To provide those citizens of Kentucky living in Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties a regional leadership forum, responsible for area wide planning and coordination of service and development projects undertaken in cooperation with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and designated agencies of the federal government.
PRESS Release
Pallottine Foundation Awards $20,000 to Mountain Sports Hall of Fame Foundation for Wellness Initiative
Wayland, KY – The Pallottine Foundation of Huntington has awarded the Mountain Sports Hall of Fame Foundation a $20,000 grant through its 2026 Healthy Communities Initiative to support the development of the Wayland Regional Health and Wellness Hub in Floyd County.
The project, developed in partnership with the City of Wayland, the Wayland Historical Society, and the Big Sandy Area Development District, will expand access to wellness opportunities, preventative health resources, and community-based programming for Wayland and surrounding communities.
Funding will support the establishment of a part-time Wellness Coordinator position responsible for organizing community-based wellness activities and helping activate local assets such as the Wayland Gym and outdoor exercise spaces.
The initiative builds upon previous community investments supported by the Pallottine Foundation and ongoing improvements to the Wayland Gym through a Community Development Block Grant award and House Bill 9 (HB9) funds.
For more information, please contact ray.terry@bigsandy.org.
PRESS Release
Big Sandy Area Development District Receives $500K for Small Business Development Through FIRE Program
Prestonsburg, KY, October 16, 2024 — The Big Sandy Area Development District (BSADD) is excited to announce the receipt of $400,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and $100,000 from Kentucky Power through the Kentucky Power Economic Growth Grant (KPEGG) to launch the FIRE (Fueling Innovation, Revitalization, and Entrepreneurship) program. This $500,000 initiative is the first step in a comprehensive strategy to promote small business growth and economic revitalization across Johnson, Floyd, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike counties.
The FIRE program will utilize advanced technology and artificial intelligence to revitalize vacant storefronts and strengthen existing small businesses, invigorating downtown areas. With real-time business location intelligence and data-driven matching services, FIRE aims to boost a region that currently has a 4.4% small business-to-population ratio, compared to the national average of 10%.
A Comprehensive Approach to Small Business Development
FIRE is designed to be a long-term solution for entrepreneurial growth in Appalachia’s coal-impacted communities. Funding will support:
- Advanced Data Tools: Providing entrepreneurs with insights on foot traffic, demographics, and consumer behavior to help reduce risks in uncertain markets.
- Hands-On Support: A Business Development Specialist will offer personalized guidance through meetings, workshops, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Boosting Economic Growth: FIRE is just the beginning of a larger effort to drive the region’s economic development. The program will attract new businesses, revitalize properties, and support entrepreneurs, creating jobs, stimulating investment, and fueling long-term economic growth.
About the ARC POWER Initiative: The ARC’s POWER Initiative awarded $68.2 million to 65 projects this year, focusing on economic diversification in coal-impacted communities. The initiative supports job creation, workforce training, and industry development to help Appalachia transition to a more prosperous future.
For more information about the FIRE program, contact Blake Moss, Public Administration Specialist at the Big Sandy Area Development District at Blake.Moss@Bigsandy.org.
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