The Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED) is a non-profit economic development organization serving 45 counties in Southeast Kentucky. SKED works directly with individual companies, their consultants and advisors to provide a wide range of services. Our services are provided on a free and confidential basis. We are a one-stop resource for: Site selection assistance, incentive and business tax information, business financing, business advice and training, key contacts in business and local government, demographic, wage and economic data, navigation through local government requirements, access to workforce training and recruitment resources, entrepreneurial/new small business startup training, established business growth and expansion support, diversified loan programs, partnership lending with banks and other non-profit organizations. SKED is a designated Certified Development Corporation (CDC) by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This designation authorizes SKED to process SBA 504 loans throughout the state of Kentucky. The 504 Loan Program is SBA's economic development tool to provide small business financing and create jobs all across America.

The Mountain Association for Community Economic Development, or MACED, partners with local people to build upon the strengths of Kentucky and Central Appalachia. They create economic alternatives and strive to make Appalachian communities better places to live.

The Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation works to provide and retain employment opportunities in Southeastern Kentucky through sound financial investments and the provision of managerial assistance. The organization offers lending programs and equity investments for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The Kentucky Small Business Development Center network is a premier provider of business services that empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with practical information, skills, and strategies that make measurable, positive impact on the performance of their businesses and, by extension, on the communities in which they work.