State renewing contract for innovation hubs, including Bowling Green location

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday that the state is supporting job growth by investing in six innovation hubs across Kentucky.

According to a release by the governor’s office, the hubs are a partnership between the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation. The total funding is just over $3 million, the governor says.

“We are securing Kentucky’s place at the forefront of innovation by continuing to invest in new businesses and entrepreneurs,” Beshear says. “The Innovation Hubs provide incredible opportunities for startup companies to succeed and create quality jobs for Kentucky families.”

One hub includes CREATE at the Western Kentucky University Innovation Campus in Bowling Green, according to the release.

CREATE will serve 12 counties in Kentucky and offers a membership-based co-working space, the CO/CREATE Talent Database to identify professionals interested in moving to the area and numerous business recruitment and networking services.

The five other locations include  Sprocket in Paducah, Amplify in Louisville, SOAR in Pikeville, Blue North in Covington and Awesome Inc. in Lexington.

The awards and funding are based on each hub’s plans to serve and grow entrepreneurship throughout an entire region.