BY BUGS DIXON
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Shaping Our Appalachian Region announced this week that its 2024 Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition will be held at the historic Ashland Train Depot April 11, 2024. Applications are due at the end of December.

This event, presented by Community Trust Bancorp and supported by KY Innovation, seeks to uncover the next big idea from Appalachian Kentucky’s talent pool.

Event Details

Date and Venue: Scheduled for April 11, 2024, at the historic Ashland Train Depot in Ashland.

Application Deadline: Dec. 31.

Eligibility: Open to startups based in the 54 Appalachian Regional Commission Kentucky counties, the competition welcomes concepts or existing businesses financed by founders and less than 5 years old, with a focus on e-commerce or exporting.

Prizes: Winners can expect significant cash rewards, with the first-place winner receiving $10,000. Finalists will also be awarded $500.

Comprehensive Support: Beyond cash prizes, all applicants benefit from coaching and mentoring by SOAR’s Business and Innovation team. Services include business ideation, financial forecasting, digital marketing, and more.

Past Success Stories: Previous winners, such as Bluegrass Crickets, Safari Solutions, Walleye Solutions, and Tipper Valley Farms, illustrate the diverse and innovative spirit fostered by the competition.

SOAR, a nonprofit promoting regional economic progress and innovation, demonstrates its commitment to nurturing innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit in Eastern Kentucky through this competition. It represents a unique opportunity for startups to gain recognition, support and financial backing to turn their ideas into tangible successes.

For more information or to apply, potential participants can visit the SOAR website soar-ky.org or reach out directly to Sabrina McWhorter, director of Business and Innovation at SOAR, at sabrina@soar-ky.org.