University of Kentucky Economic Development Collaborative

2024 Annual Report July Newsletter

Welcome to the University of Kentucky Economic Development Collaborative, where we believe that economic development is crucial to the success and prosperity of Kentucky.

The University of Kentucky Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is a network of campus and community stakeholders who oversee UK’s economic development and business engagement activities. The mission of the EDC is to proactively grow economic prosperity in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the areas of talent, innovation, place, partnership, and economic engagement.

To stay up-to-date on UK's economic development activity, sign up for the EDC Monthly Newsletter.

Recent EDC News

Photo of a crane at a University of Kentucky construction site

UK, Walsh Construction, Goodwill Kentucky launch Pre-Apprenticeship Program Aug. 1

Ashley Castorena

Jul 28, 2025

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 28, 2025) — The University of Kentucky, in partnership with Walsh Construction and Goodwill Kentucky, is launching a new Pre-Apprenticeship Program on Aug. 1. The initiative, tied to the construction of the UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building, is designed to introduce participants to careers in the skilled trades through an eight-week, hands-on learning experience.

First ‘Growing Our Own’ workshop highlights how to work with UK

Ashley Castorena

Apr 18, 2025

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 17, 2025) — The "Growing Our Own" workshop series launched April 17 with its first session, “How to do Business with UK,” held at Commerce Lexington and streamed online. The event, designed to empower Kentucky-owned businesses, offered participants insights into accessing contracting opportunities at the University of Kentucky.

UK Students Compete in 250LEX Innovation Event

Ashley Castorena

Apr 7, 2025

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Student entrepreneurs from the University of Kentucky, Transylvania University, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, and Fayette County Public Schools will present their innovative ideas at the upcoming 250LEX Entrepreneurial Showdown. The live pitch competition will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at the Transylvania University Campus Center. Five student-led ventures will be featured, each focused on solving real-world problems through creativity, technology and practical design.

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