Access free entrepreneurship training and services in Eastern Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky is full of dreamers with bright ideas. SOAR Innovation was created to help them to turn those ideas into thriving businesses. SOAR Innovation, funded by Kentucky Innovation, is a part of the Shaping Our Appalachian Region team working to level the playing field for entrepreneurs and startups in our region.
Check out our upcoming training opportunities!
By the numbers: SOAR Innovation 2023-2024
startups served
startups advanced
new businesses
new jobs created
invested in startups
Empowering the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow
SOAR Innovation has a dedicated team working to grow dreams of entrepreneurship within the halls of colleges and universities across Eastern Kentucky. This group is committed to cultivating a robust technology-focused entrepreneurial ecosystem within our higher education institutions, with support from the Appalachian Regional Commission. By concentrating our efforts here, we aim to inspire and equip the next generation of innovative founders!
See how SOAR Innovation can help your EKY startup
Step 1: Access free business training
Appalachian Kentucky startups face different challenges and have different needs than the average business. SOAR Innovation has created custom guides specifically designed to help entrepreneurs in our region.
As an entrepreneur, you’re always short on time. That’s why SOAR Innovation has created self-paced video training. Learn how to launch and run a business at your own pace.
Step 2: Attend in-person events
We know exhaustion, loneliness, and confusion can all challenge Eastern Kentucky entrepreneurs. With that in mind, SOAR Innovation hosts events where regional startups can gather, share ideas, and develop communities. We invite you to attend our next event!
Step 3: Work with our team
SOAR Innovation is looking for partners located in our region to whom we can refer entrepreneurs for specialized services. If you operate a company that provides professional services (e.g. marketing, accounting, legal) located in Eastern Kentucky, you can apply to be a part of our partner network.
Step 4: Apply for funding
Early entrepreneurs and startups in Eastern Kentucky can apply to pitch their stories at the Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition. Winners receive funding to bring their products and services to life. Apply to be a part of the next competition today!
Launching soon, be on the waitlist for more information.
Entrepreneurs in Eastern Kentucky need consistent money coming in to keep the lights on, run payroll, and get much-needed runway for their startups to take off. If you’re a late-stage startup or entrepreneur in Eastern Kentucky — or want to invest in one of our region’s startups — Shaping Our Appalachian Region and its partners at the Kentucky Angel Fund can help.
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