Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation

06/04/2026

Startup business owners in Knox, Whitley, Bell, and Harlan counties in Kentucky may be eligible to apply for a loan through the Cumberland Mountain RISE Loan Fund.

SKED's new loan program targets entrepreneurs and new business owners who may need startup capital to fund their dreams.

Individuals who meet the program's eligibility requirements can apply for business loans of up to $10,000 at a 4% interest rate, with six months of zero-interest payments and four years of amortization.

Loan recipients also receive free technical business assistance and training through SKED’s Be Boss Online digital marketing program.

SKED Economic Development Director William Tal Jones will market the loan program in the four-county region and assist small business owners in applying for the loan funds.

For more information on the Cumberland Mountain RISE Loan Fund, contact Tal Jones at (606) 546-1911 or [email protected].

SOMERSET, KY – Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corp. (SKED) announces a new startup business loan fund for a four-county region in Southeast Kentucky. The Cumberland Mountain RISE (Regional Investment in Read More

06/01/2026

Looking for a new job?

SPEDA has officially launched its search for the organization’s next President & Chief Executive Officer.

Applications will be accepted beginning today, June 1, and continuing through 4 p.m. ET on July 31. The SPEDA Board of Directors will conduct a comprehensive search process and review all applications before scheduling interviews. A selection is expected in fall 2026.

Read more: https://somersetkyleads.com/speda-launches-search-for-next-president-ceo/

05/29/2026

With a $1M total prize pool, the SBA Patriot Pitch Competition awards American innovation!

Key details:
✅ Judging categories: strengthening American competitiveness, small business “punching above its weight,” economic impact, and business fundamentals and ex*****on readiness
✅ Deadline: Submit your pitch by June 10
✅ The finals: September 2026 in D.C.

Learn more and submit your pitch: https://www.sba.gov/freedom250

05/29/2026

Learn more about the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development below!

Join KAED and Mark Waterhouse at the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED), August 3–6 in Lexington.

KIED is a four-day, comprehensive course designed to build a strong foundation in economic development through practical instruction, real-world case studies, and peer learning. Ideal for those new to the field, the program also serves as required coursework for the IEDC Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential.

We’re excited to have Mark Waterhouse leading sessions on real estate and community development, bringing decades of experience in both private and municipal economic development.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen your impact.

Agenda:https://kaedonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/KIED-Agenda-2026.pdf

Register here: https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx

More information, including our scholarship application, can be found here: https://kaedonline.org/kied

The course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Graduation from KIED fulfills one of the prerequisites for those who want to pursue the Certified Economic Developer designation (CEcD) through lEDC. For more information on IEDC and certification, visit www.iedconline.org.

05/29/2026

This Saturday you can get a $25 Game Card, a T-Shirt and a pint of Blue Bell ice cream all for FREE!!!!
All it takes is just a few minutes of your time by donating blood and saving a life
Plus one lucky donor will receive a $100 Game Card!!!

Schedule your donation time now by going to www.kybloodcenter.org

05/22/2026

SKED's training staff presented Be Boss Online Generative Artificial Intelligence training to members of the Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce this month.

This free training is available to all chambers within SKED's 45-county service territory.

For more information about the training or to schedule one in your community, contact Jarrod Withers at [email protected].

PAINTSVILLE, KY – The Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping its members learn about Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on small businesses. The chamber partnered Read More

05/22/2026

Our offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. Our staff wishes you and your family a safe and blessed holiday weekend, as we pause to remember those who gave everything for our freedom.

05/19/2026

McCauley Egg Company | Mt. Vernon, KYMcCauley Egg Company is being honored as a 2026 Kentucky SBDC Pacesetter Award winner. Owner Leslie McCauley has grown t...

05/19/2026

Unlimited Go Karts & Laser Tag from 11am to 5pm today for $25 and includes a $10 Game Card
Plus $3/game Bowling with 1/2 priced shoe rental
And 1/2 Priced Verse Experiences if tickets are purchased at front desk

05/15/2026

Dollhouse Daycare of Columbia | Columbia, KYJoin us in celebrating Dollhouse Daycare of Columbia, a 2026 Kentucky SBDC Pacesetter Award winner. Owner Audrean...