GroWest is led by Sprocket, Inc., a Paducah-based nonprofit, and will focus on client services, the attraction of outside and developmental capital, and pre-seed fundraising for innovation and tech-based entrepreneurship.
GroWest was formerly known as West KY RISE, which originated two years ago through grants obtained from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.
GroWest will continue its regional emphasis by operating in an area that stretches from Carlisle to Muhlenberg Counties, covering all of the Purchase and Pennyrile Area Development Districts as well as western parts of the Green River Development District.
Former Sprocket board chair Monica Bilak assumed the role of regional director effective July 1. Bilak takes over regional leadership of the program from CCIT director Dr. Michael Ramage. Ramage and CCIT will focus on building the computer and information technology sector of West Kentucky and growing the regional tech workforce to meet current and future demands.
Murray State will serve as a regional hub for GroWest alongside Sprocket, the Technology Council of West Kentucky and the Kentucky Innovation Station. Individuals with an innovative startup idea or existing business with the potential to enable and support growth are invited to contact the hub closest to them.
Learn more about GroWest at facebook.com/growestky.
On the Net:
GroWest Kentucky on Facebook
