Measure What Matters:

KPI Strategies for Growing Startups

Last week’s Startup Garden, presented by the Regional Tech Council, brought together entrepreneurs and innovators for a powerful conversation on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and their role in driving smarter growth

Led by Rob Wilson, the panel featured insights from Beth Rogers, Kahlil Garmon, Chris Derry, and JD Thomason. Together, they shared real-world perspectives on how to identify the right metrics, leverage technology to track performance, and turn data into actionable decisions.

From early-stage founders to growing businesses, attendees walked away with practical strategies, honest lessons learned, and a clearer understanding of how KPIs can fuel sustainable, strategic growth.

Join us at our next Startup Garden where meaningful conversations and actionable insights come together to strengthen our region’s innovation ecosystem.

From Idea to Market

The legal playbook for startups

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept it’s a practical tool small business owners can start using today. Join us with Harry Erskin, with the Regional Tech Council and Keller Schroeder, for an engaging, hands-on session designed to help you unlock the power of AI and put it to work for your business.

You’ll discover how tools like ChatGPT and other AI-powered platforms can help streamline daily tasks, boost productivity, and give you back valuable time. Whether you're writing emails, planning content, organizing ideas, or tackling marketing efforts, this session will walk you through simple, beginner-friendly ways to make AI work for you.

No technical experience? No problem. This session is built for beginners and focuses on real-world applications you can start using immediately. Feel free to bring your lunch and learn how AI can start working for you.

THURSDAY, MAY 14

12:30 pm - 1:30pm

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.

We’re excited to welcome health experts from Graves Gilbert Clinic, who will share innovative insights and practical ways to support your personal wellness journey. Discover how their team can help you feel your best—both at work and in life.

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, MAY 19

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

WKU Innovation Campus - VIP Lounge

RSVP HERE

An Evening of Impact:

Join us for An Evening of Impact: 2026 Small Business Person of the Year Celebration a night dedicated to big ideas, bold leadership, and the power of innovation.

Celebrate John Harnage, founder of Kentucky Thermal Institute and recipient of the 2026 Small Business Person of the Year award. Presented annually by the U.S. Small Business Administration, this prestigious honor recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in the small business community.

Throughout the evening, you’ll:

• Gain insight into John’s entrepreneurial journey and the vision behind his success
• Connect with innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders
• Experience the excitement of CREATE's Launch Kentucky winner reveal, showcasing the region’s next wave of groundbreaking ideas

Be part of a night that celebrates achievement, fuels inspiration, and highlights the future of innovation across South Central Kentucky.

We hope you’ll join us for this unforgettable evening.

TUESDAY, MAY 26

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

WKU Innovation Campus - VIP Lounge

RSVP HERE

Frontline AI Across the Six Functions Language Breaks.

Break down barriers. Build stronger, safer, and more connected teams.

Communication gaps on the frontline can create real challenges across operations—from safety risks and compliance issues to inefficiencies in quality, maintenance, HR, and production. Join us for a Lunch & Learn exploring how AI is transforming frontline communication and making language access instant, scalable, and practical.

We’ll highlight how UnDesked’s AI translation engine delivers HR, Compliance, Safety, Quality, Maintenance, and Production resources in every worker’s native language—accessible through kiosks, QR codes, digital signage, and mobile devices. No company email required. No human translators. No IT lift. The AI handles the translation, enabling six critical pillars on one platform with instant deployment.

This session will walk through how frontline AI is being used to reduce risk, improve clarity, and ensure every employee has access to the information they need—when and where they need it.

Whether you lead operations, manage teams, or support workforce development, you’ll leave with practical insight into how language technology can strengthen communication and improve outcomes across your organization.

Lunch will be provided. Come ready to connect, learn, and explore what’s possible when language is no longer a barrier. For more information visit:The Language Gap.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

11:00 am - Noon

WKU INNOVATION CAMPUS - 129

RSVP HERE

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!

Monday Masterminds meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at the WKU Innovation Campus. For more information email Kelly Wright with Beowolf Testing.

MONDAY, MAY 18

10:00 am - 11:00 am

WKU Innovation Campus #129

RSVP HERE