2014 IdeaFestival, Presented by the Kentucky Innovation Network, Kicks Off This Week

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Cabinet for Economic Development

Contact
Joe Hall
502.564.4886

Kris Kimel
Idea Festival
859.229.6161

2014 IdeaFestival, Presented by the Kentucky Innovation Network, Kicks Off This Week

Innovation Network will teach participants how to start a business

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2014) – A meeting of the world’s brightest minds and business experts is taking place in Louisville this week. Entrepreneurs and small business owners will have access to specialized business assistance at the 2014 IdeaFestival®, presented by the Kentucky Innovation Network, which will run Sept. 30-Oct. 3 at the Kentucky Center.

Since 2000, IdeaFestival has brought together the world’s leading thinkers, doers and innovators for four days of discussion and debate about what is impacting and shaping the future of business, technology, design, science, philosophy and education. This year, thousands of passionate minds and voices from a variety of disciplines will gather to examine how ideas and innovation will shape the future.

“At this year’s Festival, attendees will find themselves immersed in nearly 30 events and presentations on topic ranging from emerging trends in digital media to the search for life in the universe to how technology is making us smarter,” said IdeaFestival founder Kris Kimel.

As the presenting sponsor, the Kentucky Innovation Network’s experienced professionals will be on hand to showcase the steps of starting a business. Participants also will learn how to turn their own ideas into small businesses here in the Commonwealth.

“Innovation drives small business creation,” said Mandy Lambert, commissioner of business development in the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. “IdeaFestival is a breeding ground for innovative ideas that can impact the world. We’re excited to have the Kentucky Innovation Network help bring those ideas to reality right here in Kentucky.”

An initiative of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the Kentucky Innovation Network’s 13 offices statewide offer extensive resources for small and new businesses. Assistance can range from funding initiatives, marketing and sales assistance, small business advocacy and resource referrals, along with a variety of financial and incentive programs to encourage investment and job growth. All services are provided free of charge.

To learn how the Kentucky Innovation Network is helping create and grow Kentucky’s small businesses, visit www.kyinnovation.com.

For more information on IdeaFestival, visit www.ideafestival.com or follow at @ideafestival, @kyinnovation.

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 The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for encouraging new jobs and investment in the state. New capital investment announced in Kentucky in 2013 totaled more than $3.3 billion, spurring more than 14,000 projected new jobs. Information on available industrial properties, workforce development assistance, incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other economic development resources is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.