Create Bridges

Create Bridges is a 3 year program for multi-county regions to develop their retail and hospitality industries. Kentucky is fortunate to be one of 3 states to participate in the pilot of this program. The project brings an innovative approach to addressing business and workforce development at no cost to the region, thanks to a Walmart grant.

The Create Bridges initiative was launched to develop and test a process to promote and strengthen these industries, particularly in rural areas. The process is designed to:

1. Raise awareness of the role these important businesses play in the local economy;
2. Determine challenges and barriers negatively impacting those businesses; and
3. Develop and implement strategies to strengthen the retail, accommodations, tourism, and entertainment sectors within a region. 

Process Update | March 2021

Work is near completion on workforce development trainings. The trainings are designed to assist employers with trainings for employees to be successful managers and leaders, as well as skill building in the areas of sales and marketing.

Handout promoting training opportunities for Kentucky small businesses.

Kentucky Counties Participating in Pilot

FOCUS (Five Original Counties United for Success) Region - Jackson, Clay, Lee, Owsley and Leslie Counties. April Renner from Jackson Energy Cooperative serves as the Chairperson.

Additional Kentucky counties: Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Wolfe.

CREATE Data Profiles for two Kentucky Regions

FOCUS   |   Big Sandy

Pilot Program Successes

Create Bridges and FOCUS Inc. Provide Worker Incentives to Local Employees

Regional Youth Assist Local Business Owner with Online Marketing