Starting or scaling a business can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.
The SOAR Innovation team equips founders in Eastern Kentucky with the resources, mentorship, and coaching to turn ideas into viable businesses, grow their ventures, and scale for long-term success.
No matter your stage.
How We Help Founders Like You
Start. Grow. Scale.
Start
Personalized Coaching & Mentorship
Every founder’s journey begins with an idea. We provide hands-on coaching to help you refine your concept, develop a strategy, and overcome early challenges.
Grow
Funding & Capital Access
Growth requires capital. We help you explore funding options like:
- Bootstrapping & self-funding
- Angel investment & venture capital
- Crowdfunding & community funding
- Government grants & business incubators
- Bank loans & credit lines
Connections & Resources
Beyond funding, success comes from the right partnerships. We connect you with mentors, industry experts, and essential business resources.
Scale
Launching & Growth Acceleration
Every founder’s journey begins with an idea. We provide hands-on coaching to help you refine your concept, develop a strategy, and overcome early challenges.
Exit Planning & Long-Term Success
Looking ahead to your next move? Whether you’re preparing for an acquisition, succession, initial public offering (IPO), or another venture, we guide you through the process of scaling with an exit strategy in mind.
We are here to help, let’s get started
Meet Our Entrepreneur in Residence
Rick West | Entrepreneur in Residence
If you’re a founder in Eastern Kentucky, Rick West is here to help you take your business to the next level. A Pike County native, Rick has spent over 20 years building and scaling startups, including Field Agent, after a successful 17-year career with Procter & Gamble in the U.S. and Asia. He knows what it takes to turn an idea into a thriving business and is passionate about mentoring and coaching entrepreneurs like you. Whether you’re refining your business model, seeking funding, or preparing to scale, Rick is ready to provide hands-on guidance to help you overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.
Our Commitment to Founders
- Personalized Support – No generic advice. We tailor everything to your specific business and goals.
- Real-World Mentorship – Learn from experienced entrepreneurs who have been in your shoes.
- Funding & Growth Opportunities – We’ll help you access the capital and resources you need.
- A Thriving Startup Community – Connect with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors who can help you grow.
- Long-Term Success – We’re with you beyond just launching your business—we help you scale and sustain it.
Meet the SOAR Innovation Team
Kacy Hicks
Director of Entrepreneurship
Brittney Smith
Startup Support Specialist
Rick West
Entrepreneur in Residence
Riley Thompson
Startup Outreach Coordinator
Not a Tech-Based Entrepreneur?
No Problem!
Through funding provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), we offer programming and support for all entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in Eastern Kentucky. Whether you’re launching a small business, expanding an existing one, or exploring new opportunities, we’re here to help.
Eastern Kentucky’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
As Eastern Kentucky’s Innovation Hub, SOAR is committed to supporting tech and tech-enabled founders while also ensuring all entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to succeed. We take pride in connecting entrepreneurs to Kentucky’s vast network of support organizations, each offering unique expertise, funding opportunities, and mentorship.
Our Ecosystem Partners
The Innovation Blog
Why Choose SOAR Innovation?
- Proven Expertise: Backed by deep knowledge of regional entrepreneurship and economic development.
- Tailored Support: Individualized coaching at every stage of the startup journey.
- Access to Resources: Connections to funding, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
- Commitment to Impact: We measure success by our entrepreneurs’ ability to thrive, scale, and drive economic growth in Eastern Kentucky
Let’s Get Started
You’ve got the idea. We’ve got the resources and expertise to help you make it happen. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your business to the next level, SOAR Innovation is here for you.
Let’s make it official
Get email updates about events, news, and milestones in your county. Help us power a revolution, one Eastern Kentucky community at a time.
"*" indicates required fields