The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency in the United States that funds and supports research and education in science and engineering. It funds fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering and administers non-dilutive funding programs to aid early‑stage technology development, helping translate discoveries into commercially viable products and services. Through grants and fellowships, the NSF supports researchers, educators, and startups, contributing to innovation and U.S. competitiveness. The agency operates with a substantial budget to advance science, engineering, and STEM education nationwide.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads initiatives in food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It aims to expand markets for agricultural products globally, foster alternative markets domestically, improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, promote nutrition education, and manage public lands collaboratively.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Connetic Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Covington, Kentucky. Established in the mid-2010s, it provides capital and strategic support to early-stage startups, often partnering with other venture capital firms and angel syndicates for seed investments. The firm targets software, data, fintech, and consumer sectors across North America, including the United States and Canada.

Advantage Capital Partners is a United States‑based venture capital firm that provides growth equity, debt, and mezzanine financing to small and mid‑market companies, with a focus on underserved communities and state and local economic development. The firm invests across sectors including manufacturing, technology, business services, life sciences, and energy, and also supports real estate development projects with equity and debt. It typically makes initial investments ranging roughly from half a million to ten million in companies with modest sales, and may participate in larger follow‑on rounds or co‑invest with other firms. It uses senior debt, mezzanine debt, subordinated loans, and government‑guaranteed lending, and often pursues equity positions through preferred shares or convertible notes. Advantage Capital operates nationwide in the United States, with roots in New Orleans and offices in multiple states, and has backed thousands of jobs and housing projects as part of its mission to expand inclusive economic growth.

Founded in 2004, Bluegrass Angels is an angel investment group based in Lexington, Kentucky. It provides capital investments and mentoring to early-stage startup companies across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, industrial chemicals, manufacturing, biotech, fintech, media, and information technology.

Access Ventures, established in 2013 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a private operating foundation and impact investment firm. It works to foster systemic change in communities, aiming to create an inclusive and creative economy that benefits all people. The firm invests across various asset classes and sectors, supporting organizations of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, in the private, public, and social sectors. Its investment portfolio spans creative arts, innovative finance, strategic real estate, and technology for social good. Access Ventures also provides micro and secured loans, grants, equity, and debt to support its mission.

Founded in 1993, Chrysalis Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Louisville, Kentucky. The firm invests primarily in early-stage and expansion-stage companies in healthcare services and technology sectors across the Midwest and South.

Poplar Ventures is a Louisville, Kentucky-based venture capital firm and business advisor that invests in early- to growth-stage cloud-based software companies serving business customers across the United States and Middle America, offering strategic guidance to help them scale.

Paducah Area Community Reuse Organization provides Community Reuse in areas where nuclear energy installations are located.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is a government organisation that provides public transportation.

Humana is a leading U.S. health and wellness company focused on government-sponsored programs, health insurance, and related services. It serves individuals through private group plans and government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE, and provides primary care, at-home services, and pharmacy benefit management. The company maintains a network of credentialed providers and facilities and emphasizes a consumer-focused approach centered on choice, engagement, and innovation. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Humana pursues integrated care delivery and wellness initiatives across its diverse business lines.

National Institutes of Health is a biomedical research agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, based in Bethesda, Maryland. It is the primary U.S. government organization devoted to biomedical and health research, conducting science through the Intramural Research Program and funding external research through the Extramural Research Program. The NIH comprises 27 institutes and centers and supports about 1,200 principal investigators and more than 4,000 postdoctoral fellows across basic, translational, and clinical research. It has contributed to major advances such as vaccines and therapies and is dedicated to advancing knowledge and translating discoveries into improvements in public health. Established in 1887, NIH operates as a central hub for medical research in the United States.

Stock Yards Bancorp, established in 1904 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, operates Stock Yards Bank & Trust, a commercial bank that has transitioned from serving the local livestock industry to becoming a nationally recognized financial institution. The bank provides a comprehensive range of services, including personal and business banking, wealth and investment management, financial planning, and treasury management. It also has a mortgage division that offers various financing options, such as VA and FHA loans, and supports low-income first-time homebuyers. Additionally, Stock Yards Bank offers private banking and brokerage services, catering to both residential mortgage purchases and refinancing in the secondary market. The bank emphasizes building strong relationships with its customers while maintaining high standards of service and financial performance.

Founded in 1875, Churchill Downs Incorporated is a leading gaming entertainment company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. It owns and operates the iconic Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, along with various racetracks, casinos, and online wagering platforms across the United States. The company also owns Big Fish Games, one of the world's largest casual games producers, and provides racing-related telecommunications services.

First Financial Bank has been dedicated to providing client service and success for over 150 years. Operating over 100 banking centers in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, the bank offers a combination of financial expertise and personalized community service to foster long-term relationships with their customers. This commitment to building trust and serving as a reliable partner distinguishes First Financial in the banking industry.

Founded in 1984, Landscape Workshop is a full-service grounds management company specializing in commercial properties across the Southeast. It offers landscaping construction, maintenance, design, irrigation services, facility services, and snow removal, serving industries such as healthcare, retail, office parks, multifamily facilities, and municipalities.

Weller Equity Partners, established in 2015 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a private equity firm focusing on lower middle-market companies within the Mid-South region of the United States. The firm targets businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, business services, food and beverage, information technology, and healthcare, with talented management teams and substantial growth potential. Weller's primary objective is to address the capital and liquidity needs of smaller private companies by offering flexible funding structures and leveraging its private equity expertise to support their owners.

Founded in 1984, Papa John's is a global pizza delivery and carryout restaurant chain, operating predominantly through franchises. As of 2024, it has over 6,000 locations across nearly 50 countries. The company generates revenue from franchise royalties, sales at company-owned stores, and commissary supply chain.

Meritus Ventures is a venture capital firm based in London, Kentucky. It makes equity investments in expansion-stage private companies, with a focus on rural areas of central and southern Appalachia. The firm targets opportunities in information technology, industrials, and technology, media, and telecommunications sectors, and its activity spans across Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Appalachian counties in Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. It may provide operational support to portfolio companies.

The Southern Appalachian Fund is a $12.5 million venture capital firm based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with an additional office in London, Kentucky. It invests in early and expansion-stage companies operating in the interactive home entertainment, manufacturing, technology, and software sectors, with a focus on small businesses in southern Appalachia, particularly in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Appalachian counties of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. The fund typically invests between $200,000 and $600,000 in its portfolio companies, often leading investment syndicates or co-investing with other institutional investors and seasoned angel investors. It seeks to generate market-rate returns for its investors while promoting shared and sustainable business growth and wealth creation in its target region. The fund's mission is to provide not only equity capital but also operational assistance, active board participation, and mentoring to its portfolio companies.

Braxton Brewing Company is a craft brewery with taprooms based in Covington, Kentucky. Founded in 2014, it produces handmade beers and operates spaces for tasting and events. The company blends traditional brewing with modern technology to ensure quality and accessibility of its beers. Its model centers on on-site taprooms that showcase its handcrafted products and offer a community-focused venue for guests and gatherings.

Founded in 2018, MiddleGround Capital is a private equity firm headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. It specializes in investing in lower middle market B2B companies across North America and Europe, focusing on industrial, manufacturing, and specialty distribution sectors.

Spectrum is a cable telecommunications company that provides a diverse array of home entertainment and information services. Its offerings include video on-demand, digital video recording, high-speed internet access, and various communication tools, as well as home automation and monitoring services. In addition to residential services, Spectrum also caters to business clients with data and network services, video programming, and music services. Established in 1989 and headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Spectrum operates in multiple regions, including New York State, the Carolinas, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Southern California, and Texas. The company has grown to serve approximately 15 million customers.

PPL is a major U.S. utility holding company that owns and operates regulated utilities across Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Rhode Island. It consistently delivers reliable energy services to its customers while maintaining a strong commitment to employee growth and community support.

Yum! Brands is a multinational operator and franchisor of quick-service restaurants owning and licensing a portfolio of brands that includes KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Habit Burger & Grill. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the company traces its origins to 1997 and evolved from Tricon Global Restaurants before adopting its current name. Its business model centers on franchised locations and royalty income generated from a global network of restaurants spanning dozens of countries. In 2024, the group reported systemwide sales of about $65 billion and operates thousands of units worldwide, with the majority operated by franchisees rather than company stores. The company emphasizes growth opportunities for its employees and maintains a broad international footprint across regions and markets.

Founded in 1970, Eastern Vault Company specializes in manufacturing a wide range of precast and prestressed concrete products. Its offerings include prestressed bridge beams, custom-designed products for tunnel sections, and various precast items such as manholes, vaults, and drainage systems. The company serves clients primarily in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Ziyen Energy is a technology-driven energy company incorporated in Wyoming in 2016. Initially established as a software provider, the company focuses on delivering information related to the oil, gas, power, and energy sectors. Ziyen Energy specializes in business information and contracts by developing advanced procurement and supply chain software, which offers clients insights into industry-specific government and private contracts. This enables clients to maximize oil extraction from existing fields through enhanced recovery techniques and to establish new wells utilizing innovative technology. Additionally, Ziyen Energy holds interests in oil assets located in Texas and the Illinois Basin, which encompasses Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.

POSDATA Group, Inc. is a premium North American solutions provider for payments, data collection, and related technologies. Established in 1973 and headquartered in Gig Harbor, Washington, the company specializes in building strong relationships with OEM vendors, channel partners, and end-user clients through integrity, expertise, and service excellence. With a distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky, and sales offices across the country, POSDATA's seasoned professionals leverage deep domain expertise to deliver customized solutions that meet unique commercial requirements and drive tangible business outcomes. Privately held, POSDATA focuses on delivering high-quality solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients in the payments and data collection industries.

Brinker International, Inc. operates casual dining restaurants, primarily under the brands Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy. Chili's is known for its bar and grill offerings, featuring a menu that includes signature items such as slow-smoked baby back ribs, craft burgers, fajitas, and tableside guacamole. Maggiano's specializes in Italian cuisine, offering a diverse menu that includes appetizers, chicken, seafood, veal, prime steaks, and desserts. As of June 2013, Brinker International's system included 1,591 restaurants across 50 states and Washington, D.C., as well as locations in various countries including Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. The company generates the majority of its revenue from the Chili's segment, reflecting its strong presence in the casual dining market.

Epic Insurance Solutions Agency, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, operates as an insurance agency offering a comprehensive suite of coverage options for both individuals and businesses. Their product range includes personal lines such as homeowners, auto, life, and umbrella insurance, along with specialized policies for items like jewelry or RVs. For business clients, they provide professional solutions including property, liability, workers' compensation, cyber-liability, bonds, crime insurance, and directors & officers coverage. Additionally, Epic offers employee benefits and HR consulting services to assist businesses in managing their workforce's needs.

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. is a managed care organization that specializes in government-sponsored health services, primarily focusing on Medicaid and Medicare programs. The company operates through three main segments: Medicaid Health Plans, Medicare Health Plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs). Its Medicaid segment serves various beneficiaries, including those eligible for temporary assistance and individuals with disabilities, while the Medicare segment offers comprehensive benefits to seniors and certain disabled individuals through both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. WellCare also provides national prescription drug coverage under its PDPs. The organization is committed to addressing community health needs and partners with local entities to tackle issues such as food insecurity and poverty. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, WellCare has a significant presence in states like Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, and Illinois, and as of its latest reports, serves approximately 5.5 million members nationwide. WellCare became a subsidiary of Centene Corporation in January 2020.

Founded in 1885, Taft is a prominent legal firm with over 400 attorneys across offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton (Ohio), Chicago, Indianapolis, Covington (Kentucky), and Phoenix (Arizona). They offer comprehensive legal services across various industries and practice areas, committed to delivering innovative solutions tailored to clients' goals.

21c Museum Hotels operates a chain of boutique hotels that double as contemporary art museums, primarily located in Louisville, Kentucky. Each property offers guests a blend of cultural experience and comfortable lodging, featuring free parking, seminar rooms, and complimentary Wi‑Fi. The company focuses on providing a unique, art‑centric hospitality experience.

GE Appliances, a subsidiary of General Electric, is a prominent manufacturer of home appliances and lighting products. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the company offers a wide range of products including refrigerators, freezers, ranges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, microwave ovens, water filtration systems, and room air conditioners. Additionally, they produce lighting solutions such as incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, high intensity discharge light bulbs, LEDs, automotive, miniature lightings, and ConstantColor HIR MR16 lamps. The company also manufactures electric motors and generators, serving customers across the United States and internationally.

CareSource is a nonprofit managed care organization headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, with additional offices in Hilliard and Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Louisville, Kentucky, and Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1989, it is one of the largest Medicaid managed health care providers in the United States, offering plans to members in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. CareSource is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of its members, aiming to make a significant impact on their lives through its services. As a subsidiary of CareSource Management Group Company, it focuses on delivering quality care and support to its communities.

American Electric Power Company, Inc. is a major electric public utility holding company based in Columbus, Ohio, that engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across 11 states, serving over 5 million customers. The company operates through various segments, including Vertically Integrated Utilities and Transmission and Distribution Utilities. American Electric Power generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy such as wind and solar. It also supplies wholesale electricity to other utilities, rural cooperatives, and municipalities. In addition to its core electric services, the company maintains a substantial infrastructure, including railcars and barges for coal transport, and actively invests in renewable energy initiatives to enhance its energy portfolio and minimize environmental impact. Founded in 1906, American Electric Power emphasizes reliability and sustainability in its operations and community engagement.

Duke Energy is a leading U.S. energy company providing electric and gas services to approximately 7.9 million customers across six states. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company owns and operates diverse power generation assets, including renewable energy sources, with a focus on sustainability and community vitality.

Founded in 2009, TriStar Health Partners is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments, primarily focusing on healthcare innovation. It invests in life sciences, diagnostics, medical devices and technologies, IT, and healthcare services companies, with a preference for those based in the Southeast United States, particularly Tennessee.

Founded in 2003, CTI Foods specializes in processing and supplying a wide range of food products, including proteins, soups and sides, sauces and dressings, and dehydrated beans to the quick service restaurant industry. With six state-of-the-art facilities across California, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Texas, CTI Foods employs over 1,500 people, serving global restaurant chains, distributors, manufacturers, ingredient customers, and retailers.

PayScale, Inc. is a leading provider of cloud-based compensation software designed to assist organizations in making informed pay decisions. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with additional offices in Louisville, Denver, and Cary, the company offers a range of services, including Insight Expert, which streamlines salary benchmarking and pay adjustment processes. PayScale utilizes big data and advanced algorithms to deliver comprehensive compensation management solutions for various industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. Its platform supports over 8,000 customers, including small businesses and Fortune 500 firms, by providing crucial insights that enable fair compensation practices. Additionally, PayScale offers professional services to evaluate and optimize compensation structures, ensuring organizations can effectively communicate and manage employee compensation.

Donan is a family-owned engineering firm established in 1947 in Madisonville, Kentucky, by John Donan Sr., a Civil and Mining Professional Engineer. The company specializes in forensic investigation services, offering expertise in forensic engineering, fire investigation, component testing, and HVAC forensics. Donan aims to provide clients with clear insights into the underlying causes of property loss, delivering peer-reviewed reports that serve as actionable intelligence for addressing complex questions regarding property and its contents. With a commitment to unbiased expertise, Donan has built a strong reputation over the decades as a reliable source for thorough and professional investigations.

EQT Corporation is a natural gas production company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a significant focus on the Appalachian region, particularly the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. Founded in 1925, the company has established itself as a leader in the industry, employing advanced horizontal drilling technology to minimize environmental impact. As of year-end 2023, EQT's proven reserves reached 27.6 trillion cubic feet equivalent, with net production totaling 5.79 billion cubic feet equivalent per day, predominantly from natural gas, which constituted 94% of the production. Furthermore, EQT is involved in gathering and transmission operations and serves as the general partner and major equity owner of EQT Midstream Partners. The company is dedicated to safe and responsible energy production to meet the growing demand for clean-burning energy while enhancing the communities where it operates.

Tencarva Machinery is a prominent distributor of process equipment and services, catering to industrial and municipal clients across the Southeast United States since 1978. The company specializes in providing a wide range of pumping systems, fluid handling systems, air handling equipment, and liquid process equipment tailored for various industries, including chemical, citrus, paper, textile, and power. In addition to its diverse product offerings, Tencarva also operates repair centers and field service teams capable of servicing most types of rotating process equipment. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive reliable and cost-effective solutions that meet their specific application needs.

AppHarvest, Inc. is a food production company based in Lexington, Kentucky, established in 2017. It focuses on building and operating controlled-environment greenhouse farms that utilize advanced technology to grow non-GMO, chemical-free vegetables. By combining traditional agricultural practices with modern innovations, AppHarvest aims to create a sustainable and climate-resilient food system. The company's greenhouses are designed to optimize water usage, distributing more while significantly reducing overall consumption. Through its efforts, AppHarvest seeks to address the challenges of food production in a changing climate, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural landscape.

Founded in 1870, Brown-Forman is a leading global spirits producer, renowned for its whiskey brands such as Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester. It offers a diverse portfolio of spirits, wines, and liqueurs, with a significant portion of revenue generated from the whiskey category. The company operates internationally, with key markets including the United States, Europe, Australia, and Latin America.

Berwind Natural Resources Corporation is a land and resource management company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1962, it specializes in the ownership, leasing, development, and sale of mineral resources, primarily focusing on natural gas and coal reserves across Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. As a fifth-generation, family-owned business, Berwind has a rich history and is committed to effectively managing its assets in the natural resources sector. Formerly a subsidiary of The Berwind-White Coal Mining Company, Berwind continues to leverage its legacy in resource management.

United Structural Systems specializes in residential and commercial foundation repair services, offering a comprehensive range of solutions including basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, concrete leveling, sinkhole repair, and brick repair. The company serves clients across Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, and Northern Alabama.

Old National Bank, founded in 1834 and headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, is the largest financial services holding company in the state and ranks among the top 100 banking institutions in the United States. The bank is committed to community banking and focuses on establishing long-term relationships with clients in its primary markets, which include Indiana, Kentucky, Southern Illinois, and Southwestern Michigan. Old National Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including commercial and retail banking, trust and brokerage services, correspondent banking, and insurance. Its product offerings encompass checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, loans, debit and credit cards, and various management services. Additionally, the bank provides treasury management, merchant services, and wealth management solutions, catering to the diverse financial needs of its clients.

NiSource is a regulated energy utility that operates natural gas and electric distribution and transmission networks through two segments, Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations. It serves millions of natural gas and electric customers across seven states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Indiana. The company owns and operates generation capacity spanning coal-fired, gas-fired, hydroelectric, and other plants, totaling more than 3,000 megawatts. NiSource invests about 1.4 billion annually to update and maintain its energy infrastructure. Headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana, it maintains a significant presence in Columbus, Ohio, and employs thousands of people. The company traces its origins to NIPSCO.