Services provided by the EKU Business Accelerator

Choosing to enter an Accelerator Program is an important decision in the life of your business. When you enter the EKU Business Accelerator Program, you are gaining access to a network of coaches that have experience in helping people create successful companies. We look for ideas and companies that want to grow or expand their operations in Kentucky. Office space is provided to qualified clients, and rent can be up to $400 per month for 300 square feet based upon your current business model.    

Professional Development (Part of monthly fee)

• Mentoring from the EKU Center for Economic Development, Entrepreneurship and Technology (CEDET) professional staff.
• Access to network of business experts for mentoring and guidance.
• Access to EKU faculty and students.
• Admittance to workshops on a variety of business topics related to small business development.
• Networking opportunities.

Business Assistance from CEDET

• Based on the type of company being formed clients will be routed to services provided by the Kentucky Innovation Network (KIN) Office at Richmond or Small Business Development Center (SBDC) programs. In some cases, both the KIN and SBDC will partner to provide assistance.
• Consultation with the EKU Small Business Development Center.
  • Market research to validate feasibility, market size, entrepreneurial perceptions.
  • Technology advice, planning training, and implementation assistance.
  • Business plan development.
  • Analysis and recommendations on competitive strategy and strategic direction.
  • Financial analysis, projections and assumptions preparations.
  • Assistance in obtaining necessary funding.
  • Marketing strategies.
  • On-going management assistance.
  • Institute financial and internal controls.

• Consultation with Kentucky Innovation Network Office associates through their commercialization protocol (Part of Client Services Agreement as applicable).
  • Business development planning.
  • Opportunity assessment.
  • Intellectual property.
  • Product development/prototype.
  • Technical evaluation.
  • Market validation.
  • Operations planning.
  • Financial plan development and model.
  • Funding strategies.
  • Valuation and term sheet.
  • Investor pitch.
• Access to network of volunteers, interns and members of the business community.
• Contacts made for strategic partnerships and other business alliances.
• Assistance identifying funding sources.
• Introductions to business resources and the capital investment community.
• Guidance on business plan, strategic plan, and marketing plan preparation.
• Guidance for determining marketing strategies, marketing goals, sales strategies, and developing promotional materials.

Additional Fee-Based Business Assistance (Cost based on posted price lists or negotiation)

• Access to support services such as typing, photocopying, and filing.
• Design assistance for printed materials and websites.
• Clerical and bookkeeping support.
• Marketing research on a per project basis.
• Development of creative concepts.
• Development of written documents.
• Other services as needed and requested.