📅 Date: Thursday, December 18th, 2025 🕒 Time: 11 AM -3 PM 📍 Location: CANE Kitchen - Whitesburg, KY Join us for a celebration of innovation and impact at the EKY Runway Program’s 2025 Social Enterprise Accelerator Demo Day. This special event highlights the graduating 2025 SEA Fellows and showcases the work of entrepreneurs developing solutions to Eastern Kentucky’s most pressing workforce challenges,...
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....
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...
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...
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...
Startup Appalachia Accelerator Demo Day Meet the founders building new businesses in Eastern Kentucky See What’s Being Built in the Region Join SOAR Innovation for the Startup Appalachia Accelerator Demo Day, presented by Community Trust Bank. Founders from across Eastern Kentucky will showcase the businesses they’ve spent the last eight weeks developing inside the accelerator...
EKY Ecosystem Convening Connect with ecosystem partners supporting entrepreneurs across Eastern Kentucky. Date: June 18th, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM ET Location: Morehead Conference Center 111 E First St, Morehead, KY 40351 (Collins Hall East) Sponsored by: SOAR Innovation Why This Convening Matters SOAR Innovation is bringing together organizations from across Eastern Kentucky...
What Is Family Child Care, and Why Does Every Community Need It? Thinking about starting your own child care business? You don't have to do it alone. Whether you're exploring a new career, looking to open a family child care business, or you're already a provider hoping to grow, this free community forum is designed...