Emergency lighting company receives prize to grow business

Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Old Capitol Annex 300 West Broadway Frankfort, KY 40601
Contact Joe Hall 502.564.4886 Rick Johnson Kentucky Innovation Network 859.246.3231

Rely-A-Light wins Entrepreneur Pitch Competition in Richmond

Emergency lighting company receives prize to grow business

RICHMOND, Ky. (June 23, 2014) – A central Kentucky startup has received a significant boost in growing its business.

Russie Jones presented her company, Rely-A-Light, to a panel of local judges during the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s entrepreneur pitch competition in Richmond. For her award-winning idea, Rely-A-Light received a cash prize and the opportunity to present to the Kentucky Angel Investors Network in Frankfort later this year.

Rely-A-Light has patented a line of decorative emergency lighting for homes and businesses.

“Winning this regional competition further validates the bright future of Rely-A-Light,” said Jones “The networking was invaluable and the contacts that we made at the event were priceless. We look forward to our company’s growth which will enable us to give back to our community.”

Rely-A-Light’s key product is a multi-function table lamp that provides instant emergency light during a power outage. The lamp also acts as cell phone and tablet charging station. Rely-A-light is currently gearing up for a national marketing campaign.

Rely-A-Light was one of five entrepreneurs to participate in Friday’s competition. Participants had 10 minutes to present their business idea to the judges.

“This was a great event that provided the opportunity for regional entrepreneurs to pitch their company ideas and for the community to listen and learn about what great innovation is happening right here in Kentucky,” said Kristel Smith, director of the Innovation Network Office in Richmond.

The event is sponsored by the Office of Entrepreneurship within the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, along with the Kentucky Angels Network and the Kentucky Innovation Network. For more information on the competition, visit kyinnovation.com

Last year, the Cabinet successfully launched the Kentucky Angel Investors Network. Kentucky Angels brings new ventures and accredited investors together via monthly online meetings, providing investors access to form deals and partnerships with entrepreneurs statewide http://www.arriveinstyleaz.com/. Membership is open to those accredited investors in and outside the state who are passionate about investing in Kentucky companies. To learn more about Kentucky Angels, visit www.kyangels.net

Learn more about Rely-A-Light at www.relyalight.com

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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.