Starting a business in Kentucky just became more achievable, thanks to the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK) at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.  

The department has launched the New Business Roadmap platform—a free, user-friendly resource developed to guide entrepreneurs through the often-complicated process of starting a business. The platform simplifies an otherwise daunting process by consolidating essential information about federal, state, county and city regulations and empowers users to confidently move forward with their business ideas. 

"The New Business Roadmap serves as a trusted guide for aspiring entrepreneurs and helps new ventures find their footing in an ever-changing marketplace,” said Beka Burton, CEDIK economic development specialist. “By simplifying complex decisions and connecting users with the right resources, it empowers individuals to confidently bring their business visions to life." 

The platform addresses these complexities by breaking the process into manageable steps, from securing a business name and applying for an Employer Identification Number with the IRS to registering for state-level permits.  

What sets this tool apart is that it allows users to select their county and city to receive a customized checklist of regulatory requirements. The platform provides tailored business guidance, outlining specific licenses and permits required for each locality. 

The platform also connects users with local resources, including economic development offices, business mentoring organizations and small business networks. According to Burton, this added support layer ensures that entrepreneurs have access to the tools, guidance and community partnerships they need to succeed beyond just meeting compliance standards.  

“This isn’t just a checklist—it’s a comprehensive support system designed to empower entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life,” she said. 

In addition to regulatory guidance, the new program offers supplemental resources beyond what is typically available. These include insights into state-specific opportunities and requirements, providing a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in Kentucky’s business landscape.  

The platform is also designed to grow and improve over time. CEDIK recognizes the importance of community input in maintaining the platform’s accuracy. Entrepreneurs and local officials are encouraged to submit corrections or updates to ensure the roadmap reflects the most current information. 

The launch of this platform is part of CEDIK’s broader mission to promote economic development and strengthen communities throughout the Commonwealth. Small businesses play a vital role in local economies, creating jobs and fostering innovation. By addressing common barriers to entry, such as navigating government regulations, the New Business Roadmap Platform helps to lay the groundwork for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem across the state. 

"With the New Business Roadmap, we’re addressing the ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ challenge head-on,” Burton said. “By incorporating often-missed or difficult-to-locate things such as local regulations, zoning details, city and county-level permits and licenses, it provides a complete picture beyond what’s available on the state’s website, making it a truly comprehensive resource for new business owners." 

CEDIK invites aspiring business owners, economic development professionals and community leaders to explore the New Business Roadmap Platform at https://cedik.ca.uky.edu/new_business_roadmap. 

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Writer: Jordan Strickler, jstrickler@uky.edu          

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