In this episode of What’s the Startup?!, Kevin Klepeis shares how small businesses can use a video-first marketing strategy to make a big impact without big-agency budgets. After years in corporate marketing, Kevin founded Kentucky Fried Creative in Paducah, KY, to help local small and mid-sized businesses create smart, affordable marketing that works. He explains what a true video-first approach looks like, how to get the most out of one day of filming, and why listening to your customers sh...
In this episode, we’re sharing a powerful excerpt from one of our most popular mentor-led workshops—an intro to venture capital with Diego Rubio from the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI). Diego unpacks how venture capital really works, what VCs are looking for, and whether this funding path makes sense for your startup. You’ll learn: The structure behind VC funds and why they chase big winsHow equity dilution works across funding stagesWhat signals investors look for in early-stage startupsW...
A strong network doesn’t have to be a big one—it just has to be built right. In this episode, Josiah Wright of Optrivo breaks down what actually works when it comes to networking as a founder. Spoiler: it’s not about cold DMs or handing out business cards to strangers. Josiah shares how building real relationships, doing consistently great work, and showing up as a trusted expert can open the door to massive opportunities—without all the gimmicks. From turning a $50 blog gig into a thriving c...
Thinking about starting a business—but not sure where to begin? In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Harned, Center Director of the Paducah Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to unpack what really goes into launching and growing a business. From funding myths and feasibility checks to business plans and buying an existing business, Aaron shares real-world insight from working with hundreds of entrepreneurs across Western Kentucky. If you’ve ever wondered what the SBDC does, when to ...
What if one weekly gathering could change the game for your startup community? In this episode, mentor Terri Lundberg sits down with Amie Tooley to talk about how to create and sustain a thriving community Coffee Hour—no matter where you live. Together, they unpack what makes these gatherings work, how to grow from a few people to a full room, and why ownership, engagement, and mentorship matter more than perfect planning. If you’re looking to start something meaningful in your region—or need...
🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from the Commonwealth. From strategy to video to web, they help small businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Learn more at kyfriedcreative.com. In this episode of “What’s the Startup?!”, we sit down with Brandi, co-founder of PreventScripts, to uncover the decade-long journey behind building a game-changing health tech company. Brandi shares the raw realities of startup life—how iteratin...
Think cold outreach has to be awkward or spammy? It doesn’t. In this video, Josiah Wright of Optrivo—startup founder, sales pro, and SprocketWKY mentor—breaks down how to approach outreach with confidence, clarity, and zero cringe. Want more? Josiah has a few free workshops in the SprocketWKY platform, and you can even book a mentor call with him. Just head to sprocketwky.com and make a free account to get started. 🎙️ This episode is brought to you by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketi...
🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from the Commonwealth. From strategy to video to web, they help small businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Learn more at kyfriedcreative.com. What does it take to build a startup in a region where the nearest investor, accelerator, or founder meetup might be hours away? In this episode, Sprocket Executive Director Monica Bilak shares how SprocketWKY is flipping the script for rural entre...
In this episode, we sit down with Stevens Bonhomme, founder and CEO of FeedCoyote, a fast-growing freelance collaboration platform that’s redefining how freelancers connect and grow their businesses. Stevens shares how FeedCoyote scaled from 10,000 to nearly 80,000 users in just one year—without relying on traditional marketing tactics. Instead, the platform’s growth was fueled by a community-first approach, product-led strategies, and deep attention to user feedback. We dive into the early...
What’s it really like to learn from a mentor? In this episode, we sit in on a real conversation between Aaron Goodman of OMADA Marketing and his mentee, Liam—a rising marketing talent finding his footing. They talk through: Why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the future of SEOHow to build confidence in your skillsThe power of simple marketing winsWhy mentorship isn’t just professional—it’s personalThis one’s full of real talk, lightbulb moments, and the kind of advice you wish you had...
In this episode of What’s the Startup?!, we’re joined by Maggie Choate, Sprocket’s newest team member, to celebrate the launch of the Sprocket WKY platform. Maggie, who has been instrumental in turning this vision into reality, shares the heart and purpose behind this groundbreaking initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs across Western Kentucky. We discuss: •What the Sprocket WKY platform offers: From mentorship and education to job opportunities and community connections. •Why it matte...
Western Kentucky just got a major upgrade. In this episode, we’re sitting down with Monica Bilak, Executive Director of Sprocket, to introduce the brand-new Sprocket WKY Platform—a free digital resource built to connect and empower entrepreneurs across all 22 counties of Western Kentucky. Whether you’re just exploring a business idea or scaling a tech-enabled company, this platform is for you. It offers: Free startup courses and resourcesA robust mentor directory (book a call instantly!)A reg...
Building something in Western Kentucky takes vision, resilience, and a lot of heart — and sometimes, it can feel like you’re doing it all alone. But the truth is, you’re just one connection away from the clarity, momentum, and support you’ve been looking for. This episode dives into a new opportunity created specifically for entrepreneurs, founders, and builders across Western Kentucky. Learn how a new platform is connecting people to mentorship, free education, job opportunities, and a suppo...
What does it take to build a startup in one of the most complex—and resistant—industries out there? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jawad Popolzai, physician and co-founder of DataRovers, to explore how his team is tackling the hidden inefficiencies in healthcare, one problem at a time. From co-founder dynamics to product-market fit and the realities of building from a small town, Jawad shares a grounded, insightful look into the startup journey. 📣 Catch Jawad live at our upcoming Pitch...
What kind of marketing support does your business actually need? Josiah joins us to break down the five levels of marketing support—from doing it all yourself to hiring a full-blown head of strategy—and how to figure out where you are (and what to do next). We talk cold email, copywriting, digital presence, networking as marketing, and why so many small businesses stall out after their first hire. Whether you’re bootstrapping with a junior hire or thinking about your first marketing contracto...
When disaster strikes, some communities rebuild. Others reimagine. In this episode, we sit down with Jason Lemle—President of Graves County Economic Development and Director of the Mayfield Industrial Development Authority—for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to fuel resilience across a region. Jason shares how Graves County is bouncing back from devastation with bold plans for industrial growth, downtown revitalization, and a new makerspace designed to spark entrepreneurshi...
What does real startup momentum look like? Since 2021, Sprocket has helped launch 55 startups, supported the creation of 89 new jobs, recruited 12 companies to Western Kentucky, and hosted 759 founder meetings. Together, our startups have raised $4.71 million in venture capital—and that’s just the beginning. This episode breaks down the big wins of 2024, from a packed Innovation Challenge and statewide recognition to the launch of new programs, networks, and advisory councils. Plus, get the d...
Ines Rivas-Hutchins has worn many hats at Sprocket—board member, treasurer, secretary, and now board chair. In this episode, she shares her journey from architecture and construction to leading a startup hub, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how Sprocket continues to evolve as a resource for entrepreneurs in Western Kentucky. From navigating pivots to spotting the right opportunities, Ines offers insights every founder needs to hear. Whether you’re launching your first business or...
How you show up as a founder can make or break your success—whether you’re pitching investors, building a team, or selling your vision. In this episode, we sit down with Terri Lundberg, executive coach, attorney, and Sprocket board member, to unpack the power of executive presence. Terri shares why executive presence isn’t just about confidence—it’s about how you’re perceived and how that shapes your ability to influence, connect, and thrive as an entrepreneur. We dive into the SPACE framewor...
In this episode, we sit down with Akashdeep Randhawa, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Smart MS3, to uncover how his startup is revolutionizing physical therapy. Akash shares the personal inspiration behind his journey, the challenges of building a health-tech company, and how Smart MS3’s innovative medical devices are helping patients recover faster while empowering providers. Listen as Akash dives into the power of gamification in physical therapy, the importance of building strong relat...