Sprocket Inc., a nonprofit organization that's working to build Paducah, Kentucky's entrepreneurial and tech ecosystem, is launching a new incubator program in partnership with Codefi.
The West Kentucky Tech Incubator program will involves a four-week, pre-admission/pre-work process that leads up to a 12-week collaborative online program. During the program, participants will be provided expertise, support and technical tools to develop software prototypes and test customer and business model assumptions, according to a news release.
"The West Kentucky Tech Incubator is different from many small business support programs," said Monica Bilak, Sprocket founder and executive director, in the release. “It pairs local industry problem solvers with highly skilled technical expertise, something that is cost prohibitive to most budding entrepreneurs, particularly those just starting out with an idea."
Those who qualify to complete the program will have an opportunity to pitch to regional investors and enter into Codefi's nationally-recognized accelerator program where participants connect with software and startup experts. Those connections help reduce time-to-market and product development costs and accelerate customer acquisition, the release continued.
The Tech Incubator is open to any entrepreneur located in the following Kentucky counties: Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Henderson, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, Mccracken, McLean, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg, Union and Webster.
Applicants must be 18 and legal residents of the U.S. at the time of entry. Applicants must be using a for-profit business model.
At least one member of each team must be available to attend virtual workshops and participate in the Investor Pitch Competition. The deadline to apply is August 26. To apply, click here.
This isn't the first time Sprocket has partnered with Codefi — the two organizations also host 1ST50K, a pitch competition that brings startups to Paducah with the promise of $50,000 in non-dilutive funding. Two companies are relocating to Paducah this year: Ewagers and Feedcoyote.
