Kentucky

Sectors it is courting

• Automotive
• Industrial Materials
• Chemicals
• Aerospace and Defense
• Food and Beverage
• Agribusiness
• Consumer Goods
• Healthcare
• Advanced Manufacturing

Investment it is seeking from

• Japan
• Germany
• South Korea
• Canada
• Taiwan
• France
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• Mexico
• Italy
• Israel
• China

Site-selection services it offers

Whether you are an existing business in Kentucky with an opportunity to expand or a company evaluating our state for a new business location, you must be able to access accurate and timely information from a single source. The Cabinet’s Department for Business Development staff is that source. With years of experience in economic development, any member of our highly qualified team can be your single point of contact for the duration of the site selection/expansion process.

Shovel-ready sites

• Kentucky knows that speed-to-market is at the top of the list of companies looking for locations in the United States. With that, Kentucky has over 20 sites that are ‘Build-Ready’ certified and over 150 sites that are certified as ‘Shovel-Ready.’ Visit our website to view sites at: https://ced.ky.gov

  Site details

Programmes for international technology startups

To support the entrepreneurial ecosystem and lead the way for small business development, the Cabinet for Economic Development’s KY Innovation team brings together partners, backers, programs, opportunities, and stakeholders from across the US. Our services connect small businesses with resources such as Access to Capital, Expanding Markets, Training Incentives, Business Mentoring, and Business Advocacy. A built-to-succeed ecosystem features six regional innovation hubs and comprehensive programs to help companies apply for, win and match federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants and contracts. Kentucky is also the first program in America to join the strengths of every one of the state’s public higher education institutions to advance commercialization statewide. Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) provides the tools and expertise to translate innovations, research findings, and intellectual property at every public institution in the state into market-ready products, services, and job-creating startups. That includes expert advising and support from the earliest pre-disclosure stages throughout the commercialization process. Visit the KY Innovation website at https://www.kyinnovation.com/ to learn more about the above and other exciting opportunities for new businesses to find success.

Incubators and accelerators

• KY Innovation

  Kentucky has worked diligently to expand its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Business ideas require support and encouragement in their early days to increase the likelihood of success. Accelerators and incubators are major components of this system in Kentucky.

Additional services

Kentucky consistently ranks at the top of the list in FDI announcements.

Investor account, as submitted

Novelis (owned by Hindalco Industries Ltd.) In October 2021, Novelis unveiled its new automotive aluminum finishing plant in Todd County. Just over two months later, economic development leaders in the commonwealth assisted the company to move forward with expansion plans with the addition of a new sheet ingot casting, shredding and recycling center. "We are excited about this new investment in Kentucky, which will help Novelis achieve its sustainability goals, as well as support the carbon-reduction targets of our automotive customers. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has been a great business partner for many years and has a strong, highly skilled workforce to meet the growing need for high-strength, low­ carbon aluminum. We look forward to deepening our relationships with community leaders to ensure our facility has a lasting, beneficial impact in the region." - Tom Boney, EVP & President, Novelis North America Firestone Industrial Products: In August 2021, Firestone Industrial Products broke ground on a 250-job expansion at its Williamsburg facility. The project aligns with Team Kentucky's focused effort to establish the commonwealth as a leader in electric-vehicle related production. "Our company and our Kentucky team have a vital role to play in the trans­ formation of mobility brought forth by advanced electric vehicle systems and by key supporting technologies like our Firestone air springs and air suspensions." - Emily Poladian, President, Firestone Industrial Products Kruger Packaging Canada-based Kruger Packaging selected Kentucky for its first corrugated box plant in the United States, expected to create 150 full-time jobs. The company pointed to Kentucky's strong business climate as a major selling point in the decision to locate in the commonwealth. "Kentucky's pro-business climate was instrumental in our decision to invest in Hardin County, and we are grateful for the support we received from Gov. Beshear, Team Kentucky and Elizabethtown- Hardin County to make today's announcement a reality." - Michael Lafave, SVP and COO, Kruger Packaging

Submitted by the economic development organisation, not independently verified.

Who to contact

• Lindsey DeRosaCommunications Specialistlindsey.maggard@ky.gov(502) 234-8535

300 West Broadway Street, Frankfort, KY 40601