University of Kentucky Economic Development Collaborative

2023 Annual Report June 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 equitable economic development.

For current EDC program information, see the following:

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Recent EDC News

UK Office of Economic Inclusion Launches Updated Website to Empower Minority Businesses

Ashley Castorena May 21, 2024

The Office of Economic Inclusion has revamped its website to better support minority-owned businesses and integrate underrepresented Kentucky-based enterprises into the University of Kentucky’s supply chain. This strategic move aims to foster economic growth and prosperity across the Commonwealth.

Fischer Homes and University of Kentucky

OneUK Partner Fischer Homes takes first step toward holistic engagement by supporting DanceBlue Marathon

Ashley Castorena Apr 22, 2024

Fischer Homes, an inaugural cohort member of OneUK, completed the first action item on its OneUK engagement plan—the homebuilder, headquartered in Northern Kentucky, sponsored an hour at UK’s DanceBlue Marathon. OneUK is the University of Kentucky’s new comprehensive business engagement program aimed at fostering stronger relationships with strategic partners. Through OneUK, Fischer Homes has identified three primary goals for the partnership:

UK Cooperative Extension, Economic Development Collaborative host Kentucky 4-H Entrepreneur Workshop

Ashley Castorena Apr 1, 2024

Lexington, Ky.— On March 28th, the UK Cooperative Extension Service and the UK Economic Development Collaborative partnered to host a Kentucky 4-H Entrepreneur Workshop at the UK Cornerstone. Led by Mike Meyer, Associate Program Leader for Kentucky 4-H, and Melody Flowers, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development and Real Estate, the workshop aimed to empower Kentucky youth in entrepreneurship.