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.

The program runs for 10 weeks combining:

• 6 virtual sessions and 4 in-person sessions (location TBD)

  • Meetings held every Thursday from 3-5pm, January 15 - March 26

• 2-hour weekly meetings

• A final Showcase event on Friday, April 3rd

Each accepted participant will receive up to $10,000 in grant funding to support implementation of their strategic growth plan. Funding can be used for expenses like marketing, operations improvements, staff training, or technology upgrades.

Accelerate 606 is designed for growth-stage businesses that:

• Are based in Appalachian Kentucky (typically the 606 area code, but you can see the full list of counties here)

• Have been in operation for at least one year

• Have established revenue

• Are ready to scale or expand (not just start up)

• Can commit to attending all sessions and the final Showcase

Yes. If you previously participated in the original Invest 606 program, you are eligible to apply for Accelerate 606 as long as it has been at least three (3) years since your participation.

This ensures that participants have had time to implement their earlier growth strategies and are ready for a new phase of business development.

A growth-stage business has already proven its concept — it’s generating revenue, serving customers, and has a solid foundation. The next step is scaling operations, expanding products or services, hiring staff, or entering new markets.

Participants are expected to:

• Attend all 10 weekly sessions (4 of which are in-person)

• Complete assigned exercises and templates each week

• Participate in pre-program financial assessment

• Engage in peer discussions

• Present their business at the final Showcase event

Participants will learn from subject matter experts in:

• Finance: Accounting systems, financial projections, and funding strategy

• Marketing: Multi-channel customer acquisition, “beyond social media,” and social media ads

Plus, local mentors and past entrepreneurs will join to share insights and feedback.

Participants receive:

• Weekly coaching and mentorship

• Access to a moderated WhatsApp group for peer support and discussion

• Templates, worksheets, and guides for building your strategic plan

• One-on-one support from finance and marketing experts

The program ends with a live Showcase event, where each participant showcases their business to funders, partners, and the community. It’s an opportunity to gain visibility and celebrate growth.

Expect to dedicate 5+ hours per week, including:

• 2-hour session (virtual or in-person)

• 3+ hours of homework or planning time between sessions

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Growth potential

• Clarity of vision and goals

• Community or regional impact

• Commitment to the program

View the full application here 

For questions about the program or application, email jessica@appalachianky.org.