​Many people have dreams of owning their own business, but often they don’t know where to start. It takes research, proper planning, financing and much more to put oneself in a position to realize the dream of owning and operating a business.  Investing the time on the front end to learn about the steps necessary can increase the odds of success when starting a small business.
 
Commerce Lexington is pleased to provide the Money Smart for Small Business program again this fall at no cost for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners. This six-week program developed jointly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) kicks off Monday, October 5, at 5:30 p.m. in Commerce Lexington’s first floor conference space (330 E. Main Street).  Subsequent classes will continue each Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. through November 9 and will present an introduction to topics related to starting and managing a small business.  Food will also be provided during the classes. 

​The Leadership Central Kentucky program is proud to introduce the newest class of regional leaders, who will begin the program with an orientation retreat August 18-19 at the Historic Boone Tavern in Madison County. Entering its 25th year, Leadership Central Kentucky (LCK) remains dedicated to developing and connecting leaders across the region who are committed to strengthening their communities through collaboration, civic engagement, and regional perspective.
 
Presented by Kentucky Utilities, Leadership Central Kentucky is a regional leadership development program designed for established leaders across Central Kentucky who are ready to expand their impact beyond their own organizations and communities. The program takes participants through monthly sessions across the eight-county region of Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford. Each session explores key issues shaping Central Kentucky—including transportation, education, economic development, public advocacy, quality of life, and agri-tourism—through expert speakers, engaging tours, hands-on activities, and peer-to-peer discussions.

By Keller Riede, Commerce Lexington Policy Intern 
​On Wednesday, March 4, nearly 60 business and community leaders from across the nine-county region gathered in Frankfort for Commerce Lexington’s Greater LEX Day at the Capitol in partnership with AT&T. This event provides a vital opportunity for policy experts, elected officials, and regional leaders to further connect during this legislative session and collaborate on key policy issues impacting the Lexington region.  

Several prominent members of the General Assembly addressed attendees including Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe, and Representative Josh Bray – sharing insights on the status of legislation and updates on the biennium budget planning that are currently underway. Their input provided valuable insight on policy developments that are affecting Lexington and the broader nine-county Greater LEX region. Priority issues for the region include policy and investments impacting housing affordability, childcare, talent attraction marketing, and job site readiness (KY Product Development Initiative).

​Commerce Lexington is proud to announce a new annual event called Adapt. Compete. Grow. - A Forum for Business on Monday, March 30, from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. at The Campbell House (1375 S. Broadway). Our featured speaker will be Daron K. Roberts, a nationally recognized speaker, who will present “Stay in The Deep End: A Playbook for Waging War Against Your Status Quo in 2026.”  When uncertainty hits, most businesses instinctively pull back—but that’s exactly when opportunity appears. During Stay In The Deep End, you’ll learn how to adapt without panic, compete without copying, and grow without waiting for perfect conditions. This talk challenges safe thinking and equips leaders with a mindset built for volatility, not comfort.

Commerce Lexington has joined more than 60 organizations and businesses across Kentucky in supporting consensus legislation aimed at improving childcare accessibility and affordability. House Bill 6 and House Joint Resolution 50, introduced by House Committee on Families & Children Chair Samara Heavrin (R-Leitchfield), strengthen Kentucky’s childcare system to better support working families, local communities, and employers across the Commonwealth. Both measures have passed the House Committee on Families and Children and now await a vote on the House floor before advancing to the Senate.

UPDATE 2/17/2026:
House Bill 6 passed the House on Tuesday and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

​Many people have dreams of owning their own business, but often they don’t know where to start. It takes research, proper planning, financing and much more to put oneself in a position to realize the dream of owning and operating a business.  Investing the time on the front end to learn about the steps necessary can increase the odds of success when starting a small business.
 
Commerce Lexington is pleased to provide the Money Smart for Small Business program at no cost for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners. This six-week program developed jointly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) kicks off Monday, October 6, at 5:30 p.m. in Commerce Lexington’s first floor conference space (330 E. Main Street).  Subsequent classes will continue each Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. through November 10 and will present an introduction to topics related to starting and managing a small business.  Food will also be provided during the classes.