Providing ongoing business development support and services for business success

The business development professionals in the UK Office for Commercialization & Economic Development provide a comprehensive array of services and support to help entrepreneurs succeed. We will work with you to start a business, form an R&D partnership with the university, and hire UK students and graduates. We will connect you with business resources and incentive and financial programs, and provide opportunities to network with potential investors. We work on campus, in the Lexington-Bluegrass Region, and throughout the Commonwealth. We are part of the Bluegrass Business Development Partnership with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and Commerce Lexington, and work closely with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the EDA and the SBA.

The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship spins university research into new companies and jobs
With offices in ASTeCC and downtown Lexington, the Von Allmen Center works with UK faculty, clinicians, staff, students and community entrepreneurs who want to start a business based on their research and ideas. Their programs and services include technology market research and commercialization assessment, workshops and networking events for entrepreneurs, service providers and investors, and assistance with presentations to the Bluegrass Angels.

The Lexington Innovation & Commercialization Center develops regional tech-based businesses
The Von Allmen Center’s downtown office is the Lexington ICC which focuses on seed-and-early stage technology based, high-growth business projects in the Lexington-Bluegrass region. This office assists entrepreneurs with technology issues, federal SBIR-STTR grants and Kentucky’s match program, and co-hosts the bimonthly Lexington Venture Club meetings with Commerce Lexington.

The Kentucky Small Business Development Center helps Kentucky-based businesses grow and prosper
For more than 25 years, the KSBDC network of 16 statewide service centers has provided practical information, skills and strategies to help grow Kentucky-based small businesses and make a positive impact on local communities. Their services include free one-on-one management consultations, loan packaging assistance, and affordable business workshops and training.

UKCED client services include:

Business planning

• Assess intellectual property/commercialization potential
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis
• Assist in business plan development and financial analysis

Connections

• Provide ongoing management assistance
• Refer to vetted service providers
• Provide access to incubator space

Funding

• Develop funding roadmap
• Provide access to state and private funding resources
• Guide investor presentation development