Governor's School for Entrepreneurs

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Governor's School for Entrepreneurs

Empowering Kentucky's future entrepreneurs. Join our list to find out how you fit in here! Please visit our website for more information.

https://kentuckygse.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Empower the Es ⮕ https://kentuckygse.com/donate/ http://kentuckygse.com/

If you would like to donate to the program click this link: https://goo.gl/vC4Qpn

06/11/2026

Meet our 2026 Summer Startup Resident Advisors – Part Two! 🎉

Our Resident Advisors play a key role in shaping the Summer Startup experience. They support the safety and well-being of our entrepreneurs, help build a strong residential community, and create opportunities for connection through events, field trips, and daily interactions.

We are so excited to introduce this group of Resident Advisors:

India Young, a Summer Startup 2023 alum, is pursuing a Multimedia Journalism major with minors in Political Science and Communications at Asbury University. She looks forward to helping build a community focused on unity, connection, and fun for all the Es.

Tylan Grooms is a Berea College student studying Psychology and Business Administration with plans to pursue an MSW and become a clinical social worker supporting students. Now in her second year as an RA, she is eager to continue encouraging the Es this year and see their ideas take shape.

Tate Gitzinger, Summer Startup 2024 alum, has honed his leadership skills as an Eagle Scout and is currently studying Finance at Cedarville University. Through his experiences at GSE, he developed a strong commitment to teamwork and growth, and wants to help Es do the same this summer.

Gaurish Rai is an Accounting and Finance student at the University of Kentucky with an interest in business and legal studies. He enjoys exploring how finance and law intersect and looks forward to supporting the Es as they develop their ideas this summer.

Carolina Zuniga is a University of Kentucky student pursuing degrees in Accounting and Economics. She has experience coaching recreational programs and working with UK’s Big Blue Pantry, and she is passionate about building communities where students feel confident and connected.

Jamel Logan is a University of Kentucky student studying Business Administration and Economics. He's considering a career in sales, and also has strong interests in technology and innovation.

What an outstanding team. We know it's going to be another spectacular Summer Startup experience, and our Resident Advisors are a big part of that. We can't wait!

06/09/2026

Meet our 2026 Summer Startup Resident Advisors – Part One! 🎉

Our Resident Advisors help create the supportive, engaging community that makes Summer Startup such a transformative experience. Through mentorship and encouragement, they help entrepreneurs thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Let's meet them!

Our Head Resident Advisor is Timothy Woods, a University of Kentucky student studying Finance, International Business and Public Policy. His leadership experience in Student Government and Mock Trial has helped him develop the communication and problem-solving skills needed to support this year's Es. We are thrilled to welcome Timothy back for his third summer on the team!

Alexis Davidson: "I’m a marketing major at Asbury University. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, traveling and being outside. I attended GSE in 2023, where I met lifelong friends and had one of the best experiences of my high school career. I am excited to support the Es this summer."

Kirsten Eads: "I'm a rising junior at Sarah Lawrence College. I am a film major and I hope to work with National Geographic someday. I am excited about working with younger people and growing their leadership skills."

Xavier Thomas, a 2023 Summer Startup alum, is studying Real Estate, Finance and Information Systems at the University of Cincinnati. His experience in property management and operations gives him a strong foundation in leadership, organization and problem-solving.

Ethan Williams is a marketing student at the University of Kentucky. He brings experience in consulting, communications and audience engagement. He is passionate about creativity, leadership and helping others make a lasting impact.

We would also like to welcome Carlie Hinken, a 2024 Summer Startup alum, to our team. Carlie is a student in the University of Kentucky Lewis Honors College, and we’re excited for the energy and leadership she’ll bring as she helps our incoming Es navigate campus life.

The GSE ecosystem is strengthened by students and E-lumni who continue finding new ways to give back. We're excited for the energy, leadership and support this team will bring to Summer Startup 2026!

06/08/2026

Did you catch Sunday's episode of Inside Louisville on KET - Kentucky Educational Television? We are so proud of our featured alums and their businesses!

Claustrum Design was founded by Collegiate Pitch '26 winners Justin Houts and Kieran Richards; their company aims to modernize clinical practices and improve patient care through innovative, clinically grounded medical devices.

Jet Ski 502, led by Collegiate Pitch '25 winners Golden Mashindi and Arnold Moto, is Louisville's exclusive jet ski rental service, offering fun, safe, and accessible watersports on the Ohio River.

A great big GSE thank-you to Inside Louisville's Kelsey Starks and Christie Dutton for highlighting these inspiring entrepreneurs and sharing their stories with viewers in Louisville and across the commonwealth.

It's a terrific episode! Be sure to check out the full 25-minute show at https://ket.org/program/inside-louisville/inside-governors-school-for-entrepreneurs

06/07/2026

We are TWO WEEKS AWAY from Summer Startup kick-off! We’re thrilled to welcome these future changemakers as they join us to explore bold ideas, collaborate with driven peers, take risks without fear of failure, and embrace the entrepreneurial journey ahead. We can’t wait to see you soon! 🎉

06/06/2026

E-lumni Spotlight: Studio Four Twelve ✨

Meet Kyle Westerfield, Summer Startup '14 alum and entrepreneur behind Studio Four Twelve, a Kentucky business creating personalized gifts, custom signs, laser-engraved artwork and unique handcrafted pieces. From home décor and keepsakes to custom projects, Studio Four Twelve combines craftsmanship and attention to detail to bring ideas to life.

Recently featured at the GSE Alumni Business Showcase in Frankfort, Studio Four Twelve is another example of how Kentucky entrepreneurs continue building and growing long after Summer Startup ends!

Visit https://studio4-12.com/ to view all of Kyle's amazing pieces and order yours today!

06/05/2026

The spotlight shines on two GSE E-lumni ventures featured on the next episode of Inside Louisville on KET - Kentucky Educational Television this Sunday, June 7, at noon ET!

Tune in to hear from these Collegiate Pitch winners: The founders of Claustrum Design (Justin Houts and Kieran Richards) and the founders of Jet Ski 502 (Golden Mashindi and Arnold Moto) as they share their entrepreneurial journeys and the businesses they're building right here in Kentucky!

Visit www.claustrumdesign.com and www.jetski502.com to learn more about these incredible businesses!

06/03/2026

Meet our 2026 Summer Startup Instructional Coaches ✨📖

This team leads our learning experience, collaboratively helping students explore ideas and develop strong businesses.

Deanna Allen, a 2014 Summer Startup alum, returns now with legal and entrepreneurial expertise. She says, "My GSE experience completely shifted what I thought was possible and opened my mind to a whole new world. Coming back now on staff feels very full circle."

We're excited to welcome back Dr. Malcolm Muhammad, a previous GSE coach and judge. Dr. Muhammad is a writer, professor, and entrepreneur who explores how entrepreneurial thinking can drive both personal and community transformation. He looks forward to helping Es pursue ambitious ideas.

Keionna Muhammad builds entrepreneurial ecosystems and helps founders thrive. She says, "GSE is especially meaningful to me because it sits at the intersection of education, innovation, and impact, which reflects my professional experience and the kind of work I most enjoy."

And returning for his fourth summer as an Instructional Coach is JD Audena. With a background spanning venture capital, technology, analytics, finance, and sales, JD is passionate about helping founders challenge conventional thinking, embrace new opportunities, and create meaningful impact.

The GSE ecosystem is strong. We love seeing alumni and community leaders invest in the next generation of Kentucky entrepreneurs. We're excited for all the knowledge, experience, and fresh perspectives our Instructional Coaches bring this summer!

05/29/2026

As Small Business Month comes to a close, remember that Supporting Local doesn’t end with the month of May.

Shopping small businesses year-round has a direct impact on your community and Kentucky’s economy. Behind every product or service is an individual putting care, creativity, and hard work into what they do.

Whether it’s photos, jewelry, art, or a growing online business, choosing to shop small and local makes a difference every day!

Our E-lumni Marketplace Guide is available all year, and updated regularly. Browse for local businesses to support in your area! Link in comments.

05/27/2026

Meet our 2026 Summer Startup Counselors! 💫

Our Counselors support students as they manage the fast pace of the Summer Startup program, providing encouragement and guidance along the way. They help make sure all of our students are ready to grow. We are so grateful for their willingness to share their skills and expertise with our young entrepreneurs!

Before our Counselors meet our Summer Startup participants for the first time, let's get to know a little more about them!

Kyonia Dow: "I am a high school counselor who loves to empower the next generation of students to be the best versions of themselves. I'm excited to return for my 5th summer as a GSE Counselor! I love watching the Es build incredible businesses with their teammates in just three weeks and seeing how they rise to the challenges they face along the way."

Brandi Fravert: "I’m excited to return to GSE this summer to watch the Es challenge themselves, build meaningful connections, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had! I’m passionate about helping Es develop resilience, independence, creativity, and the courage to step outside of their comfort zones in ways that will impact them long after the summer ends."

We can't wait to see how these two amazing Counselors help the Es on their journey!

05/24/2026

E-lumni Spotlight: Jayne Jewelry 💖

Ava Carpenter is a Summer Startup '25 grad and the founder of Jayne Jewelry out of Danville, KY. She creates handmade, artisan pieces that are unique and customizable for any occasion.

From earrings to pens to shoe charms, necklaces and more, Ava's pieces are fun and functional, and sure to make you smile! Through Summer Startup, she brought her ideas to life and is continuing to grow Jayne Jewelry one piece at a time.

Ava presented her business at our first-ever Alumni Business Showcase in Frankfort, where she shared her beautiful creations and her journey as an entrepreneur with many legislators and guests. We are so proud of Ava and all the entrepreneurs who make their small-business dreams a sustainable reality!

Address

900 East Main Street
Louisville, KY
40206

Telephone

+15025920520

Website

http://kentuckygse.com/

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