The Kentucky APEX Accelerator Partners with FIVCO Area Development District to Add Regional Office in Grayson, Kentucky
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
New location is one of 10 state-wide office locations that help further strengthen program access for Northeastern Kentucky businesses
LEXINGTON, Ky., June 4, 2026 – The Kentucky APEX Accelerator announced today that it has partnered with FIVCO Area Development District to have a shared office space in Grayson, Kentucky. This move expands the Kentucky APEX Accelerator’s statewide footprint to 10 regional offices and increases access to government contracting resources for companies based in the greater Ashland area.
The Kentucky APEX Accelerator, an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, provides no-cost, confidential assistance to Kentucky companies pursuing federal, state and local government contracts and subcontracts.
Funded in part by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Kentucky Cabinet of Economic Development, the Kentucky APEX Accelerator is part of a national network of APEX Accelerators focused on advancing economic development and private sector growth. Services include contracting readiness, compliance guidance, certifications and registrations, and market research to identify business opportunities.
With the addition of the Ashland area office, the program serves all 120 Kentucky counties via 10 locations across the state, including Bowling Green, Covington, Lexington (state headquarters), London, Louisville, Murray, Paducah, Pikeville, Radcliff/Fort Knox and Somerset.
The FIVCO location serves as shared office space for Kentucky APEX Accelerator Senior Procurement Consultant Eric Byrd who supports the Eastern Kentucky region. While Kentucky APEX Accelerator clients may choose to engage with their procurement consultants virtually, these physical office locations offer the option of secure, equitable meeting space equipped with state-of-the-art technology for in-person meetings with businesses and regional partners.
FIVCO Area Development District’s mission is to promote, develop and protect the overall human welfare of citizens in Boyd, Carter, Greenup, Elliott and Lawrence counties in Northeast Kentucky. With a focus on the economy, health and education, FIVCO offers solutions and services in the areas of aging and disability, homecare, regional transportation, revolving loan funds and tourism.
“We are excited to partner with the Kentucky APEX Accelerator to expand access to government contracting resources in Northeastern Kentucky,” said Lance Hanshaw, executive director of FIVCO Area Development District. “This partnership will help connect local businesses with new opportunities, strengthen our regional economy and provide greater access to resources that support growth and job creation across our area.”
The Kentucky APEX Accelerator Executive Director Nancy Brown adds, “This partnership helps put even more support in the Ashland area which is home to many diverse industries. FIVCO continues to help attract manufacturers to Northeast Kentucky with capabilities that serve Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. We’re grateful for FIVCO’s partnership and their ability to share infrastructure resources that help the Kentucky APEX Accelerator gain more exposure with businesses in this area that want to leverage our program to expand into government contracting.”
This year marks 10 years of the Kentucky APEX Accelerator making government contracting easier for Kentucky businesses. The nationally recognized program has helped thousands of Kentucky companies strengthen capabilities, expand into new markets and successfully compete for contracts contributing to more than $3.8 billion in economic impact statewide. To learn more, visit kyapex.com.
ABOUT FIVCO AREA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Founded in 1986, the FIVCO Area Development District was created under the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS Chapter, 147A) purpose being to promote, develop and protect the economy, health, education and general welfare and to implement projects for the people of Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup and Lawrence counties in Northeastern Kentucky, and to further act in conjunction with adjoining Area Development Districts to implement programs of benefit to the area. Learn more at fivco.org.
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY APEX ACCELERATOR
An initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), the Kentucky APEX Accelerator promotes economic development and private sector business growth by providing free assistance to companies interested in providing products or services to federal, state and local governments and large primes, which annually offer billions of dollars in contracts to private sector companies. This procurement technical assistance center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense. Learn more at kyapex.com.
ABOUT KENTUCKY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC) is a private, statewide nonprofit championing innovation in knowledge, talent and investment to accelerate Kentucky’s economic growth and competitiveness and secure a better future for all Kentuckians. By strengthening research and knowledge transfer, cultivating an innovation-ready workforce, and supporting strategic investment in Kentucky businesses, KSTC helps launch, scale and grow the ideas and companies that power the state’s economy. Learn more at kstc.com.