What’s it really like to learn from a mentor? In this episode, we sit in on a real conversation between Aaron Goodman of OMADA Marketing and his mentee, Liam—a rising marketing talent finding his footing.

They talk through:

• Why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the future of SEO
• How to build confidence in your skills
• The power of simple marketing wins
• Why mentorship isn’t just professional—it’s personal

This one’s full of real talk, lightbulb moments, and the kind of advice you wish you had when starting out.

🎧 Ready to feel inspired, seen, and equipped? Let’s go.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you.

Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator!

Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors!

Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket.

Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together!

Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

In this episode of What’s the Startup?!, we’re joined by Maggie Choate, Sprocket’s newest team member, to celebrate the launch of the Sprocket WKY platform. Maggie, who has been instrumental in turning this vision into reality, shares the heart and purpose behind this groundbreaking initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs across Western Kentucky.

We discuss:

•What the Sprocket WKY platform offers: From mentorship and education to job opportunities and community connections.

•Why it matters: How this platform is breaking down barriers to bring resources and innovation to all 22 counties in the region.

•The features that make it a game-changer: Including the Mentor Deck, Job Board, and free educational curriculum.

If you’re ready to explore how Sprocket WKY is transforming entrepreneurship in Western Kentucky—or curious about how you can get involved—this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

Tune in now to hear how Sprocket WKY is connecting communities, mentors, and opportunities—and visit sprocketwky.com to dive into the platform today!

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you.

Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator!

Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors!

Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket.

Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together!

Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

Western Kentucky just got a major upgrade.

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Monica Bilak, Executive Director of Sprocket, to introduce the brand-new Sprocket WKY Platform—a free digital resource built to connect and empower entrepreneurs across all 22 counties of Western Kentucky.

Whether you’re just exploring a business idea or scaling a tech-enabled company, this platform is for you. It offers:

• Free startup courses and resources
• A robust mentor directory (book a call instantly!)
• A regional job board
• A forum to share ideas, wins, and local news
• And access to exclusive programs like the Market Fit Lab

We built this platform to bridge the gaps rural founders face—because distance shouldn’t keep great ideas from thriving.

👉 Ready to dive in? Visit sprocketwky.com and create your free account.

📍 Open to all entrepreneurs, founders, and small business owners in Western Kentucky.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you.

Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator!

Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors!

Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket.

Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together!

Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

Building something in Western Kentucky takes vision, resilience, and a lot of heart — and sometimes, it can feel like you’re doing it all alone. But the truth is, you’re just one connection away from the clarity, momentum, and support you’ve been looking for.

This episode dives into a new opportunity created specifically for entrepreneurs, founders, and builders across Western Kentucky.

Learn how a new platform is connecting people to mentorship, free education, job opportunities, and a supportive community — and how you can be part of the launch.

If you’re building, dreaming, or ready to take the next step, this conversation is for you.

Because when we connect, we move.

Sign up for the free launch webinar at sprocketpaducah.com/reveal!

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you.

Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator!

Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors!

Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket.

Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together!

Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

What does it take to build a startup in one of the most complex—and resistant—industries out there? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jawad Popolzai, physician and co-founder of DataRovers, to explore how his team is tackling the hidden inefficiencies in healthcare, one problem at a time. From co-founder dynamics to product-market fit and the realities of building from a small town, Jawad shares a grounded, insightful look into the startup journey.

📣 Catch Jawad live at our upcoming Pitch Competition!

He’s one of our founders taking the stage on May 14 at 6 PM at Maiden Alley Cinema.

🎟️ Reserve your free tickets now at sprocketpaducah.com/tickets

–––

🎧 Subscribe for more founder stories, startup lessons, and real talk from innovators across the region.

#startups #healthcareinnovation #founderstory #pitchcompetition

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you.

Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator!

Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors!

Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket.

Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together!

Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

What kind of marketing support does your business actually need?

Josiah joins us to break down the five levels of marketing support—from doing it all yourself to hiring a full-blown head of strategy—and how to figure out where you are (and what to do next). We talk cold email, copywriting, digital presence, networking as marketing, and why so many small businesses stall out after their first hire.

Whether you’re bootstrapping with a junior hire or thinking about your first marketing contractor, Josiah offers smart, practical advice to help you grow without burning out. We also get into his favorite marketing books, tools like Claude vs. ChatGPT, and how to craft an offer that actually converts.

This one’s especially for the DIY marketers, the solopreneurs, and the startup teams trying to make it all work.

Whether you’re starting your first business or looking to grow something that already exists, Sprocketwky.com connects you with what—and who—you need.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you.

Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator!

Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors!

Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket.

Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together!

Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

When disaster strikes, some communities rebuild. Others reimagine. In this episode, we sit down with Jason Lemle—President of Graves County Economic Development and Director of the Mayfield Industrial Development Authority—for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to fuel resilience across a region.

Jason shares how Graves County is bouncing back from devastation with bold plans for industrial growth, downtown revitalization, and a new makerspace designed to spark entrepreneurship and workforce development. We dive into the mindset behind his work, the opportunities emerging for small businesses in rural Kentucky, and how collaborative leadership is helping Mayfield build something better than before.

If you care about rural innovation, economic resilience, or creating real opportunity in your hometown—this one’s for you.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you.

Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator!

Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors!

Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket.

Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together!

Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

What does real startup momentum look like?

Since 2021, Sprocket has helped launch 55 startups, supported the creation of 89 new jobs, recruited 12 companies to Western Kentucky, and hosted 759 founder meetings. Together, our startups have raised $4.71 million in venture capital—and that’s just the beginning.

This episode breaks down the big wins of 2024, from a packed Innovation Challenge and statewide recognition to the launch of new programs, networks, and advisory councils. Plus, get the details on a powerful new resource for regional entrepreneurs, launching April 30, 2025.

🎉 Want to be part of the reveal party?

Get on the list at sprocketpaducah.com/invite

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you.

Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator!

Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors!

Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket.

Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together!

Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

Ines Rivas-Hutchins has worn many hats at Sprocket—board member, treasurer, secretary, and now board chair. In this episode, she shares her journey from architecture and construction to leading a startup hub, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how Sprocket continues to evolve as a resource for entrepreneurs in Western Kentucky.

From navigating pivots to spotting the right opportunities, Ines offers insights every founder needs to hear. Whether you’re launching your first business or scaling an existing one, this conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

💡 Want to be part of a thriving entrepreneurial community? Learn more about how Sprocket supports startups and innovation at SprocketWKY.com

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/eUNMgclkJRU 

Whether you’re starting your first business or looking to grow something that already exists, Sprocketwky.com connects you with what—and who—you need.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you.

Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator!

Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors!

Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket.

Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together!

Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

How you show up as a founder can make or break your success—whether you’re pitching investors, building a team, or selling your vision. In this episode, we sit down with Terri Lundberg, executive coach, attorney, and Sprocket board member, to unpack the power of executive presence.

Terri shares why executive presence isn’t just about confidence—it’s about how you’re perceived and how that shapes your ability to influence, connect, and thrive as an entrepreneur. We dive into the SPACE framework for executive presence, practical strategies for communicating with clarity, and the mindset shifts founders need to show up, stand out, and succeed.

If you have big goals but struggle with self-doubt or high-pressure moments, this episode is for you. Tune in and start building the presence that will take your startup to the next level.

Whether you’re starting your first business or looking to grow something that already exists, Sprocketwky.com connects you with what—and who—you need.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you.

Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator!

Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors!

Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket.

Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together!

Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.