Somerset, KY. – On June 27, the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED) will be hosting a training session led by the Kentucky Procurement and Technical Assistance Center and Advantage Kentucky Alliance. At this training, attendees will receive information about the SEED Quality Certification Program, government expectations and subcontractor responsibilities and the steps to creating a compelling capabilities statement.

The Eastern Kentucky Supplier Education & Economic Development (SEED) quality certification program is a partnership between SKED and Advantage Kentucky Alliance. Through this program, businesses can receive assistance in paying for ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality certifications.

Now in its third year, SEED’s training and support services are designed to improve the competitiveness of manufacturing companies in coal-impacted counties of Eastern Kentucky and will help them acquire the competence needed to win government and private contracts.

SKED is one of 10 non-profit organizations in Kentucky receiving funding, as part of the ARC’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative. SKED will use its 1.3 million award to expand the reach and capacity of the SEED program in 2019.

SKED Executive Director Brett Traver says this funding is expected to create 350 jobs and leverage $3 million in private funding over a three-year period.

“It is exciting to have the ability to expand this program with the ARC’s help,” Traver said. “I want to thank Congressman Rogers, our partners and the companies of Eastern Kentucky for making the program what it is today.”

To register for the upcoming SEED training program, please click here. Registration is free but limited.

To learn more about the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation, please click here.