OWENSBORO, KY (May 21, 2026) –The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) has opened applications for the second cohort of Elevate Owensboro, its mentorship program that connects entrepreneurs and small business owners with seasoned local business leaders for mentorship. Five mentees will be selected for this cohort, each matched one-on-one with an experienced mentor from the Owensboro-Daviess County business community.
Building on the success of its inaugural cohort, Elevate Owensboro pairs participants with mentors based on industry, experience, and compatibility. Over six months, pairs meet regularly to set goals, navigate challenges in leadership, marketing, finance, and operations, and build the kind of professional connections that are hard to come by on your own.
Meagan Cooley, owner of Meadow House Home, Gift & Floral and mentee in Elevate Owensboro’s inaugural cohort, described the impact of her mentor, Natasha Stanley, owner of Bella Ragazza Boutique, as both practical and encouraging.
“Her guidance helped me think through key areas of my business strategically rather than reactively,” shared Cooley. “As a small business owner, it can be hard to look up from the day-to-day grind to plan ahead, but meeting with my mentor helped me to do just that,” shared Cooley. “And beyond practical advice, the most beneficial part was the encouragement. Entrepreneurship can be lonely at times, so it was so helpful to make a new friend who has been in my shoes.”
Nicholas Whiteside, owner of The Earle Men’s Store, was paired with John Moore of Moore Automotive Group, Legends, and Marshall Ventures Fund, and shared that the program was a catalyst for growth for his business.
“The guidance I received from my mentor in the Elevate Owensboro program had an immediate impact on my retail business,” shared Whiteside. “My mentor taught me how to study my sales numbers to improve my inventory buying decisions, marketing strategy, and long-term planning. He also provided insight into building business systems and strategies for growth. I believe the Elevate Owensboro program was a springboard for growth for my business.”
Jamie Johnson, GOEDC Vice President of Workforce Development, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship, said feedback from the inaugural cohort reinforced the value of mentorship and provided insight into how the program can continue growing moving forward.
“We were encouraged by the success of our first cohort and the positive feedback from both mentors and mentees,” shared Johnson. “The experience also gave us valuable insight into how we can continue strengthening the program moving forward. For anyone considering working with a mentor, this is an opportunity to connect with someone who understands the challenges of starting and growing a business because they’ve experienced it firsthand.”
Applications are now open for the second cohort of Elevate Owensboro and are open to entrepreneurs and small business owners at any stage, from pre-launch ideas to established businesses looking to grow. Applications close June 12, 2026, and the five-pair cohort will officially kick off with the Elevate Owensboro Welcome Breakfast on Tuesday, July 7. Interested applicants can apply online at edc.owensboro.com/elevate-owensboro-application.
