An Evening of Impact

This month’s StartupGarden, “An Evening of Impact,” brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders to celebrate the people and organizations making a difference across Kentucky’s business community.

A highlight of the evening was recognizing John Harnage, founder of Kentucky Thermal Institute, as the 2026 Kentucky Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration one of the nation’s highest honors for small business leadership. Guests also heard remarks from Robert Coffey with the SBA, Henry “Buddy” Steen with CREATE and the WKU Innovation Campus, Jamie Fugate with WKU Continuing & Professional Development, and John himself as they shared insights on innovation, workforce development, resilience, and entrepreneurship across the Commonwealth.

We were also excited to celebrate Jenny Jacobs of Defying Dementia, who was recognized by Brittanie Dawson with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center as the recipient of the 2026 Kentucky SBDC Pacesetter Award. As well as the incredible startups from our ecosystem that were named to Louisville Business First KY Inno Startups to Watch: InnoEngine, MoneyBot, Defying Dementia, BumptUp Labs, Inc.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special evening and helped celebrate the continued growth of innovation and entrepreneurship in South Central Kentucky. Special thanks to our co-host, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, and to Q Coffee Emporium – Bagels & Artisan Bakery and Continuity Advisors and Brokers for sponsoring the event.

Frontline AI Across the Six Functions Language Breaks.

Break down language barriers and build stronger, safer, more connected teams. Join us and UnDesked for a Lunch & Learn exploring how AI is transforming frontline communication through instant, scalable language access. Manufactures and HR friends are encouraged to attend.

Learn how UnDesked’s AI translation platform delivers HR, safety, compliance, quality, maintenance, and production resources in every worker’s native language accessible through kiosks, QR codes, digital signage, and mobile devices.

Discover how organizations are using frontline AI to reduce risk, improve communication, and ensure employees have the information they need when and where they need it.

Lunch provided. Come connect, learn, and explore what’s possible when language is no longer a barrier.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

11:00 am - Noon

WKU INNOVATION CAMPUS - 129

RSVP HERE

Less Scroll-Chasing. More Strategy.

Social media platforms are designed to keep people scrolling but that does not mean your marketing strategy has to. Join Nora and Lauren of State & Tell for an engaging session focused on building smarter, more sustainable communications that help your message go further without creating more work.

Learn how to clarify your audience, strengthen your messaging, and create content that can be repurposed across social media, websites, newsletters, mailers, and more. Discover how consistent storytelling across every touchpoint can help your brand build trust, increase visibility, and communicate more effectively.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

• Clarify your audience + messaging

• Repurpose content across social, newsletters, websites & more

• Build trust through consistent communication

• Create content that works harder for your brand

• Apply practical PR + marketing strategies

Whether you are a startup, small business, nonprofit, or creative professional, you’ll leave with practical tools to communicate more intentionally and effectively.

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

WKU INNOVATION CAMPUS - 129

RSVP HERE

Energize Your Body, Spark New Ideas

Move, connect, and recharge with us at this month’s Wellness Social. Join CREATE and MuuvWell for an energizing experience designed to get you moving and thinking in new ways. Come join us and hear from a health expert on how they are using tech and innovation.

At CREATE, we believe innovation thrives when people are energized, healthy, and connected. By moving together and sharing ideas, we create space where wellness and fresh thinking grow.

Open to all fitness levels kids welcome.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

WKU Innovation Campus - VIP Lounge

RSVP HERE

The WKU Innovation Campus and AccelerateKY will hosting the MIT Spokes program again on Saturday, June 20th. We have over 100 youth registered. This is a really fun day where youth participate in STEM projects. If you would be interested in volunteering to help with this day, please reach out to Penny.

Building A Bridge to the Future:

Come join KC4L for this incredible experience where two dynamic leaders in growing cities will collaborate on stage together and discuss the movement of leading regional growth with the intention of building valuable future partnerships.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

7:30 am - 9:00 am

National Corvette Museum

RSVP HERE

Registration for this event is required. If you would like to sit at the CREATE / WKU Innovation Table, please email Penny.

Kickstart your week with fresh ideas to help you get unstuck and set your week for success at our Monday Mastermind!

Join Our Mastermind Group!

Ready to boost your brainpower and connect with awesome people? Our in-person Mastermind Group is the perfect spot to share ideas, get feedback, and level up together. Whether you’re tackling challenges or brainstorming new projects, this is your go-to crew for motivation and support. Come hang out, bring your best vibes, and let’s make some magic happen! For more information email Kelly Wright with Beowolf Testing.

MONDAY, JUNE 15

10:00 am - 11:00 am

WKU Innovation Campus #129

RSVP HERE