PIKEVILLE, Ky. – SOAR and its Business and Innovation (B&I) sponsored its first-ever StartUp Social on Monday, April 29 at Bit Source.

SOAR’s B&I work is a collaboration with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s KY Innovation Office that assists innovation-driven and innovation-capable small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs.  This work aligns with SOAR’s Regional Blueprint goals of small business, broadband, and talent in the digital economy.

“It is important that small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to network and share ideas,” said Jared Arnett, executive director of SOAR. “The StartUp Social model is one we are deploying throughout Appalachia Kentucky, and we are excited to see what synergies and partnerships are created when people come together, get to know one another, and learn from one another.”

The next StartUp Social is set for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 8 at the City Perk Coffeehouse in Prestonsburg.  For more information on this event, contact Brittainy Branham by email at brittainy@soar-ky.org.

For more information on SOAR’s B&I efforts, visit its website or contact Director Ryan Jones at (606) 766-1160 or by email at ryan@soar-ky.org.