Innovate & Educate

Innovate

We will foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that is nurtured by businesses, colleges and universities, and economic development entities

• Innovation Center:
  • Leverage applied research through college, university, and private sector scientists and researchers emphasizing commercialization in life sciences, agriculture, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
• Venture Capital/Angel Investors:
  • Create opportunities to finance innovation and entrepreneurship through venture capital and other business start-up financing.
• Small Business Incubator:
  • Secure space and resources for small business incubators.
• Positive Entrepreneurial Culture:
  • Partner with the Chamber of Commerce and other community groups to shape the perceptions that job opportunities can be created as well as attracted.

Educate

The region's existing and future workforce will have the skills and education levels necessary to create and succeed in the jobs of today and those of the future

• Attraction of Creative Talent:
  • Develop a strategy and partner with other agencies to help attract creative talent.
• High School alignment efforts:
  • Support efforts of high schools to prepare all students for postsecondary education and for workforce opportunities in areas such as health care, applied engineering and science, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
• Baccalaureate degree and applied research opportunities:
  • Promote partnerships that will expand access to bachelors and graduate degree programs, and applied research.
• Workforce Development/Owensboro Works:
  • Support efforts of the Owensboro Community and Technical College workforce programs, particularly in Hancock County and the implementation of the GO Works database.