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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T110000
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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/
LOCATION:KY
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:20260909T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T133000
DTSTAMP:20260826T180915Z
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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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