FRANKFORT, Kentucky (August 20, 2020) – The Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) and the University of Kentucky (UK) have collaborated to launch the Kentucky Economic Recovery and Resilience Project to accelerate the Commonwealth’s recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic and to enhance Kentucky’s on-going economic resilience. A two phased approach, Phase 1 provides strategic intelligence to all Kentucky businesses and targeted data to empower Kentucky’s economic development leaders.
Beginning August 20th, every Kentucky business has access to SizeUpKentucky, an intelligence, market research, and competitive analysis tool tailored specifically to individual Kentucky companies. These data are designed to boost the ability of all Kentucky enterprise to inform decision making and thrive in the Commonwealth. Businesses may access this information at www.SizeUpKentucky.com.
Additionally, Phase 1 launch will equip economic developers with metric driven intelligence to inform a strategic approach to business retention, expansion, and attraction. This platform will assist with supply chain management, provide data on the fastest growing American industries and companies, and will curate a targeted database of verified expansion and/or location projects. These data are provided via Gazelle.AI and FDI365 managed by the University of Kentucky. Access to industry, company, and local data are available without cost via a request link here.
“The Kentucky Economic Recovery and Resilience Project is an enhancement of our strategic capacity to enrich economies across our Commonwealth,” stated Matt Tackett, President & CEO of Kentucky Association for Economic Development. “We expect this project to aid in the creation and retention of Kentucky jobs, and to ultimately better prepare our Commonwealth for success in a global marketplace.”
The Kentucky Economic Recovery and Resilience Project is an execution of vision developed in collaboration with the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK) at the University of Kentucky. Led by Dr. Alison Davis, CEDIK has been instrumental in the development and implementation of KAED initiatives specific to professional education, COVID- recovery, and business retention and expansion. Dr. Davis stated, “COVID-19 has re-emphasized the importance of supporting our existing businesses and building capacity for those who lead local and regional economic development efforts. If we can successfully support our local industries and communities during difficult times they will be well-positioned for a strong recovery and growth when the pandemic ends.”
The Kentucky Association for Economic Development and Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky plan to release a recurring series of training webinars throughout 2020 to provide instruction to business and economic development leaders to access and leverage Kentucky Economic Recovery and Resilience Project services Reference.