Entrepreneur & Startup Resources
Purebred Success
Why run solo when you can surround yourself with a dynamic ecosystem of experienced entrepreneurs in Greater LEX? Supported by a network of incubators and accelerators, aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs find a welcoming home in the region — whether they’re delving into video game development, software engineering, advanced manufacturing or the life sciences.
Are you a minority business owner? Greater LEX is committed to your ongoing success, whether you’re looking for access to financing, grants or procurement services. Launch or expand your ventures in a region that ranks as one of the best for startups and small business growth.
Entrepreneurship and small business ownership can be daunting – Greater LEX makes it easy with step-by-step guidance and resources.
Teeming with Innovation
In Greater LEX, a vibrant startup community is ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work for your long-term success. At the heart of this ecosystem lies Startup LEX, which hosts weekly startup breakfasts and a plethora of entrepreneurial events, fostering collaboration and idea exchange. Want to innovate alongside some of Kentucky’s brightest minds? Bluegrass AgTech plays a central role in nurturing agriculture startups, leveraging programs like the Challenge Grant to broaden economic horizons for agritech entrepreneurship and small businesses.
The region also boasts several incubators and accelerators, each contributing uniquely to the entrepreneurial landscape. Among them, Awesome Inc’s mentor-based program provides co-working space, web development & design services and access to pro bono legal & accounting expertise. Meanwhile, the University of Kentucky’s Advanced Science & Technology Commercialization Center serves as a catalyst for early-stage, high-tech startup growth — facilitating commercialization and market entry.
Get in the Saddle
Hone your business acumen and pursue your dream venture in Central Kentucky with an abundance of learning opportunities for entrepreneurs. Awesome Inc.’s 16-week web developer bootcamp is an immersive program designed to build in-demand skills that put you at the top of your trade. Institutions like Transylvania University’s Center for Entrepreneurship serve as catalysts for student innovation, offering connections to the local startup ecosystem, insightful speaker series and platforms for pitching business ideas.
Similarly, the University of Kentucky’s Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship provides a comprehensive suite of resources, including online boot camps and incubator support. From pitch competitions to specialized entrepreneurship programs for the arts, the center fosters a culture of innovation and enterprise among students and alumni alike.
Already on track to launch your startup? Statewide resources like KY Innovation and the Small Business Development Center in Lexington offer invaluable support for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on business startup fundamentals, comprehensive business planning services or personalized one-on-one coaching, these institutions provide the knowledge and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence and success.
Spur Your Startup
Greater LEX provides a robust financial landscape for startup businesses — fostering growth and maturity through various funding avenues. Venture capital firms like Keyhorse Capital play a pivotal role in catalyzing entrepreneurship by investing seed and early-stage venture capital in the region. The firm has injected over $58 million into Kentucky companies, contributing to a total capital raise of $1.5 billion by portfolio companies.
Whether your startup is healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing or biotech, Bluegrass Angels is dedicated to helping startups grow quickly. The volunteer-led organization offers mentorship to entrepreneurs and has raised more than $20 million and invested in over 50 Kentucky companies since 2004.
Also based in Greater LEX is Key Investment Solutions, an investment holding company that has built or acquired more than 25 businesses collectively valued at over $150 million. And with over $50 million in contracts and procurement since 2013, Commerce Lexington’s Minority Business Accelerator has helped distribute over $6.9 million to small, minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the Central Kentucky region through its Access Loan Program, underscoring Greater LEX’s commitment to inclusion.
Looking to commercialize your research and development efforts? Kentucky’s SBIR-STTR Matching Fund program doubles federal grant money awarded to startup companies with high-potential projects. KY Innovation can also help companies apply for and win grants and contracts.
Discover More of Greater LEX
Higher Education & Upskilling
With more than 10 colleges and universities, lifelong learners have access to unending growth opportunities in Greater LEX.
Key Industries
Where will you make your mark? Greater LEX is home to several industries with notable job growth.
Networking & Professional Growth
Connect to a welcoming business community, with an abundance of opportunities to expand your leadership skills and professional development.
