today to reserve your spot. \n 
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/fall-2026-cohort-kickoff-celebration-social-enterprise-accelerator/
CATEGORIES:EKY Runway Program,SOAR Innovation,Social Enterprise Accelerator,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
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ORGANIZER;CN="Social Enterprise Accelerator":MAILTO:danna@soar-ky.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T130000
DTSTAMP:20260820T143554Z
CREATED:20260817T171027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T143554Z
UID:10000656-1788436800-1788440400@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:SOAR x MSU AI Training: Session 3 | SOAR Innovation
DESCRIPTION:SOAR x MSU AI Training: From Curiosity to Confident AI Use\nWhen: Thursday September 3rd\, 12:00 PM to 1 PM ET \nWhere: Morehead State University\, ADUC Room 144 \nCost: Free \nMorehead State University enrolled students are invited to participate in an interactive AI training facilitated by Dr. Karen Coburn. \nDesigned for participants at all levels of AI experience\, the training will explore generative AI fundamentals\, effective prompting\, practical applications\, ethics\, data privacy\, and critical evaluation. Participants will also have an opportunity to practice using AI during the session. \nParticipants should bring their own device and have access to a university-approved AI platform before the session. \nRegister for the  MSU AI Training for Faculty & Staff and select the September 3rd\, 2026 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm session. \nRegister Now
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/soar-x-msu-ai-training-session-3-soar-innovation/
LOCATION:Morehead State University – Adron Doran University Center (Rm. 144)\, 400 East 2nd Street\, Morehead\, KY\, 40351\, United States
CATEGORIES:SOAR Innovation,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T133000
DTSTAMP:20260826T180915Z
CREATED:20260826T180546Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260826T180915Z
UID:10000662-1788955200-1788960600@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:Ingredients for Entrepreneurship in EKY: Lessons from Eastern Light | SOAR Innovation
DESCRIPTION:What does it really take to turn a business idea into something real in Eastern Kentucky?\nJoin SOAR Innovation and our partners in Morehead on Wednesday\, September 9\, for a candid conversation about the people\, partnerships\, and persistence behind Eastern Light Distilling. \nCaleb Kilburn\, Master Distiller and Co-founder of Eastern Light Distilling\, will sit down with the local leaders who helped move the project forward to share what worked\, who stepped up\, and what other entrepreneurs and communities can learn from their experience. \nRegister Now \nEvent Details\nWhat: Ingredients for Entrepreneurship in EKY: Lessons from Eastern Light\nWhen: Wednesday\, September 9\, 2026 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. ET\nWhere: Morehead Conference Center | 111 E. First St.\, Morehead\, KY 40351\nParking: Available on site\nCost: Free | Lunch provided \nWho Should Attend?\nThis event is designed for entrepreneurs\, business owners\, aspiring founders\, community leaders\, economic development professionals\, and anyone interested in building a stronger environment for entrepreneurship in Eastern Kentucky. \nWhy Attend?\n\nHear the story behind Eastern Light Distilling and what it took to move the business forward.\nLearn how local leadership can support entrepreneurship through connections\, resources\, and collaboration.\nHear directly from the people involved about what worked\, what they learned\, and what they would tell other entrepreneurs.\nBuild connections with entrepreneurs\, business leaders\, and community partners from across the region.\n\nAbout the Event\nGreat businesses aren’t built in isolation. Bringing a vision to life often takes the right combination of entrepreneurial drive\, local leadership\, trusted relationships\, and a community willing to work together. \nIngredients for Entrepreneurship in EKY: Lessons from Eastern Light brings together the people behind the journey of Eastern Light Distilling for a conversation about what it takes to turn an idea into a growing Eastern Kentucky business. \nCaleb Kilburn\, Master Distiller of Eastern Light Distilling\, will share the entrepreneur’s perspective alongside Rowan County Judge Executive Harry T. Clark; Jason Slone\, President/CEO of the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce; and Bob Helton\, Project Consultant with Dry Branch Consulting. \nTogether\, they’ll discuss the roles that local government\, business organizations\, outside expertise\, and strong relationships can play in helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and move opportunities forward. \nThe event will also feature highlights from SOAR Innovation and its work to help entrepreneurs across Eastern Kentucky start\, grow\, and strengthen their businesses. \nAgenda\n12:00–12:30 p.m. ET | Lunch\nSponsored by SOAR – Shaping Our Appalachian Region \n12:30–12:45 p.m. ET | SOAR Highlights\nDanna Barnett | Director of Entrepreneurship\, SOAR | BRIGHT Alum 2025 \n12:45–1:30 p.m. ET | Panel Discussion\nIngredients for Entrepreneurship in EKY: Lessons from Eastern Light \nCaleb Kilburn | Master Distiller\, Eastern Light Distilling\nHarry T. Clark | County Judge Executive\, Rowan County\nJason Slone | President/CEO\, Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce\nBob Helton | Project Consultant\, Dry Branch Consulting \nMeet the Panel\nCaleb Kilburn\nMaster Distiller | Eastern Light Distilling \nKilburn brings the entrepreneur’s perspective to the conversation\, sharing the story behind Eastern Light Distilling and the relationships\, resources\, and decisions that helped move the business forward. \nHarry T. Clark\nCounty Judge Executive | Rowan County \nClark will share the local government perspective and discuss how communities can help create an environment where entrepreneurs and businesses have opportunities to succeed. \nJason Slone\nPresident/CEO | Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce \nSlone will discuss the role chambers and local business organizations can play in connecting entrepreneurs with the people\, resources\, and relationships they need. \nBob Helton\nProject Consultant | Dry Branch Consulting \nHelton will share the importance of outside expertise and strategic guidance in helping entrepreneurs navigate important decisions as they bring a project to life. \nPresented in Partnership\nPresented by SOAR Innovation with Leadership Kentucky BRIGHT\, the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce\, and Morehead State University. \nThank you to our partners for investing in Eastern Kentucky and the people building its future. \nSupported by the Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Initiative. \nSave Your Seat\nCome for lunch. Leave with new connections\, practical insights\, and a better understanding of what it takes to move entrepreneurship forward in Eastern Kentucky. \nLunch is provided and registration is free. Save your seat today! \nRegister Now
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/inspirational-speaker-eastern-light-distilling-morehead/
LOCATION:Morehead Conference Center\, 111 E First St\, Morehead\, KY\, 40351\, United States
CATEGORIES:Innovation Inspirational Speaker Series,SOAR Innovation,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T160000
DTSTAMP:20260813T191512Z
CREATED:20260813T134523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T191512Z
UID:10000650-1789052400-1789056000@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:Legal Clinic for Startups Series | Formation & Governance
DESCRIPTION:We’re excited to have you join us September 10th for this no-cost\, virtual series designed to equip Eastern Kentucky founders with practical legal knowledge and tools. \nThis foundational session walks new entrepreneurs through the legal basics of forming a business entity. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of which structure fits their goals\, and what to do next. \nTopics Covered: \n\nChoosing between LLC\, S-Corp\, C-Corp (and why it matters)\nOperating agreements and partnership structures\nRegistering your business (state/federal steps)\nCommon legal missteps early-stage founders make\nWhen to talk to an attorney\n\nIdeal Audience:\n Pre-launch and early-stage founders still shaping their business structure or partnership terms. \nQuestions? Email Danna Barnett\, the Director of Innovation\, at any time: danna@soar-ky.org \nSpots are limited for each virtual session. Don’t miss your chance to get practical\, founder-focused legal guidance at no cost. \nSign Up Today \n  \n 
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/legal-clinic-for-startups-series-formation-governance/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Legal Clinic for Startups,SOAR Innovation,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T210000
DTSTAMP:20260826T192012Z
CREATED:20260820T190251Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260826T192012Z
UID:10000658-1789408800-1789419600@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:Fundraising Bootcamp: Session 1 | SOAR Innovation
DESCRIPTION:Fundraising Bootcamp Session 1: Getting Started\nNot sure how to fund your business or where to begin? Start here. \nJoin SOAR Innovation for the first session of our Fundraising Bootcamp Series\, a free virtual workshop designed to help Eastern Kentucky entrepreneurs understand their funding options without the confusing jargon. \nEvent Details\nWhen: Monday\, September 14\, 2026\nTime: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET\nWhere: Virtual via Zoom\nCost: Free\nPresenter: Jeremy Turner\, Managing Director\, Appalachian Investors Alliance \nWhether you’re developing a new idea\, starting your first business\, or trying to figure out how to finance your next step\, this session will help you understand which funding options may make sense before you start looking for investors. \nYou’ll explore options ranging from personal savings and early customers to grants and other sources of startup funding\, while learning how to avoid common financial mistakes that can create challenges early in your business journey. \nWhat You’ll Learn\n\nHow different types of business funding work\nWhich funding options may fit where you are right now\nWays to fund your business before seeking investors\nHow grants and other non-repayable funding fit into the picture\nCommon early-stage funding mistakes to avoid\nPractical next steps for moving your idea forward\n\nWho Should Attend?\nThis session is designed for Eastern Kentucky entrepreneurs\, startups\, and small business owners\, especially those who are: \n\nExploring a new business idea\nPreparing to launch a business\nNew to business funding\nUnsure which funding options are right for them\nLooking for practical guidance before approaching investors\n\nNo previous fundraising experience is required. \nThis workshop is part of the SOAR Innovation Fundraising Bootcamps\, a three-part virtual series. Attend the session that best fits your business or register for all three to learn the full funding journey. \nRegister today and get clearer on the right way to fund your next step. \nThe SOAR Innovation Fundraising Bootcamps are hosted by SOAR\, led by Appalachian Investors Alliance\, and supported by the ARC POWER Initiative. \n 
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/fundraising-bootcamp-session-1/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Fundraising Bootcamp,SOAR Innovation,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260921T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260921T210000
DTSTAMP:20260826T192003Z
CREATED:20260820T190532Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260826T192003Z
UID:10000659-1790013600-1790024400@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:Fundraising Bootcamp: Session 2 | SOAR Innovation
DESCRIPTION:Fundraising Bootcamp 2: Your First Real Funding\nYour business has customers. Now\, how do you fund what comes next? \nJoin SOAR Innovation for the second session of our Fundraising Bootcamp Series\, a free virtual workshop designed to help Eastern Kentucky entrepreneurs understand the funding options available as their businesses begin to grow. \nEvent Details\nWhen: Monday\, September 21\, 2026\nTime: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET\nWhere: Virtual via Zoom\nCost: Free\nPresenter: Jeremy Turner\, Managing Director\, Appalachian Investors Alliance \nIf you’ve started generating revenue and are ready to take a bigger step\, this session will help you think strategically about how to fund that growth. \nYou’ll explore the types of funding that may fit your business\, how different funding sources can work together\, and which kinds of funders may be worth approaching based on where your business stands today. \nRather than following a one-size-fits-all funding playbook\, you’ll focus on options that make sense for businesses and entrepreneurs in our region. \nWhat You’ll Learn\n\nFunding options for businesses that are beginning to grow\nHow to determine which options fit your business\nHow multiple funding sources can work together\nWhat different funders may be looking for\nWhich types of funders you should consider approaching\nPractical next steps for preparing to seek funding\n\nYou’ll also have an opportunity to apply what you’re learning to your own business during the session. \nWho Should Attend?\nThis session is designed for Eastern Kentucky entrepreneurs\, startups\, and small business owners\, especially those who: \n\nAlready have paying customers\nAre preparing for their next stage of growth\nNeed additional capital to expand\nWant to better understand available funding sources\nAre unsure which funders or financing options to pursue\n\nThis workshop is part of the SOAR Innovation Fundraising Bootcamps\, a three-part virtual series. Attend this session on its own or register for all three to understand the funding journey from getting started through working with larger investors. \nRegister today and leave with a clearer idea of who to approach and what your next funding move should be. \nThe Fundraising Bootcamps are hosted by SOAR Innovation\, led by Appalachian Investors Alliance\, and supported by the ARC POWER Initiative.
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/fundraising-bootcamp-session-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Fundraising Bootcamp,SOAR Innovation,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
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