On October 15, our SOAR Innovation team hosted an Ideation Workshop at Bit Source in Pikeville, collaborating with the University of Pikeville’s Coleman College of Business. The workshop provided students and community members with a hands-on opportunity to turn real-world challenges into business ideas, complete with product concepts and practical frameworks for implementation.
Jared Arnett, Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Pikeville, shared his thoughts on the event: “The ideation workshop was a great networking opportunity and gave our students a great framework to help mold their ideas into potential startups. They loved meeting community members and spending time together exploring their ideas.”
Collaboration With Bit Source: A SOAR Innovation Success Story
Partnering with Bit Source was a highlight of this workshop. As a successful SOAR Innovation client, Bit Source has demonstrated how transformative ideas can drive tech-based economic growth in Eastern Kentucky. Rusty Justice, Co-founder of Bit Source, and Payton May, Partner, and COO, shared their entrepreneurial journey, offering participants a firsthand look at how innovation can lead to real impact in the region.
Their insights provided a powerful example of how tech and creativity can intersect to create opportunities and foster community development.
Partnering With UPIKE Coleman College of Business
Our collaboration with the University of Pikeville’s Coleman College of Business added immense value to the workshop. Students from various academic disciplines joined community members to exchange ideas and work together, guided by the expertise of UPIKE faculty. This partnership created an enriching environment where concepts were refined and potential business solutions took shape.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Danna Barnett, Startup Program Coordinator for SOAR, said, “Seeing the creativity and collaboration in that room was truly inspiring. This workshop showed our community members and students’ immense potential when they came together. It’s not just about developing business ideas; it’s about equipping people with the confidence and mindset to make meaningful change in Eastern Kentucky. The connections and conversations that happened here could shape the future of our region.”
Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset
The workshop taught participants to approach challenges creatively and collaboratively, transforming obstacles into opportunities. They left with fresh ideas and a mindset focused on innovation and resilience.
Supporting Eastern Kentucky’s Future
This workshop is part of SOAR’s ongoing mission to foster entrepreneurship and drive economic development in Eastern Kentucky. By equipping people with the tools and mindset needed to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community and empowering the next generation of changemakers.
Our efforts are supported by the ARC POWER Grant, which funds key initiatives designed to diversify and strengthen the region’s economy. Through this grant, we provide a range of services to support local entrepreneurs, including workshops, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources that help businesses grow and succeed in a rapidly changing market. These resources are vital for building a resilient, thriving community across Eastern Kentucky.
The event was made possible through funding provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER program. With this funding, SOAR provides programming and services to students and community members.
This funding allows SOAR to work on campuses and communities across Eastern Kentucky.
- Ashland Community and Technical College
- Hazard Community and Technical College
- Morehead State University
- Paintsville Independent Schools
- University of Pikeville
- Union Commonwealth University
Get Involved
Whether you’re a student, a business owner, or someone with an idea, SOAR supports your journey. Visit the SOAR Innovation page to learn more about our programs and discover how you can be part of Eastern Kentucky’s innovation ecosystem.
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