The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) is proud to announce the official mentor-mentee pairings for the first cycle of Elevate Owensboro, a new mentorship initiative designed to support and empower local entrepreneurs.
The program, launched earlier this year, connects small business owners with seasoned professionals to foster meaningful relationships, encourage strategic growth, and strengthen the broader business community. Each pair will meet monthly over the next six months, with structured support and shared accountability along the way.
The inaugural Elevate Owensboro matches include:
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Mentee Seth Woodward, Wonder Whip, paired with mentor Greg Floyd, Ole South BBQ
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Mentee Meagan Cooley, Simply Chic Home, Gift and Floral, paired with mentor Natasha Stanley, Bella Ragazza boutique
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Mentee Nicholas Whiteside, The Earle, paired with mentor John Moore, Moore Automotive Group, Legends, & Marshall Ventures Fund
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Mentee Azlin Flener, The Bees Knees Bakery + Goods LLC, paired with mentor Chelsea Boling, Hello Pop and The Hancock Clarion
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Mentee Sheila Crowe, Pinky’s Snowcones and Snacks, paired with mentor Scott McCain, Retired Banker, Community Volunteer, & Investor
“The launch of these mentor-mentee matches through Elevate Owensboro represents more than just individual growth, it’s an investment in our entire business community,” said Jamie Johnson, Vice President of Workforce Development, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship at GOEDC. “By connecting experienced leaders with emerging entrepreneurs, we’re strengthening local networks, encouraging innovation, and helping build a more resilient and vibrant economy for Owensboro.”
Elevate Owensboro is part of GOEDC’s broader strategy to drive sustainable economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship, encouraging collaboration, and increasing access to business support resources.
“The response to this program has been truly remarkable,” said Claude Bacon, President & CEO of GOEDC. “We had a large pool of strong applicants and an impressive bench of experienced business leaders ready to mentor. That kind of readiness speaks volumes about the generosity and collaborative spirit of our business community. As this pilot phase kicks off, we’re excited to learn from these mentor-mentee pairs and use their experiences to shape the future of Elevate Owensboro.”
For more information about the program or to learn how to get involved, visit edc.owensboro.com/elevate.