BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//SOAR - ECPv6.17.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:SOAR
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://soar-ky.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for SOAR
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://soar-ky.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SEA-Demo-Day-Social-Rectangle-1-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Social Enterprise Accelerator":MAILTO:danna@soar-ky.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260729T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260729T130000
DTSTAMP:20260713T214214Z
CREATED:20260713T213655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T214214Z
UID:10000643-1785326400-1785330000@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:Community Child Care Virtual Information Session
DESCRIPTION:What Is Family Child Care\, and Why Does Every Community Need It?\nExplore how you can start or grow a child care business from anywhere in Eastern Kentucky. \nInterested in opening a family child care business but can’t attend an in-person event? Join SOAR’s EKY Runway Program\, The Social Enterprise Accelerator\, and our regional partner Appalachian Early Childhood Network\, for an afternoon of practical information\, expert guidance\, and resources that can help bring quality child care to more Eastern Kentucky communities. \nWhether you’re just beginning to explore the idea or you’re already providing care and looking to expand\, this online session will connect you with experts who can answer your questions and help you take the next step. \nDate: Wednesday\, July 29\nTime: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (ET)\nLocation: Online via Zoom\nCost: Free (Registration Required) \nRegister Today \nWhy Attend?\nQuality child care is one of the greatest needs across Eastern Kentucky\, creating opportunities for both families and entrepreneurs. \nThis virtual information session is designed to help you understand how becoming a family child care provider can make a difference in your community while creating a rewarding business of your own. \nYou’ll hear directly from organizations that provide licensing guidance\, business coaching\, startup resources\, and ongoing technical assistance to help providers succeed. \nWho Should Attend?\nThis session is perfect for individuals who are: \n\nInterested in launching a Type I Licensed Child Care Facility\nInterested in becoming a Certified Family Child Care or Type II Licensed Family Child Care provider\nPreparing to become licensed\nCurrent child care providers looking to expand or strengthen their business\nUnable to attend the in-person Community Child Care Forum\n\nWhat You’ll Learn\nDuring this one-hour virtual session\, you’ll learn about: \n\nThe steps to becoming a licensed child care provider\nDifferent family child care licensing options\nBusiness coaching and startup support through SOAR’s Social Enterprise Accelerator (SEA)\nResources available through Child Care Aware of Kentucky and the Kentucky Association for Economic and Community Development (KAECD)\nTechnical assistance and ongoing support available to child care providers\nHow to begin building a successful child care business in your community\n\nThere will also be time for questions and answers with program representatives. \nMeet the Organizations Supporting You\nThis virtual information session is presented through a partnership of organizations committed to expanding child care access throughout Eastern Kentucky. \nPresenting Partners include: \n\nKentucky Association for Economic and Community Development (KAECD)\nAppalachian Sustainable Development (ASDN)\nSOAR’s EKY Runway Program\n\nTogether\, these organizations provide education\, coaching\, technical assistance\, and business support to help new and existing child care providers succeed. \nJoin From Anywhere\nIf you’ve been thinking about starting a child care business but weren’t sure where to begin\, this virtual session is an easy first step. \nJoin us from wherever you are in Eastern Kentucky\, ask your questions\, learn about available resources\, and discover how you can help strengthen your community through quality child care. \nOnce you register\, you’ll receive a Zoom link and additional details before the event. \nReserve Your Spot Today
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/community-child-care-forum-at-harlan-public-library/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Childcare Support,SOAR Innovation,Social Enterprise Accelerator,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://soar-ky.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Virtual-Childcare-Forum-Social-Square-3.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Social Enterprise Accelerator":MAILTO:danna@soar-ky.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260728T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260728T140000
DTSTAMP:20260626T124736Z
CREATED:20260608T192813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260626T124736Z
UID:10000634-1785236400-1785247200@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:The 2026 Social Enterprise Accelerator Demo Day
DESCRIPTION:📅 Date: Tuesday\, July 28\, 2026\n🕒 Time: 11 AM – 2 PM\n📍 Location: HCTC\, First Federal Building\, Hazard\, KY \nJoin us for a celebration of innovation and impact at the EKY Runway Program’s 2026 Social Enterprise Accelerator Demo Day. \nThis special event highlights the graduating 2026 SEA Fellows and showcases the work of entrepreneurs developing solutions to Eastern Kentucky’s most pressing workforce challenges\, including childcare\, housing\, transportation\, workforce development\, and other barriers to economic growth. \nDuring the event\, attendees will: \n\nWatch each graduate share their business ideas and plans to grow and expand in their community\nNetwork with community leaders\, lenders\, SOAR mentors\, and entrepreneurial support organizations\nLearn how the Social Enterprise Accelerator supports business growth\, job creation\, and community impact\nCelebrate the next generation of Eastern Kentucky innovators building a stronger regional economy\n\nThe event will also feature a panel of community leaders discussing solutions to Eastern Kentucky’s most pressing barriers\, including childcare\, housing\, transportation\, and workforce development. \nLunch will be provided\, so please RSVP and include any dietary restrictions. \nWho Should Attend\n\nBusiness owners interested in social enterprise and regional impact\nAnyone interested in starting or growing a mission-driven business\nSOAR’s Social Enterprise Accelerator Alumni\nLocal lenders and investors\nCommunity and business leaders\nEntrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs)\nCommunity members supporting local growth and development\n\nSeats are limited. RSVP today to secure your spot. \n👉 Register Now
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/the-2026-social-enterprise-accelerator-demo-day/
CATEGORIES:EKY Runway Program,SOAR Innovation,Social Enterprise Accelerator,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://soar-ky.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SEA-Demo-Day-12.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Social Enterprise Accelerator":MAILTO:danna@soar-ky.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260727T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260727T200000
DTSTAMP:20260713T214212Z
CREATED:20260713T213210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T214212Z
UID:10000642-1785175200-1785182400@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:Community Child Care Forum at Cumberland Public Library
DESCRIPTION:What Is Family Child Care\, and Why Does Every Community Need It?\nThinking about starting your own child care business? You don’t have to do it alone. \nWhether 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 to help you take the next step. \nJoin SOAR’s EKY Runway Program and our regional partners for an evening of practical information\, expert guidance\, and resources that can help bring quality child care to more Eastern Kentucky communities. \nDate: Monday\, July 27Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMLocation:Cumberland Public Library310 W Main StreetCumberland\, KY \nCost: Free \nRegister Today \nWhy Attend?\nAcross Eastern Kentucky\, access to affordable\, quality child care remains one of the biggest barriers facing working families and employers. Family child care providers play a vital role in strengthening local communities by expanding care options while creating meaningful small business opportunities. \nIf you’ve ever considered opening your own child care business or expanding your existing program\, this forum will connect you with the people and resources that can help make it happen. \nYou’ll hear directly from organizations that support child care providers every step of the way\, from licensing and startup guidance to business coaching and ongoing technical assistance. \nWho Should Attend?\nThis event is designed for individuals who are: \n\nInterested in launching a Type I Licensed Child Care Facility\nInterested in becoming a Certified Family Child Care or Type II Licensed Family Child Care provider\nPreparing to become licensed\nCurrent child care providers looking to expand or strengthen their business\n\nWhat You’ll Learn\nDuring this interactive forum\, you’ll discover: \n\nThe first steps to opening your own child care program\nLicensing requirements and available resources\nBusiness coaching and startup support through SOAR’s Social Enterprise Accelerator (SEA)\nTechnical assistance available through the Kentucky Association for Economic and Community Development (KAECD) and Child Care Aware of Kentucky\nHow regional organizations work together to help child care providers succeed\n\nMeet the Organizations Supporting You\nThis forum is presented through a partnership between organizations committed to expanding child care opportunities across Eastern Kentucky. \nPresenting Partners include: \n\nKentucky Association for Economic and Community Development (KAECD)\nAppalachian Sustainable Development (ASDN)\nSOAR’s EKY Runway Program\n\nTogether\, these partners provide education\, coaching\, technical assistance\, and ongoing support to help providers build sustainable child care businesses. \nHelp Build Stronger Communities\nQuality child care creates opportunities for children\, families\, employers\, and entire communities. \nWhether you’re ready to launch your business or simply want to learn what’s possible\, this free event is a great place to begin. \nReserve your seat today and take the first step toward becoming part of Eastern Kentucky’s growing child care workforce.
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/community-child-care-forum-at-cumberland-public-library/
LOCATION:Cumberland Public Library\, 310 W Main St\, Cumberland\, United States
CATEGORIES:Childcare Support,SOAR Innovation,Social Enterprise Accelerator,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://soar-ky.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Cumberland-Childcare-Forum-Social-Square.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Social Enterprise Accelerator":MAILTO:danna@soar-ky.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260720T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260720T200000
DTSTAMP:20260713T214210Z
CREATED:20260713T212657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T214210Z
UID:10000641-1784570400-1784577600@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:Community Child Care Forum at Harlan Public Library
DESCRIPTION:What Is Family Child Care\, and Why Does Every Community Need It?\nThinking about starting your own child care business? You don’t have to do it alone. \nWhether 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 to help you take the next step. \nJoin SOAR’s EKY Runway Program\, The Social Enterprise Accelerator\, and our regional partner Appalachian Early Childhood Network\, for an evening of practical information\, expert guidance\, and resources that can help bring quality child care to more Eastern Kentucky communities. \nDate: Monday\, July 20Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMLocation:Harlan Public Library107 N 3rd StHarlan\, KY \nCost: Free \nRegister Today \nWhy Attend?\nAcross Eastern Kentucky\, access to affordable\, quality child care remains one of the biggest barriers facing working families and employers. Family child care providers play a vital role in strengthening local communities by expanding care options while creating meaningful small business opportunities. \nIf you’ve ever considered opening your own child care business or expanding your existing program\, this forum will connect you with the people and resources that can help make it happen. \nYou’ll hear directly from organizations that support child care providers every step of the way\, from licensing and startup guidance to business coaching and ongoing technical assistance. \nWho Should Attend?\nThis event is designed for individuals who are: \n\nInterested in launching a Type I Licensed Child Care Facility\nInterested in becoming a Certified Family Child Care or Type II Licensed Family Child Care provider\nPreparing to become licensed\nCurrent child care providers looking to expand or strengthen their business\n\nWhat You’ll Learn\nDuring this interactive forum\, you’ll discover: \n\nThe first steps to opening your own child care program\nLicensing requirements and available resources\nBusiness coaching and startup support through SOAR’s Social Enterprise Accelerator (SEA)\nTechnical assistance available through the Kentucky Association for Economic and Community Development (KAECD) and Child Care Aware of Kentucky\nHow regional organizations work together to help child care providers succeed\n\nMeet the Organizations Supporting You\nThis forum is presented through a partnership between organizations committed to expanding child care opportunities across Eastern Kentucky. \nPresenting Partners include: \n\nKentucky Association for Economic and Community Development (KAECD)\nAppalachian Sustainable Development (ASDN)\nSOAR’s EKY Runway Program\n\nTogether\, these partners provide education\, coaching\, technical assistance\, and ongoing support to help providers build sustainable child care businesses. \nHelp Build Stronger Communities\nQuality child care creates opportunities for children\, families\, employers\, and entire communities. \nWhether you’re ready to launch your business or simply want to learn what’s possible\, this free event is a great place to begin. \nReserve your seat today and take the first step toward becoming part of Eastern Kentucky’s growing child care workforce. \n 
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/childcare-facility-info-session-turn-unused-space-into-impact/
LOCATION:Harlan Public Library\, 107 N 3rd St\, Harlan\, KY\, United States
CATEGORIES:Childcare Support,SOAR Innovation,Social Enterprise Accelerator,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://soar-ky.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Harlan-Childcare-Forum-Social-Square.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Social Enterprise Accelerator":MAILTO:danna@soar-ky.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260217T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260217T130000
DTSTAMP:20260427T132040Z
CREATED:20260115T201853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T132040Z
UID:10000608-1771329600-1771333200@soar-ky.org
SUMMARY:Childcare Facility Info Session: Turn Unused Space into Impact
DESCRIPTION:Could Your Building Help Solve the Childcare Gap in Eastern Kentucky?\nChildcare is one of the biggest barriers to work in Eastern Kentucky\, and many communities lack enough licensed childcare facilities to meet local demand.   \nAt the same time\, churches\, nonprofits\, and other organizations across the region have classrooms\, wings\, and buildings that sit unused for much of the week.  \nYou’re invited to a virtual info session on February 17 at 12 p.m. to see how your existing space could help meet the childcare need in our region.  \nHere’s what we’ll cover:  \n\nWhat makes a building “childcare ready” and where common barriers show up \nThe difference between leasing space to a childcare provider versus operating childcare directly \nWays organizations could generate additional revenue from unused space \nHow hosting childcare can increase weekday building use\, community engagement\, and long-term sustainability \nThe types of partnerships and support that would make this possible in Eastern Kentucky \n\nThe impact: Unlocking new childcare options for families while helping you activate space\, strengthen your financial footing\, and deepen your role in the community.  \nThis is a listening session first. There’s no expectation to commit or launch anything.   \nIf you’re curious\, have questions\, or want to understand what options exist for your building\, you’re a great fit for this conversation.  \nJoin us to learn what’s possible for your space and your community!  \nRSVP for the info session
URL:https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/childcare-facility-info-session/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:SOAR Innovation,Social Enterprise Accelerator,Virtual and In-Person Trainings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://soar-ky.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SEA-Childcare-Facility-Graphics.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Social Enterprise Accelerator":MAILTO:danna@soar-ky.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR