Happy Women's History Month from the Kentucky APEX Accelerator! This March, we are highlighting several women-owned businesses from across Kentucky that are achieving great things in their industries and communities.
eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute
The eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute’s mission is to provide high-tech automation and robotics skills training to eastern Kentucky’s workforce in preparation for the “new-collar” digital careers of today.
Since 2018, eKAMI has graduated nearly 300 individuals who are now working in the advanced automation industry. From its headquarters in Paintsville, KY, the transformative program serves adult students aged 18 and older from across the eastern Kentucky region.
Originally founded to provide new career opportunities to displaced people from the mining industry, the program has since expanded to include high school graduates and other unemployed or underemployed people, including the justice-involved population.
Learn more about eKAMI by visiting their website: https://ekyami.com
"eKAMI's partnership with KY APEX Accelerator has provided a valuable network to businesses in the Advanced Manufacturing sector. Through the collaboration with KY APEX, eKAMI graduates have secured new, life-changing careers in Kentucky's manufacturing industry.”
– Kathy Walker, Founder & CEO
Direct Couriers Inc
Direct Couriers Inc (DCI) is a 35-year-old logistics and warehousing company with WBENC and WOSB certifications. Headquartered in Burlington, KY, they are proficient in expedited shipping and specialize in loss production.
The DCI team utilizes a range of vehicles, from a standard car to a 26-foot straight truck with lift gates. Whether across town or across the country, DCI's goal is to make routed jobs a sinch for their clients by offering courier services that meet each company's unique needs.
Beyond logistics, the addition of a warehousing division in 2018 has allowed DCI to expand into a full-service company equipped to meet the varied needs of their clients. Cross-docking, kitting, business-to-business warehousing, contract packaging and truck rework are just a few of the specialties that they provide.
Learn more about DCI by visiting their website: https://directcouriersinc.com/
"The KY APEX Accelerator has been amazing for our company! They have helped us get in position to have maximum views, and they are teaching us how to look for contracts to bid on. They have been with us the whole process and have never let us feel alone."
– Holly Sturgill, President
JJC Maintenance LLC
JJC Maintenance LLC is a cleaning and janitorial company known for its exceptional achievements in the field of maintenance services. With a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, they have successfully established themselves as a leading player in the industry.
Over the years, JJC Maintenance has consistently delivered outstanding results in various maintenance projects from their two office locations in Louisville, KY and Atlanta, GA. The skilled and dedicated JJC Maintenance team ensures that each project is executed with utmost professionalism.
One of the notable achievements of JJC Maintenance is their ability to provide comprehensive maintenance solutions tailored to the specific needs of their clients. They have earned a reputation for attention to detail, timely response and efficient execution, which has resulted in long-term relationships with satisfied customers.
Not only does JJC Maintenance efficiently complete large-scale maintenance projects within strict deadlines, they also strictly adhere to safety standards and regulations, ensuring a secure working environment for both their team and their clients. They also provide implementation of preventive maintenance programs, resulting in cost savings for clients and increased operational efficiency.
Positive testimonials and repeat clients reflect JJC Maintenance's top-notch customer service and satisfaction. Their expertise, reliability, and commitment to excellence positions them as a trusted name in the maintenance industry.
Learn more about JJC Maintenance by visiting their website: https://jjcmaintenancellc.com
"The KY APEX Accelerator is a program that supports and nurtures businesses like JJC Maintenance LLC to grow and succeed in our respective industries... Through its comprehensive training programs extensive networking events and strategic connections with the right agencies, the KY APEX Accelerator has empowered JJC Maintenance LLC to secure government contracts and thrive in many government-related contracts."
– Patricia Kim, CEO
Besti Co.
Besti Co. is a period care brand headquartered in Louisville, KY that provides a subscription service that syncs with menstrual cycles. Monthly boxes include organic menstrual products, self care items and snacks. Users can customize box contents based on their protection preferences, and they also benefit from a custom period tracker which helps adjust shipments as needed.
Besti Co. won the Render Capital Competition in 2023. This competition supports high-potential startups with seed money to build and scale their solutions. Additionally, Besti Co. was named one of Kentucky's "Top 20 Startups to Watch in 2024" by KY Inno.
Learn more about Besti Co. by visiting their website: https://bestibox.com
"KY APEX Accelerator was instrumental in getting Besti Co. set up to explore government contracts and proved to be a valuable source of information and support during the entire process.”
– Amanda Miah, CEO
Edmondson Key Solutions, LLC
Edmondson Key Solutions, LLC is a woman-owned and woman-operated small business located in Lawrenceburg, KY. They are a wholesale commercial supplier offering plumbing parts, fixtures, electrical, HVAC, tools and more. The company's experience as a supplier spans government contracts, commercial jobs and residential bid jobs.
With over 50 years of combined industry experience, the Edmondson Key Solutions team understands their customers’ needs and can effectively support and manage contract requirements. With a focus on customer satisfaction, they provide the most effective, safe and quality products on the market today.
"Working with the Kentucky APEX Accelerator has not only opened doors for my business that I would have never known existed, but they have guided and supported me through every step. They have given me the confidence in myself to be successful in a very competitive field and have provided me with a network of support, opportunities for growth and learning, as well as a mentor that has become a lifelong friend and cheerleader.”
– Leslie Edmondson, Owner
Bridge to Restoration LLC
Bridge To Restoration LLC provides trauma-informed care through online therapy, offering clients a safe and nurturing environment for healing and growth. Headquartered in Bowling Green, Bridge to Restoration serves clients across Kentucky and Indiana.
Nicole Clement, LCSW, TF-CBT Certified, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in social work. Beginning her career in the Christian County school system in Kentucky, Clement served as a liaison between schools and families, advocating for children’s well-being. Throughout her career, Clement has held various roles, including manager of an adult crisis stabilization unit, where she provided direct services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Her extensive experience and dedication make her a leader, instructor, collaborator and mental health advocate in her field.
As the owner of Bridge To Restoration, Clement is passionate about serving vulnerable populations by equipping them with tools to build self-esteem, manage emotions and overcome trauma. Bridge To Restoration's convenient telehealth format increases the accessibility of the therapy services offered, particularly for clients who may find traditional in-person appointments challenging. The Bridge To Restoration team also offers a variety of therapeutic approaches to best meet each client's individual needs.
Learn more about Bridge to Restoration by visiting their website: https://www.bridgetorestoration.org
"I want to emphasize the benefits of government contracting and collaboration with KY APEX Accelerator in fostering innovation and growth. Through my extensive experience serving vulnerable populations, I have seen firsthand how these partnerships can drive positive change in the mental health sector and beyond.”
– Nicole Clement, Owner
Williams Advertising, LLC
Williams Advertising, LLC is a full-service marketing agency that offers social media and content marketing, graphic design, digital marketing and traditional advertising services. Branded by Williams Advertising is a branch of the company that specializes in creating branded merchandise, promotional products, gifts and apparel for corporations and government entities.
Based in Hopkinsville, KY, Williams Advertising serves clients nationwide. The range of services and merchandise offered by both branches of the company allow brands to better market themselves, show appreciation, build connections and develop brand loyalty.
Sarah Whitaker, the owner of Williams Advertising, was named a top promotional products professional under 40 by Print + Promo Marketing magazine in 2019. She serves on the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is the inaugural chairperson of the Hopkinsville Small Business Commission.
Learn more about Williams Advertising and Branded by visiting their websites: https://williamsadco.com
"[Our procurement consultant] Frank at KY APEX Accelerator has introduced us to an entire type of business opportunity I wasn’t familiar with prior to working together. He was able to translate the very complicated into an easier-to-understand, approachable new avenue for business for us. He has data that allows us to make decisions on where we should spend our time and efforts. We’re so thankful for the opportunity to learn from Frank and KY APEX Accelerator."
– Sarah Whitaker, Owner
