Middle Tech Spotlight Series: KY Innovation

Monique Quarterman on how KY Innovation is Empowering Entrepreneurs

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Middle Tech
June 21, 2023

June 21st, 2023

In the Spotlight: KY Innovation

In the latest episode of the Middle Tech Spotlight Series, we sat down with Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman, Executive Director of KY Innovation. KY Innovation is playing a pivotal role in supporting and developing Kentucky's startup ecosystem. Our conversation dives into various aspects of their work, including their focus on inclusivity, connectivity, positivity, and a “give first” culture.

KY Innovation, under the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, has been instrumental in empowering our state’s startup community. They work in tandem with organizations such as Middle Tech and their regional hubs (Awesome Inc, SOAR, Blue North, Amplify Louisville, Grow West, and Create) to deploy resources that bolster the startup community.

Their mission is to enable a sustainable and active entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the Commonwealth. With a vision to make Kentucky a go-to destination for entrepreneurs and investors, they aim to identify, retain, develop, and recruit at least 10,000 top-tier entrepreneurs to Kentucky within 10 years.

Middle Tech and KY Innovation share a very similar mission and we’re proud to have their support as we work to grow awareness around the tech and startup ecosystem in this region.

Key Takeaways

  1. Inclusivity in Innovation - KY Innovation is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the resources they need to succeed in the startup world.

  2. Geographical Distribution of Resources - KY Innovation is making strides in ensuring that resources are evenly distributed across the state, so that startups in all regions of Kentucky can thrive.

  3. Financial Instruments for Startups - The State Small Business Credit Initiative and the Kentucky Enterprise Fund are two key financial instruments that KY Innovation uses to support startups and small businesses.

For more information about KY Innovation, you can visit their website at kyinnovation.com

ICYMI

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