CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LIFTOFF GRADUATES
Each LIFTOFF cohort completes a rigorous experiential program to prepare them for launching a business in the Central Kentucky Bluegrass region. The first and most essential lesson the cohort learned (and then practiced) was the entrepreneurial mindset. They learned and applied CentreWorks’ Human-Centered Innovation Approach (HCIA) to develop their value proposition. They learned the basics of the business model along with foundational financial, legal, and digital marketing principles. The CentreWorks’ mission includes growing multiple LIFTOFF communities to build a regional innovation and startup culture and to spark new economic development and social enterprise opportunities. Keep an eye on our centreworks.org website for the next LIFTOFF community formation and consider joining.
LIFTOFF Community #1 (autumn 2020)
Join us in congratulating Community #1 and look for these individuals to launch businesses and support others in creating economic and social enterprise opportunities in our region.
Mimi Becker
Serving the arts community
Gina Nicolleti-Bellinger
Intersect — Student leadership workshops & curriculum
@GinaNicBell (twitter)
Megan Berketis
Greek-American delivery and takeout restaurant
Roni Gilpin
Artist assistance and visualization aid to buying original art
Karen Hughes
Far Cry Farms — Gift baskets with an onsite farm shopping experience
Katherine Lander
Platforms for artist to share their work and build business acumen
Margaret Levi
Margaret Levi Jewelry – Jeweled lanyards
Diana Linville
Enrichment space for students
Nancy Mann
Exploring agricultural land use ideas
Melissa Sheene
Mabel’s — Growing and enjoying herbs and vegetables
Kate Synder
Children’s bookstore with artist studio
@willaray_art (instagram)
Susanna Thomas
North Star — Life coaching
Melody Wray
reSOARces — Supporting disabled individuals and their families to employ required assistance
Facebook: reSOARces
Website: www.resoarces.com
Kathy York
York’s Corks and More — Repurposed, upcycled, functional art
A special thank you to CentreWorks’ RCorps student, Adonis Logan, for his role in support and facilitation of Community #1. Also, we are appreciative of the area businesses who supported LIFTOFF with guest appearances from their professional staff: Robinson, Hughes & Christopher Accountants, Sheehan & Barnett Law, Farmers National Bank and the Idea Farm.