Accelerate 606 Cohorts
Accelerate 606 is a 10-week business accelerator designed to help growth-stage small businesses in Appalachian Kentucky create and implement a strategic growth plan. Each participant receives up to $10,000 in grant funding to help bring their plan to life.
Through weekly sessions, mentorship, and expert-led workshops, businesses gain clarity, systems, and confidence to grow sustainably.
2026 Cohort
AuthentiLead
Located in Laurel County
AuthentiLead delivers leadership development solutions for mission-driven organizations where training shapes people and cultures. From their flagship Future-Ready Teams program addressing AI adoption and change readiness, to communication skill workshops and assessment-based pathways, they provide measurable outcomes through practical, customized programs—with proof leaders can see at work and connect to business results. They serve nonprofit, public sector, and mission-driven organizations that need strategic partnership and demonstrable ROI, not check-the-box training.
Kentucky Coffee Trail
Located in Lewis County
The Kentucky Coffee Trail is a statewide platform that connects independent coffee shops across all nine Kentucky tourism regions into one shared route, encouraging travelers to explore small towns they might otherwise pass through. Through a mobile app, storytelling, and strategic partnerships, The Kentucky Coffee Trail turns an everyday ritual into intentional economic movement. When someone checks in at a local shop, they are not just buying coffee. They are supporting a downtown, creating foot traffic, and contributing to the kind of visible life that helps communities grow again. It is not just about coffee. It is about visibility, traffic, and small-town revitalization.
Kentucky Mountain Moonshine/Cafe
Located in Estill County
Kentucky Mountain Moonshine began as a small craft distillery built around celebrating Appalachian heritage and bringing people together. Over time, it has expanded into a destination that includes a wood-fired pizza café, camping, RV hookups, renovated Airstream Airbnbs, and outdoor experiences across their 600-acre farm featuring hiking, agate hunting, and California Cave. Their goal is to create a place where people can enjoy great food, local spirits, and the natural beauty of Estill County.
O’Brien’s Archery
Located in Carter County
O'Brien's Archery is a trusted local archery pro shop that focuses on quality work, honest advice, and helping people enjoy the outdoors. They specialize in professional bow setup, tuning, and helping customers find the right equipment for their needs. Their goal is to create a welcoming place where people can learn about archery, improve their skills, and enjoy the sport for years to come.
Orascom
Located in Martin County
Orascom is a trustworthy, community-focused construction and home repair company serving Eastern Kentucky. It provides honest, high-quality services that protect families from unreliable contractors while offering affordable solutions for low income households, seniors, and veterans. As a for-profit business with a social mission, they aim to build safer homes, protect people, provide affordable and honest work, and help strengthen the economy of Eastern Kentucky by keeping dollars and jobs local.
Sustainable Harvest Farm
Located in Laurel County
Located in Laurel County, Sustainable Harvest Farm promises to produce a wide variety of certified organic, high-quality produce grown in an environmentally sensitive manner. Their offerings support individuals, families and businesses who desire to reduce food waste, eat healthier and improve their overall health and well-being. Their customizable farm share (CSA) program allows customers to select what goes into their weekly produce shares, minimizing food waste.