Mick Fosson, Director

1401 Winchester Avenue
Suite 600 Ashland, KY 41101
Phone: (606) 326-2239
Fax: (606) 326-2249
E-mail: mick.fosson@kctcs.edu

Support Staff: Robin Harris - (606) 326-2252

The Ashland Area Innovation Center (AAIC) is a business accelerator charged with developing Eastern Kentucky’s economy through the creation of knowledge-based businesses.  The AAIC, which serves Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis and Rowan Counties, will enable clients to develop innovative knowledge-based business opportunities in an ever-changing global market.

AAIC supports the creation of Knowledge-Based Businesses by:

• Fostering entrepreneurial opportunities

• Assisting clients with the application of appropriate technology

• Expanding existing businesses

• Providing access to a synchronized statewide network including capital, web-based resources, technical guidance, reference materials and ICC protocols.

The scope of work for the AAIC includes entrepreneur guidance and mentoring, skills-set development, public education, public relations, technical assistance and facilitation, as well as participation in the network of applicable statewide programs.

The AAIC complements existing organizations and agencies; however, the approach taken by the AAIC differs substantively in that it:

• Offers comprehensive entrepreneurial services

• Mentors business professionals throughout the process

• Provides a comprehensive business acceleration program

• Serves as a catalyst for business development and expansion

• Serves as a feeder system for the ICC program

 The Ashland Area Innovation Center addresses economic challenges that Eastern Kentucky must overcome if it is to be a player in the new knowledge-based economy.  These grassroots challenges (brain drain, a weak entrepreneurial culture, lack of new company start-ups and downsizing of existing companies) have hindered Kentucky’s competitive position in the creation of new economy jobs.  Entrepreneurs can only flourish in regions that provide a supportive infrastructure.  Through the AAIC, that infrastructure is being nurtured and developed.

Related Links:

The Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation -  http://www.kstc.com

The Innovation Network -  http://www.startupkentucky.com

Tri-State Capital Investment Club -  www.tristatecapital.org