Empowering East Kentucky Futures
Join the Community Accelerator Program
Unlock the potential of your community with our tailored support and resources designed to foster growth and innovation in Appalachian Kentucky.
About the Program
The Community Accelerator Program is dedicated to empowering communities in Appalachian Kentucky. We aim to provide the tools, resources, and support needed to drive sustainable development and economic growth. By participating in this program, community members, leaders, and organizations can access expert guidance, collaborative opportunities, and funding to turn their visions into reality.
Through this initiative, we aspire to enhance the quality of life in our region by fostering innovation, encouraging mutual learning, and building strong networks. The program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by Appalachian communities and to celebrate their strengths, potential, and successes. In 2024, we have funding to serve 3 new communities through the Community Accelerator network. Below you will find the details about the program and what you need in place to be successful. We invite you to join us in creating a brighter future for this region we love and call home.
The Details
How it Works
The program allows for a community to receive intensive support in Year 1 and gradually build capacity throughout the program in following years so that they need less support over time.
What You'll Commit
We recognize that these small communities have limited capacity. We also know that there are untapped leaders in every community and that this program works only if there is a committed core group of leaders that want to work for change.
How You'll Benefit
There is no charge to participate but membership is not “free”. To maximize benefits to their community, participants will need to engage with their coach and other learning communities. We intend to make that engagement useful and relevant to the work of each community group.
Building Your Core Team
Accelerating your community requires having a core team with diversified skills, experiences, and backgrounds that represents the community. It is crucial to ensure that all people feel welcome, included, and able to participate in leadership.
What Our Participants Say
“The community accelerator program has provided me with the tools to bring awareness to my community on the importance of working together for the good of all with an emphasis on community building through a creative environment. Every small accomplishment, through visual or through capacity, builds consensus for growth, and to ultimately raise the quality of life for all.”
Greg Lakes
Co-Owner, Clover Bottom B&B
Jackson County Creative Community
“The Grayson Community has been working for years to bring everyone together with some common goals and project planning. We’ve made some headway working with disparate groups and various ideas & projects, etc. Once we began the process of growing from the “Creative Community” working group here to a more cohesive team, the opportunity to become a pilot program for the Community Accelerator really took us to the next level. With the expertise and coaching of Ruthie Caldwell as well as the support of our WNEKY?! network, we’ve all come together and made real progress! Just a few successes have been receiving grant funding to create our pocket park (the GAP) which used a vacant lot as a public space on Main Street; began working more closely with the Grayson Tourism Commission for development of the Blue Goose Collective (a small business incubator and building rehab is underway) and have become a KY Main Street Community by establishing the Grayson Main Street district program as well. We expect even more wins in the near future and appreciate the support, guidance and training made possible by everyone involved.”
Dan Click
Grayson Gallery & Art Center, Director
Mindy Click
Grayson Tourism Commission
Upcoming Events
Deadline to Nominate Your Community
Please have your Community Nomination in by Oct. 11, 5pm.
October 11, 2024, 5:00pm
Brushy Fork Leadership Summit
The 20th annual Brushy Fork Leadership Summit will explore how local leaders can support community efforts by empowering others to work for the good of the places they call home. We often hear the notion of bringing people to the table. But how can we create leadership spaces that are truly community-owned, where change is defined by the community, which then controls resources and decisions? Brushy Fork believes that leadership begins by collaboratively building this table, creating accessible seats for all community members.
November 12-13, 2024
Community Accelerator Onboarding Retreat
Berea College
November 14, 2024, 10am – 5:00pm
FREE with email invite after your commuinty has been nominated and accepted.
Get Involved with What's Next EKY?!
Ready to make a difference in your community? Join the Community Accelerator Program today and start building a brighter future for Eastern Kentucky.