Could Your Building Help Solve the Childcare Gap in Eastern Kentucky? Childcare is one of the biggest barriers to work in Eastern Kentucky, and many communities lack enough licensed childcare facilities to meet local demand. At the same time, churches, nonprofits, and other organizations across the region have classrooms, wings, and buildings that sit unused for much...
We’re excited to have you join us February 19th for this no-cost, virtual series designed to equip Eastern Kentucky founders with practical legal knowledge and tools. Many founders aren’t sure how to prepare legally for bringing on outside investment. This session explains what investors look for and what legal groundwork should already be in place....
Take your startup’s marketing and social media to the next level with Marketing and Social Media with AI, the second session in SOAR Innovation’s 2026 AI for Startups Sprint Series. This one-hour, virtual workshop is designed for Eastern Kentucky founders and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to explore how AI can streamline content creation, improve messaging, and boost engagement. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn practical...
Bring your startup ideas to life with Storytelling and Pitch Prep, the third session in SOAR Innovation’s 2026 AI for Startups Sprint Series. This one-hour virtual workshop is designed for Eastern Kentucky founders and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to explore how AI can help them rapidly prototype, test, and refine products or workflows. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn...
Applications Open for the Startup Appalachia Accelerator A business startup accelerator for founders in Eastern Kentucky Building a Tech or Tech-Enabled Business? If you’re beyond the idea stage and actively working on a technology or tech-enabled business, the SOAR Innovation Startup Appalachia Accelerator, presented by Community Trust Bank, is now accepting applications. This is not...
Bring your ideas to life and communicate them with confidence in Prototyping and Product Design with AI, the fourth session in SOAR Innovation’s 2026 AI for Startups Sprint Series. This one-hour, virtual workshop is designed for Eastern Kentucky founders and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to craft compelling stories, sharpen their messaging, and prepare effective pitches using AI. ...
The Social Enterprise Accelerator helps local entrepreneurs launch or grow businesses that tackle real community challenges like childcare, housing, transportation, healthcare, or workforce issues. If you live in Eastern Kentucky, this free program offers: Weekly virtual workshops to guide your business journey In-person events to connect with mentors and peers A Demo Day to showcase...
From Student to Entrepreneur An inspirational speaker event for HCTC students Date: April 6Time: 11 AM – 12 PM ETLocation:HCTC Tech Campus101 Vo Tech DriveHazard, KY 41701 Sponsored by: Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) See What’s Possible After HCTC HCTC students are invited to hear from a successful entrepreneur who built their own path...
Pizza and a Pitch Free pizza. Two-minute business pitches. Real feedback from mentors. Date: April 21 Time: 6–8 PM EST Location: Adron Doran University Center (ADUC) - Rm 329 Morehead State University 400 East 2nd Street Morehead, KY Sponsored by: Morehead State University and the Appalachian Regional Commission Got an Idea Worth Sharing? Pizza and...
Date: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 Time: 12:00 - 3:00 PM Location: EKU Manchester (Manchester, KY) Join us for One Clay County's Launch + Leap Business Accelerators Community Showcase at EKU Manchester! This free, open-to-the-public event will highlight local entrepreneurs who have been building and growing their ideas through Clay County’s two business accelerator programs. Stop by...
Pizza and a Pitch Free pizza. Two-minute business pitches. Real feedback from mentors. Date: April 23 Time: 6–8 PM EST Location: Bear Tower, University of Pikeville 849 Hambley Blvd Pikeville, KY 41501 Sponsored by: The University of Pikeville, The Start Something Entrepreneurship Club, and the Appalachian Regional Commission Got an Idea Worth Sharing? Pizza and...
We’re excited to have you join us May 14th for this no-cost, virtual series designed to equip Eastern Kentucky founders with practical legal knowledge and tools. As startups grow, founders start bringing on team members. This session covers the legal implications of hiring employees or independent contractors and how to stay compliant. Topics Covered: The...