A local festival kicked off this morning, and I am excited to see how things progress over the weekend.
For the past 4 years, social entrepreneurs and students from local universities have gathered to learn from one another and fine tune their work.
The festival is a combination of training and empowering for young entrepreneurs to start businesses out of university.
This morning we heard from Meridzo Ministries which is based out of the small town (population 700) of Lynch, Kentucky.
Lonnie Riley, who started and oversees the ministries there, gave us a picture of what 11 successful businesses in a rundown coal mining town look like.
If you’re wondering how a town of 700 supports 11 businesses you’re not alone. In the Q&A session someone ask Lonnie that very question. Lynch, Kentucky has over 5,000 visitors to their town each year for the world class coffee shop and for curious people to see how the model can flourish in their hometown.
Coupled with the line up of speakers, there is a business plan competition where several thousand dollars is given to the winners.
The Foundry made it into the top 10 during the pre-judging stage, and we’ll know tomorrow evening whether we won or not.
Hopefully, the Steemit account I started for The Foundry is approved this weekend and we can have a grand celebration with the Steemit community.