Sparking Entrepreneurial Ideas
This week, our SOAR Innovation team hosted an exciting Ideation Workshop at Morehead State University, where students took on the challenge of identifying real-life problems and transforming them into business ideas. Participants didn’t just brainstorm—they sketched out product prototypes and pitched their concepts. The energy and creativity in the room were contagious!
One of the student participants, Breana Stacy, shared her enthusiasm: “Info all new business owners need to consider! This is where I wish I started.” It was a great opportunity for anyone looking to turn their ideas into real-world ventures.
Diverse Perspectives, Unique Solutions
Students from a variety of majors, including engineering, space science systems, small business management, sport management, and biology, brought fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. Faculty members were equally excited to see these ideas taking shape.
Dr. Steve Chen, Morehead State University Professor of Business Administration and Sport Management, couldn’t have said it better: “We have four brilliant students participating in today’s ideation workshop. We get the chance to further reshape business ideas, validate our beliefs and assumptions, and practice our delivery. Guess what? The only thing we miss is YOU! Please join us for the next workshop!”
Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Participants were encouraged to see challenges as opportunities and to work creatively and collaboratively toward innovative ideas. It’s about fostering curiosity, resilience, and learning from every step of the journey.
Students walked away not only with new business ideas but also with an entrepreneurial mindset they can apply to any challenge.
Teaming Up with CORI
Our partnership with the Center On Rural Innovation (CORI) was key to making the workshop a success. CORI representatives helped guide discussions and provided valuable insights. Barbara Gay noted, “SOAR directly collaborated with CORI, and their representatives were present to guide participants through the ideation process.”
The Ideation Workshop at Morehead State University was a huge success! It created such a great space for students to collaborate and think creatively across different academic departments. The best part was seeing them freely explore new ideas and get that spark of innovation!” She added, “It’s a real joy to be serving the students, faculty, and community at Morehead State University, and we can’t wait to see where these ideas lead!
-Barbara Gay, Program Manager
Our Mission
The Ideation Workshop ties directly into our broader plan for fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in Eastern Kentucky. By encouraging students to think creatively and embrace entrepreneurship, we are preparing them to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. This hands-on experience reflects our commitment to building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports innovation, digital skills, and collaboration across industries.
Our goal is to help the next generation of business leaders leverage technology to solve real-world problems, aligning perfectly with our mission to drive economic stability and growth in the region. The skills students learned here are crucial not only for their personal growth but also for the future of our digital economy.
What’s Next?
At SOAR, we’re committed to driving entrepreneurship and supporting innovators across Eastern Kentucky. Whether you’re a student, a small business owner, or simply curious about launching your own venture, we have the resources to help you succeed.
To learn more about how we’re fostering entrepreneurship through workshops, mentorship, and access to resources, visit the SOAR Innovation page and explore our initiatives. Join us at our next workshop! From digital economy programs to startup support, SOAR is here to help you take your ideas to the next level and create lasting change in our region.