FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Governor Andy Beshear announced KY Innovation, the state's office for entrepreneurial and small business support, has opened up $2.6 million in funding to six public-private partnerships throughout Kentucky.
The Regional Innovation for Startups and Entrepreneurs program, also known as RISE, are six partnerships dedicated to serve all of Kentucky's counties. KY Innovation has established the partnership offices in Pikeville, Covington, Paducah, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Louisville.
“There is no more important a time than now for the state to reinvest in resources that help our entrepreneurs, innovators, small businesses and startups,” Governor Andy Beshear said. “We know these people and their businesses represent a critical part of Kentucky’s economic backbone. Through KY Innovation, RISE and an abundance of partners, we aim to ensure they grow, create jobs and become successful beacons in their communities, across the state and beyond.”
“KY Innovation’s mission is to enable a sustainable, active and connected entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the commonwealth that is designed to identify, develop, retain and attract talented entrepreneurs utilizing a #teamkentucky approach that focuses on inclusivity, connectivity, positivity and a give-before-you-get culture,” said Anthony Ellis, acting executive director of KY Innovation. “By putting entrepreneurs first, these public-private partnerships will provide them with key resources from partners, including colleges and universities, investors, mentors, business leaders, local governments, service providers and the greater entrepreneurial community,”
