Multi County development group meets in Louisa

Louisa, KY — Representatives from several local businesses were present at a grant workshop that was held last week at Sullivan University Center for Learning in downtown Louisa, KY.

The workshop was for the federal POWER Initiative Grant and focused primarily on e-commerce. This particular segment of the grant is funneled through the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP), and is geared toward any business that is interested in getting into new markets, expanding, or who may be struggling.

The goal is to explore diversification by assessing existing businesses in the area and match them up with other companies, suppliers, customers, etc., to perhaps venture into different markets. By filling out the grant form, a business allows a consulting firm to assess their company, research, analyze, and determine if training is needed, and if there is a match, agrees to be linked to an e-commerce website.

Scott Broughton, Director of Kentucky Advantage Alliance, explained how the program worked, saying “We help find the missing link in the puzzle.”

Director of EKCEP, Ian Mooers, said the program emphasizes training which could be free to the company if they qualify.

The workshop was hosted by the Lawrence County Economic Development Dept. for the counties of Lawrence, Carter, Elliot, Morgan, Johnson, Martin, Magoffin, and Menifee Counties.

“There is no cost to the business for this service” said Economic Development Coordinator, Catrina Vargo. “It is an excellent opportunity.”

The workshop was sponsored by Three Rivers Medical Center who provided lunch, and Sullivan University Center for Learning-Louisa, who provided the space.

Vargo said the grant is on a first come first serve basis and businesses can still apply even if they didn’t get to attend the workshop.

Call 606-638-4102 for more information.