BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PIKEVILLE — In a significant development for the region, Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) unveiled its Innovation POWER team, poised to transform eastern Kentucky’s economy.
Bolstered by a nearly $1.5 million Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant awarded in October 2023, the team will develop a technology-focused entrepreneurial ecosystem across the region’s higher education institutions.
Joshua Ball, SOAR chief operating officer and a Martin County native, expressed optimism about the venture’s potential.
“We are thrilled to have assembled a great team and begun our work on college campuses to help identify, nurture and support high-growth, scalable ideas,” Ball stated. He emphasized the team’s goal to unlock campus potential.
The team will work with entrepreneurial individuals, educational institutions, businesses and organizations across all disciplines and business stages. They will be promoting entrepreneurship on the campuses of the University of Pikeville, Morehead State University, Union College, Ashland Community & Technical College, Hazard Community & Technical College, and Paintsville Independent Schools.
The initiative looks to foster innovation and retain talent in Eastern Kentucky, addressing decades-old brain drain and out-migration trends.
“If ideas—and those creating those ideas—stay here, the results will be evident,” Ball said, underscoring the impact of retaining intellectual capital and creativity in the area.
The Innovation POWER Team plans to create a nurturing network for innovation, offering workshops, mentorship programs, and startup support.
Led by committed individuals like program manager Barbara Gay of Jackson County, the team’s focus is on the region’s revitalization. Gay brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit roles and career coaching.
Outreach coordinator Deveney Redwine, Morehead native and Morehead State University alumna, has a strong background in community relations and outreach.
Startup program coordinator Danna Barnett of Tomahawk brings an extensive background in business consulting and academic administrative roles.
“Having another Martin Countian on the team is great,” Ball said of Barnett. “I think our lived experiences, coupled with our passion for people and what is possible when people come together to seize opportunities, make for a great dynamic for our transformative work.”
Ball reflected on the personal significance of this work.
“I wake up every single day working with a team that is working relentlessly to create opportunities for the good of all in Eastern Kentucky,” he remarked.
A large roster of partners supports the project. They include Appalachian Investor’s Alliance (AIA), Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), Invest 606, and KY Innovation. The partners will provide outreach to participants, business space and access to resources.
Learn more at soar-ky.org.