Awesome Inc and University of Kentucky Entrepreneurship Club Announce Strategic Partnership

Mackenzie Hanes

Mackenzie Hanes, Partnership Manager

February 21, 2025

Lexington, KY – Awesome Inc and the University of Kentucky Entrepreneurship Club have launched a new partnership to expand entrepreneurial opportunities for students. This collaboration will provide mentorship, event programming, and access to valuable resources to cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem on campus.

With a shared mission to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, the partnership will support club activities such as pitch competitions, entrepreneurship training, and networking events. Additionally, club members will gain access to Awesome Inc’s mentorship network, workshops, and flagship events such as 5 Across and Startup Weekend.

“At Awesome Inc, we believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the impact that student-led initiatives can have on a community,” said Mackenzie Hanes, Director of Educational Programming at Awesome Inc. “This partnership is about more than sponsorship—it’s about creating a culture of innovation, ensuring students have the resources to build high-growth ventures, and fostering a sustainable student-led entrepreneurial ecosystem at the University of Kentucky.”

As part of the agreement, the Entrepreneurship Club will play an active role in engaging students in startup education, organizing high-impact events, and providing pathways for aspiring founders to connect with experienced entrepreneurs. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and network needed to turn their business ideas into reality.

The University of Kentucky Entrepreneurship Club is the first student-led organization Awesome Inc has launched a partnership with, but are in the process of working with additional institutions in their region to help expand the entrepreneurial network between institutions in Central and South Central Kentucky.

For more information about the partnership and upcoming events, visit AwesomeInc.org/events and follow the UK Entrepreneurship Club on LinkedIn.

About Awesome Inc Awesome Inc exists to help people pursue their definitions of “awesome” through technology, entrepreneurship, and community. Based in Lexington, KY, Awesome Inc offers startup accelerators, coding bootcamps, and innovation-driven programs to support entrepreneurs and tech professionals.

About the University of Kentucky Entrepreneurship Club The University of Kentucky Entrepreneurship Club is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering innovation and providing resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. Through hands-on programming, competitions, and networking, the club helps students develop the skills and connections necessary to launch successful businesses.