Access to Capital

Capital is one of an entrepreneur’s biggest needs to launch and grow a company. Yet it is also one of the most difficult challenges. The Cabinet for Economic Development has a variety of successful tools that match entrepreneurs with the funding they need – whether that is access to investors, small business loans or tax credits. Outlined below are some of those tools.

Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit

If your small business has hired at least one new full-time position and invested in qualifying equipment, you could be eligible for a tax credit.

Export Grants

Through the Kentucky Export Initiative, small businesses can receive STEP grant funding for export-related activities each year.

Kentucky Small Business Credit Initiative

This federally funded lending support program helps lenders finance creditworthy small businesses that would typically fall just outside of their normal lending guidelines.

Small Business Loans

Small business engaged in manufacturing, agribusiness, or service and technology may be eligible for loans to acquire land and buildings, purchase and install equipment, or for working capital.

Investors

Investors throughout Kentucky are eager to foster the growth of small businesses. The Cabinet has compiled information for investors, as well as lists of prospective investors.

Angel Investment Tax Credit

The Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit offers credits of up to 40 percent of an investment in Kentucky small businesses.

Kentucky Investment Fund Act

The Kentucky Investment Fund Act offers a 25 percent tax credit to certain personal and corporate investors in approved investment funds.

SBIR-STTR Matching Funds Program

The Cabinet will match, on a competitive basis, Phase 1 and Phase 2 federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards received by Kentucky high-tech small businesses and those willing to become Kentucky-based businesses.

Kentucky Selling Farmer Tax Credit

If you are a small farmer selling eligible agricultural assets to a beginning farmer, you may qualify for a tax credit.

Other Opportunities for Businesses

Click below for a full list of Kentucky business incentives.

Business Incentives