Kentucky Innovation Network Named Presenting Sponsor of 2014 IdeaFestival

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Cabinet for Economic Development

Contact:
Joe Hall
502.564.4886

Kris Kimel
IdeaFestival
859.229.6161

Kentucky Innovation Network Named Presenting Sponsor of 2014 IdeaFestival
Participants will learn how to start their own small businesses

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 27, 2014) – Intellectual curiosity will meet small business creation in Kentucky this fall.

The Kentucky Innovation Network has been named the presenting sponsor of this year’s IdeaFestival® in Louisville, which will run Sept. 30-Oct. 3 at the Kentucky Center.

As part of the partnership, 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.

Founded in 2000, IdeaFestival brings 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 shape the future.

“Innovation and small business creation go hand-in-hand,” said Mandy Lambert, commissioner of business development in the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. “IdeaFestival exposes Kentuckians to some of the most visionary ideas in the world. The Kentucky Innovation Network wants to show and help these Kentuckians turn their own ideas into full-scale businesses.”

Consisting of 13 offices throughout the state, the Kentucky Innovation Network offers 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.

“IdeaFestival is particularly excited to have the Kentucky Innovation Network as its 2014 presenting sponsor,” said IdeaFestival founder Kris Kimel. “The Network’s reputation as an out-of-the-box organization focused squarely on innovation, entrepreneurship and small businesses is exactly the kind of enterprise and brand that IF is proud to associate itself with as we move Kentucky and the world forward.”

The Kentucky Innovation Network is an initiative of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s Office of Entrepreneurship. The goals of the Office of Entrepreneurship are to develop an entrepreneurial climate in Kentucky, provide guidance and support to startups and assist existing small businesses with growth opportunities. To learn how the Kentucky Innovation Network is helping create and grow Kentucky’s small businesses, visit kyinnovation.com.

For more information on IdeaFestival, visit www.ideafestival.com or follow at @ideafestival, #staycurious and #IF14.

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