The Ashland Area Innovation Center (AAIC) is a business accelerator charged with developing Eastern Kentucky’s economy through the creation of knowledge-based businesses. The AAIC, which serves Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis and Rowan Counties, will enable clients to develop innovative knowledge-based business opportunities in an ever-changing global market.
AAIC supports the creation of Knowledge-Based Businesses by:
The scope of work for the AAIC includes entrepreneur guidance and mentoring, skills-set development, public education, public relations, technical assistance and facilitation, as well as participation in the network of applicable statewide programs.
The AAIC complements existing organizations and agencies; however, the approach taken by the AAIC differs substantively in that it:
The Ashland Area Innovation Center addresses economic challenges that Eastern Kentucky must overcome if it is to be a player in the new knowledge-based economy. These grassroots challenges (brain drain, a weak entrepreneurial culture, lack of new company start-ups and downsizing of existing companies) have hindered Kentucky’s competitive position in the creation of new economy jobs. Entrepreneurs can only flourish in regions that provide a supportive infrastructure. Through the AAIC, that infrastructure is being nurtured and developed.
Director: Mick Fosson
1401 Winchester Avenue Suite 600 Ashland, KY 41101 Phone: (606) 326-2239 Fax: (606) 326-2249 E-mail:
Support Staff: Robin Harris - (606) 326-2252
