The Kentucky Innovation Network @ NKY serves as an entry point for the programs listed. For detailed information and eligibility about any of the programs listed, please call 859-292-7780 or email info@nkyinnovation.org.
Funding Assistance in the State of Kentucky
Angel Investment Tax Credit
The Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit offers tax credits of up to 50 percent of an investment in Kentucky small businesses. Prior to investment, both the investor and small business must submit applications for certification. Each investment must be certified in advance as well. Refer to the Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit Fact Sheet for program details and qualifying criteria.
Citiwide Merchant Funding
Citiwide is an independent, small business merchant funder that makes cash funding or business investments in early-stage small business entities to facilitate the commercialization of innovative ideas and technologies.
Kentucky Enterprise Funds
Companies seeking funding from KEF go through a rigorous due diligence process and are judged in terms of industry fit, return on investment, and potential for economic development. The accepted use of funds and additional details on KEF may be found in the KEF Guidelines.
Kentucky New Energy Ventures Fund
In an effort to grow alternative fuel and renewal energy companies in Kentucky, The Kentucky New Energy Venture Fund (KNEV) supports the development and commercialization of alternative fuel and renewable energy products, processes, and services across the state.
Kentucky SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program
Kentucky will match, on a competitive basis, Phase I and Phase II federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards received by Kentucky high-tech businesses and those willing to become Kentucky-based businesses. This includes matching Phase I federal awards up to $150,000 to support the exploration of the technical merit or feasibility of an idea or technology, and up to $500,000 of federal Phase II awards, which support full-scale research and development and commercialization.
Kentucky Small Business Credit Initiative (KSBCI)
Designed to generate jobs and increase the availability of credit by reducing the risks participating lenders assume when making loans to small businesses. Using three distinct credit enhancement programs, KSBCI will help lenders finance creditworthy small businesses that would typically fall just outside of their normal lending guidelines. Please click here for a listing of approved projects.
Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit
The KSBTC program is designed to encourage small business growth and job creation by providing a nonrefundable tax credit to eligible businesses hiring one or more eligible individuals and investing at least $5,000 in qualifying equipment or technology. With certain exceptions, most for-profit businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees are considered eligible for this program. The KSBTC program is limited to allocating a total of $3 million in tax credits per state fiscal year.