Financial Incentives
Financial Incentives supports Kentucky businesses and industry through research, commercialization, expansion and workforce training incentives to encourage job creation and long-term economic growth.
Funder: Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
Due Dates: November 27, 2026 (Monthly KEDFA project deadline)
Funding Amounts: Program-specific grants, loans, investments and tax incentives; SBIR/STTR matches up to $100,000–$150,000
Summary: Kentucky incentives support business development, expansion, workforce training and job creation throughout the Commonwealth.
Key Information: This is a portfolio of incentives, not a single grant; participation requires program-specific eligibility and approval.
Description
The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development offers financial incentives for new and expanding industry, small businesses and workforce training. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA), established within the Cabinet, provides financial assistance and tax incentives to encourage business expansion, job creation and long-term economic growth.
Support includes tax credits, tax refunds, loans, grants, bonds and equity investments. Research-related options include competitive SBIR/STTR matching funds, technology commercialization investments, and sales-tax refunds for eligible research and development equipment. Other programs address employee training, job retention, entertainment production, rural hospitals, agriculture, tourism and public infrastructure. Eligibility, investment thresholds, job requirements and approval processes depend on the selected program.
