The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Connetic Ventures, established in 2015, is a Kentucky-based investment firm specializing in early-stage startup funding. It focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments, collaborating with venture capital firms and angel syndicates. The firm concentrates on software, data, fintech, and consumer sectors across North America.

Access Ventures, established in 2013 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a private operating foundation and impact investment firm. It works to foster systemic change in communities, aiming to create an inclusive and creative economy that benefits all people. The firm invests across various asset classes and sectors, supporting organizations of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, in the private, public, and social sectors. Its investment portfolio spans creative arts, innovative finance, strategic real estate, and technology for social good. Access Ventures also provides micro and secured loans, grants, equity, and debt to support its mission.

Chrysalis Ventures, established in 1993 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a private equity firm that provides equity capital to early-stage and expansion-stage companies in the under-ventured Midwest and South regions. The firm primarily invests in healthcare services and technology, media and communications, and business services sectors. Chrysalis Ventures manages multiple funds, including Chrysalis Ventures I, II, and III, and is registered as an Investment Adviser.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.

Poplar Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2007 and located in Louisville, Kentucky. The firm specializes in investing in early to growth stage companies, primarily within the B2B software technology sector. Poplar Ventures focuses its investments across the United States and Middle America, providing not only capital but also business advisory services to help foster the growth and development of its portfolio companies.

Humana is a prominent private health insurer based in Louisville, Kentucky, specializing in government-sponsored healthcare programs. Established in 1964, the company primarily focuses on administering Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid, and the TRICARE program for military service members and their families. Humana serves a diverse membership base, with a significant portion of its medical coverage stemming from individual and group plans. In addition to its insurance offerings, Humana provides a range of healthcare services, including primary care, at-home care, and pharmacy benefit management. The company also operates Humana Veterans, a subsidiary dedicated to delivering healthcare solutions to veterans when services are unavailable through Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Humana's commitment to innovation, choice, and engagement informs its approach to meeting the healthcare needs of its members.

Advantage Capital, established in 1992, is a venture capital firm specializing in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments. It focuses on small businesses, particularly those in low-income communities and underserved areas, supporting state and local economic development efforts. The firm invests across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, business services, and renewable energy, with a typical initial investment range of $0.5 million to $10 million. Advantage Capital provides debt capital in forms such as senior debt, subordinated loans, and government-guaranteed lending, as well as equity capital to real estate development firms. It operates from multiple offices across the United States, with a headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Stock Yards Bancorp, established in 1904 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, operates Stock Yards Bank & Trust, a commercial bank that has transitioned from serving the local livestock industry to becoming a nationally recognized financial institution. The bank provides a comprehensive range of services, including personal and business banking, wealth and investment management, financial planning, and treasury management. It also has a mortgage division that offers various financing options, such as VA and FHA loans, and supports low-income first-time homebuyers. Additionally, Stock Yards Bank offers private banking and brokerage services, catering to both residential mortgage purchases and refinancing in the secondary market. The bank emphasizes building strong relationships with its customers while maintaining high standards of service and financial performance.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) is a prominent gaming entertainment and horse racing company based in Louisville, Kentucky. Established in 1875, it is best known for its iconic racetrack, Churchill Downs, which hosts the renowned Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. CDI operates a diverse portfolio, including racetrack and casino operations in locations such as Miami Gardens, New Orleans, and Arlington Heights, as well as casino resorts in Mississippi and a casino in Maine. The company is also involved in online wagering through its premier platform, TwinSpires.com, and owns Big Fish Games, a leading producer of casual games. CDI's operations span several segments, including live and historical racing, online betting, and gaming, generating revenue from various activities such as slot machines and table games. The company continues to enhance its facilities with modern amenities, ensuring a dynamic experience for its patrons.

First Financial Bank has been dedicated to providing client service and success for over 150 years. Operating over 100 banking centers in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, the bank offers a combination of financial expertise and personalized community service to foster long-term relationships with their customers. This commitment to building trust and serving as a reliable partner distinguishes First Financial in the banking industry.

Landscape Workshop LLC is a full-service grounds management company based in Birmingham, Alabama, with branch locations across the Southeast, including Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. Founded in 1984, the company specializes in providing comprehensive landscaping services for commercial properties, including landscape construction and installation, maintenance, design, and irrigation services. Its offerings also encompass seasonal color programs, weed and insect control, arbor care, snow and ice removal, as well as power sweeping and pressure washing. Landscape Workshop serves a diverse clientele, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, municipalities, retail businesses, office parks, multifamily residences, and industrial clients. The company's focus is on helping clients maintain property value and attract new customers and tenants through expert outdoor management.

Weller Equity Partners, established in 2015 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a private equity firm focusing on lower middle-market companies within the Mid-South region of the United States. The firm targets businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, business services, food and beverage, information technology, and healthcare, with talented management teams and substantial growth potential. Weller's primary objective is to address the capital and liquidity needs of smaller private companies by offering flexible funding structures and leveraging its private equity expertise to support their owners.

Papa John's International, Inc. is a prominent player in the global pizza market, operating and franchising pizza delivery and carryout restaurants under the Papa John's brand. Established in 1984 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the company has expanded its footprint to more than 5,900 locations across nearly 50 countries. It functions through four key segments: Domestic Company-Owned Restaurants, North America Commissaries, North America Franchising, and International Operations. Approximately 89% of its restaurants are franchised, while the company retains ownership of a small percentage. Papa John's generates revenue through franchise royalties, sales from its company-owned stores, and its commissary supply chain. The company emphasizes a commitment to quality and innovation in its product offerings, maintaining a significant presence in markets such as the United Kingdom, China, South Korea, and Chile.

Meritus Ventures, established in 2002 and based in London, Kentucky, is a venture capital firm focused on making equity investments in private, expansion-stage companies primarily located in rural areas of central and southern Appalachia. The firm targets investments in various sectors, including information technology, industrials, and telecommunications. Meritus Ventures operates in several states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and the Appalachian counties of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. In addition to financial support, Meritus Ventures offers operational assistance to its portfolio companies, aiming to foster growth and development in the communities it serves.

The Southern Appalachian Fund is a $12.5 million venture capital firm based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with an additional office in London, Kentucky. It invests in early and expansion-stage companies operating in the interactive home entertainment, manufacturing, technology, and software sectors, with a focus on small businesses in southern Appalachia, particularly in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Appalachian counties of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. The fund typically invests between $200,000 and $600,000 in its portfolio companies, often leading investment syndicates or co-investing with other institutional investors and seasoned angel investors. It seeks to generate market-rate returns for its investors while promoting shared and sustainable business growth and wealth creation in its target region. The fund's mission is to provide not only equity capital but also operational assistance, active board participation, and mentoring to its portfolio companies.

PayScale, Inc. is a leading provider of cloud-based compensation software designed to assist organizations in making informed pay decisions. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with additional offices in Louisville, Denver, and Cary, the company offers a range of services, including Insight Expert, which streamlines salary benchmarking and pay adjustment processes. PayScale utilizes big data and advanced algorithms to deliver comprehensive compensation management solutions for various industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. Its platform supports over 8,000 customers, including small businesses and Fortune 500 firms, by providing crucial insights that enable fair compensation practices. Additionally, PayScale offers professional services to evaluate and optimize compensation structures, ensuring organizations can effectively communicate and manage employee compensation.

United Structural Systems is a provider of foundation repair services for residential and commercial properties, primarily serving Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, and Northern Alabama. The company specializes in a variety of services that include basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, concrete leveling, sinkhole repair, and brick repair. By addressing diverse construction needs, United Structural Systems aims to deliver effective solutions to its customers, ensuring the integrity and safety of their properties.

POSDATA Group, Inc. is a premium North American solutions provider for payments, data collection, and related technologies. Established in 1973 and headquartered in Gig Harbor, Washington, the company specializes in building strong relationships with OEM vendors, channel partners, and end-user clients through integrity, expertise, and service excellence. With a distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky, and sales offices across the country, POSDATA's seasoned professionals leverage deep domain expertise to deliver customized solutions that meet unique commercial requirements and drive tangible business outcomes. Privately held, POSDATA focuses on delivering high-quality solutions tailored to the specific needs of its clients in the payments and data collection industries.

CTI Foods, LLC is a food processing company that specializes in supplying a variety of meat and food products to the quick service restaurant industry. Established in 2003 and headquartered in Wilder, Idaho, the company provides a diverse range of culinary solutions, including raw and pre-cooked proteins, soups, sauces, and dehydrated beans. CTI Foods operates six state-of-the-art processing facilities located in California, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Texas, employing over 1,500 individuals. By focusing on flavor and menu innovation, CTI Foods aims to deliver custom and proprietary products tailored to the specific needs of its clients in the foodservice and restaurant sectors.

PPL Corporation is a prominent holding company in the U.S. utility sector, overseeing regulated utilities in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Rhode Island. Its subsidiaries include PPL Electric Utilities, which delivers electricity across central and eastern Pennsylvania, as well as Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities, which engage in the regulated generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and gas in Kentucky. Additionally, Rhode Island Energy provides electric and gas services in Rhode Island. PPL is dedicated to delivering reliable energy services while maintaining a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, consistently earning high rankings in service quality. The company emphasizes stable earnings and a secure dividend, appealing to investors looking for low-risk opportunities. Furthermore, PPL actively contributes to the communities it serves through job creation initiatives, charitable donations, and encouraging employee volunteerism, thereby enhancing the quality of life in those areas.

Fruit of the Loom is a prominent manufacturer and marketer of basic apparel, established in 1851 when brothers Benjamin and Robert Knight launched their first textile mill in Warwick, Rhode Island. The company specializes in men's and boys' underwear, women's and girls' underwear, and a wide range of casualwear, including printable T-shirts and fleece for the activewear sector. Over the years, Fruit of the Loom has expanded its product offerings to include women's jeanswear and children's clothing. Now headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky, it stands as one of the oldest and most recognized brands in the world, with a legacy that spans more than 160 years. The company is known for its commitment to quality and innovation in the apparel industry.

Postmates Inc. is an on-demand food and grocery delivery platform based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2011, the company connects customers with local couriers to facilitate the delivery of products from a wide range of stores and restaurants across the United States. With access to over 600,000 merchants, including exclusive offerings, Postmates enables users to discover, order, and track groceries, alcohol, and meals with ease. The platform is particularly prominent in Los Angeles and covers 80% of U.S. households, serving customers in all 50 states. Additionally, Postmates offers a subscription service, Postmates Unlimited, which provides free delivery from all participating merchants, enhancing the convenience of its service.

EQT Corporation is a natural gas production company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a significant focus on the Appalachian region, particularly the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. Founded in 1925, the company has established itself as a leader in the industry, employing advanced horizontal drilling technology to minimize environmental impact. As of year-end 2023, EQT's proven reserves reached 27.6 trillion cubic feet equivalent, with net production totaling 5.79 billion cubic feet equivalent per day, predominantly from natural gas, which constituted 94% of the production. Furthermore, EQT is involved in gathering and transmission operations and serves as the general partner and major equity owner of EQT Midstream Partners. The company is dedicated to safe and responsible energy production to meet the growing demand for clean-burning energy while enhancing the communities where it operates.

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. is a managed care organization that specializes in government-sponsored health services, primarily focusing on Medicaid and Medicare programs. The company operates through three main segments: Medicaid Health Plans, Medicare Health Plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs). Its Medicaid segment serves various beneficiaries, including those eligible for temporary assistance and individuals with disabilities, while the Medicare segment offers comprehensive benefits to seniors and certain disabled individuals through both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. WellCare also provides national prescription drug coverage under its PDPs. The organization is committed to addressing community health needs and partners with local entities to tackle issues such as food insecurity and poverty. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, WellCare has a significant presence in states like Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, and Illinois, and as of its latest reports, serves approximately 5.5 million members nationwide. WellCare became a subsidiary of Centene Corporation in January 2020.

Hudson Automotive Group is a family-owned and operated motor vehicle dealership company based in Madisonville, Kentucky. Established in 1955, it operates multiple locations across Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, including cities such as Cleveland, Kingsport, Morristown, Johnson City, Charleston, North Charleston, and Gastonia. The company specializes in the sale of new and used vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks, and provides reliable auto services from various manufacturers. In addition to vehicle sales, Hudson Automotive offers auto loans and OEM parts, addressing a wide range of automotive needs for its customers. As a subsidiary of Watermark Auto Group, Hudson Automotive continues to uphold its commitment to customer service and quality.

GE Appliances, a subsidiary of General Electric, is a prominent manufacturer of home appliances and lighting products. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the company offers a wide range of products including refrigerators, freezers, ranges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, microwave ovens, water filtration systems, and room air conditioners. Additionally, they produce lighting solutions such as incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, high intensity discharge light bulbs, LEDs, automotive, miniature lightings, and ConstantColor HIR MR16 lamps. The company also manufactures electric motors and generators, serving customers across the United States and internationally.

Carriage Services, Inc. is a provider of death care services and merchandise in the United States, operating through two main segments: funeral home operations and cemetery operations. The funeral home operations offer a range of services, including burial, cremation, and consultation, as well as the sale of caskets and urns, and access to facilities for visitation and transportation. The cemetery operations provide various interment options, including mausoleum crypts, burial gravesites, and burial vaults. The company serves clients both at-need, during times of death, and preneed, allowing individuals to plan for their funeral and cemetery needs in advance. Carriage Services has expanded its footprint through acquisitions, enhancing its service offerings across multiple states. The majority of its revenue is generated from the funeral home operations segment.

Charah Solutions, Inc., established in 1987 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, specializes in providing critical environmental and maintenance services to the U.S. power generation industry. The company operates in two segments: Environmental Solutions and Maintenance and Technical Services. The Environmental Solutions segment offers remediation and compliance services, including landfill development and management, ash pond management, and recycling of coal-fired power generation waste byproducts like bottom ash, fly ash, and gypsum. The Maintenance and Technical Services segment provides fossil services such as coal ash management, silo management, and staffing solutions for both coal-fired and nuclear power generation facilities. Charah Solutions has operations at over 50 power generation sites across the country, handling or beneficiating more than 15 million tons of ash annually, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of power plants while minimizing environmental impact.

TriStar Health Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2009 and located in Nashville, Tennessee, with an additional office in Louisville, Kentucky. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting healthcare innovation and life sciences. Its investment focus encompasses a range of areas including diagnostics, medical devices, healthcare information technology, and healthcare services. TriStar Health Partners is particularly interested in technologies and companies emerging from universities and research institutions, while also considering existing companies without direct ties to academia. The firm predominantly invests in the Southeast United States, especially in Tennessee, committing typically between $100,000 and $1 million per investment, with a target total investment of $1 million to $2 million over the duration of the investment.

Yum! Brands, Inc. is a prominent quick-service restaurant operator based in Louisville, Kentucky, renowned for its portfolio of leading brands, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill. As of 2023, the company operates approximately 59,710 restaurant units across more than 130 countries and territories, employing over one million associates globally. Established in 1997, Yum! Brands has evolved from its origins as Tricon Global Restaurants and has become the second-largest restaurant company in the world, achieving systemwide sales of $64 billion. The company's business model is primarily franchised, with a significant portion of its restaurants operated by franchisees. Notably, Yum China, its largest franchisee, operates independently following its spin-off in 2016 but continues to pay royalties to Yum! Brands. The company is committed to providing growth opportunities for its employees, reflecting its focus on professional development within its workforce.

VillageMD is a healthcare management services company focused on supporting primary care physicians. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides a comprehensive platform that includes tools, technology, operations, and staffing support. It collaborates with physician groups, independent practice associations, and health systems to enhance quality of care, improve patient experiences, and reduce costs. VillageMD's services encompass management, clinical innovation, analytics, and value-based contract negotiation, enabling healthcare providers to achieve better clinical outcomes across various populations. The company operates in multiple markets, including Chicago, Georgia, Houston, Indianapolis, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Austin.

Old National Bank, founded in 1834 and headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, is the largest financial services holding company in the state and ranks among the top 100 banking institutions in the United States. The bank is committed to community banking and focuses on establishing long-term relationships with clients in its primary markets, which include Indiana, Kentucky, Southern Illinois, and Southwestern Michigan. Old National Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including commercial and retail banking, trust and brokerage services, correspondent banking, and insurance. Its product offerings encompass checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, loans, debit and credit cards, and various management services. Additionally, the bank provides treasury management, merchant services, and wealth management solutions, catering to the diverse financial needs of its clients.

Lemniscap is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and based in George Town, Kentucky. The firm specializes in investments in emerging cryptoassets and blockchain companies, focusing on the dynamic and evolving landscape of the cryptocurrency sector. In addition to its venture capital activities, Lemniscap manages a hedge fund that utilizes a long/short equity investment strategy. The firm is dedicated to identifying and supporting innovative projects within the blockchain ecosystem.

Gray Solutions is a family-owned company based in Lexington, Kentucky, that specializes in design-build services, including engineering, architecture, and construction. Established in 1960, the company serves both domestic and international clients, leveraging its extensive expertise to deliver comprehensive solutions. Gray Solutions focuses on optimizing market dynamics, improving automation, and enhancing productivity and uptime for its customers. With additional offices across the United States, Canada, and Japan, Gray Solutions is committed to providing innovative and effective services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele.

Kentucky Association of Health Plans is the trade association for Kentucky's health insurance industry.

NiSource Inc. is a prominent energy holding company based in Merrillville, Indiana, primarily engaged in the regulated natural gas and electric utility sectors. The company operates through two key segments: Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations. It serves approximately 3.5 million natural gas customers and around 476,000 electricity customers across seven states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, and Massachusetts. NiSource provides natural gas service and transportation for residential, commercial, and industrial clients, alongside generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity. The company owns a diverse generation portfolio, which includes coal-fired power plants, combined cycle gas turbines, gas-fired generating units, and hydroelectric facilities, totaling over 3,000 megawatts of capacity. With a commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure, NiSource invests approximately $1.4 billion annually to ensure reliable service for its customers. Founded in 1847 and originally known as NIPSCO Industries, Inc., NiSource has been dedicated to safe and dependable energy delivery for over a century.

Tencarva Machinery is a prominent distributor of process equipment and services, catering to industrial and municipal clients across the Southeast United States since 1978. The company specializes in providing a wide range of pumping systems, fluid handling systems, air handling equipment, and liquid process equipment tailored for various industries, including chemical, citrus, paper, textile, and power. In addition to its diverse product offerings, Tencarva also operates repair centers and field service teams capable of servicing most types of rotating process equipment. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive reliable and cost-effective solutions that meet their specific application needs.

AppHarvest, Inc. is a food production company based in Lexington, Kentucky, established in 2017. It focuses on building and operating controlled-environment greenhouse farms that utilize advanced technology to grow non-GMO, chemical-free vegetables. By combining traditional agricultural practices with modern innovations, AppHarvest aims to create a sustainable and climate-resilient food system. The company's greenhouses are designed to optimize water usage, distributing more while significantly reducing overall consumption. Through its efforts, AppHarvest seeks to address the challenges of food production in a changing climate, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural landscape.

Ziyen Energy is a technology-driven energy company incorporated in Wyoming in 2016. Initially established as a software provider, the company focuses on delivering information related to the oil, gas, power, and energy sectors. Ziyen Energy specializes in business information and contracts by developing advanced procurement and supply chain software, which offers clients insights into industry-specific government and private contracts. This enables clients to maximize oil extraction from existing fields through enhanced recovery techniques and to establish new wells utilizing innovative technology. Additionally, Ziyen Energy holds interests in oil assets located in Texas and the Illinois Basin, which encompasses Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.

Eastern Vault Company, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Princeton, West Virginia, specializing in precast and prestressed concrete products. Established in 1970, the company produces a wide range of concrete solutions, including bridge beams, manholes, box culverts, precast vaults, and various structural elements for construction and utility projects. Eastern Vault's offerings also extend to architectural precast products and specialized items such as burial vaults and crypts. The company serves clients primarily in West Virginia and neighboring states, including Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia, through a network of dealers. Its extensive portfolio is designed to meet the needs of diverse construction applications, particularly in mission-critical projects.

Spectrum is a cable telecommunications company that provides a diverse array of home entertainment and information services. Its offerings include video on-demand, digital video recording, high-speed internet access, and various communication tools, as well as home automation and monitoring services. In addition to residential services, Spectrum also caters to business clients with data and network services, video programming, and music services. Established in 1989 and headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Spectrum operates in multiple regions, including New York State, the Carolinas, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Southern California, and Texas. The company has grown to serve approximately 15 million customers.

Braxton Brewing Company, LLC, established in 2014 and located in Covington, Kentucky, operates a craft brewery and taprooms that specialize in producing fresh, handmade beer. The company combines traditional brewing methods with modern technology to create a diverse range of world-class beers. In addition to its brewing operations, Braxton Brewing also offers event and meeting space for groups, fostering a community atmosphere where people can enjoy exceptional craft beer and connect with one another. Through its dedication to quality and innovation, Braxton Brewing aims to celebrate the rich brewing culture of the Midwest.

Brinker International, Inc. operates casual dining restaurants, primarily under the brands Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy. Chili's is known for its bar and grill offerings, featuring a menu that includes signature items such as slow-smoked baby back ribs, craft burgers, fajitas, and tableside guacamole. Maggiano's specializes in Italian cuisine, offering a diverse menu that includes appetizers, chicken, seafood, veal, prime steaks, and desserts. As of June 2013, Brinker International's system included 1,591 restaurants across 50 states and Washington, D.C., as well as locations in various countries including Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. The company generates the majority of its revenue from the Chili's segment, reflecting its strong presence in the casual dining market.

MiddleGround Capital, established in 2018, is a private equity firm headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, with an additional office in New York. The company specializes in lower middle market investments, focusing on business-to-business companies in the industrial, manufacturing, and specialty distribution sectors across North America and Europe. MiddleGround Capital makes control equity investments, typically ranging from $25 million to $100 million, in companies with revenues exceeding $75 million and enterprise values up to $250 million, and EBITDA between $15 million and $30 million. The firm is known for its operational approach, drawing from the experience of its team who have worked in and managed businesses of various sizes, from lower middle market to Fortune 500 companies.

Brown-Forman Corporation is a prominent American manufacturer of premium distilled spirits, renowned for its extensive portfolio that includes whiskey, tequila, vodka, rum, gin, and wines. The company generates nearly 70% of its revenue from the whiskey category, with flagship brands such as Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester leading its offerings. In addition to spirits, Brown-Forman also sells ready-to-drink products and provides contract bottling services. The company operates primarily in the United States, where it generates 45% of its sales, while significant international revenue is derived from markets in Europe, Australia, and Latin America. Founded in 1870 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Brown-Forman remains largely controlled by the Brown family, which holds a majority of the company's economic interests and voting power.

RZN8 Capital is an early-stage investment firm based in Louisville, Kentucky, established in 2019. The firm focuses on investing in mobile-based consumer technologies, aiming to support innovative companies in this sector. Through its investments, RZN8 Capital seeks to foster the growth of emerging technologies that enhance consumer experiences and engagement.

Epic Insurance Solutions Agency, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, operates as an insurance agency offering a comprehensive suite of coverage options for both individuals and businesses. Their product range includes personal lines such as homeowners, auto, life, and umbrella insurance, along with specialized policies for items like jewelry or RVs. For business clients, they provide professional solutions including property, liability, workers' compensation, cyber-liability, bonds, crime insurance, and directors & officers coverage. Additionally, Epic offers employee benefits and HR consulting services to assist businesses in managing their workforce's needs.

Duke Energy is a major utility company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 8.2 million customers across the United States. The company operates regulated utilities in the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky, and has roughly 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity. In addition to its core services, Duke Energy manages natural gas distribution for over 1.6 million customers in Ohio and Kentucky. The company also owns and operates diverse power generation assets, including a significant portfolio of renewable energy projects in North America and Latin America. Through its efforts, Duke Energy aims to deliver energy in a sustainable manner while contributing to the economic vitality and resilience of the communities it serves.