BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Entrepreneurs in Barren, Monroe and 10 other southcentral Kentucky counties have access to free business mentoring, networking and educational resources through a regional nonprofit aimed at helping startups and growing companies succeed.

The Central Region Ecosystem for Arts, Technology and Entrepreneurship, known as CREATE, provides business mentorship, connections, educational programming and networking opportunities at no cost to entrepreneurs launching or operating technology-focused, tech-enabled or innovation-driven businesses.

The services are funded through the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.

The organization recently welcomed Kelly Glasser Wright as its new programs director.

Glasser Wright will work directly with entrepreneurs, helping connect them with mentors, business resources and opportunities across the region.

“I have spent my career doing nerdy things and understanding how they translate to the business world,” Glasser Wright said. “Some entrepreneurs understand scientific and technological sides, but need help with business. Others know business, but need help finding the nerdy people who can help them build what they need to succeed. CREATE is here to work with entrepreneurs when they need help filling those gaps."

CREATE serves entrepreneurs in Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hancock, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Ohio, Simpson and Warren counties.

Glasser Wright previously founded BeoWolf Testing and returned to Bowling Green in 2024 after relocating the company from Lexington. Her background also includes work as a software developer with APAX Software, participation with Lexington-based KY Innovation Hub Awesome Inc., and serving as an analytical chemist for Lexmark International.

“CREATE exists to support an entrepreneur-led, founder-friendly ecosystem for our region,” Executive Director Jeff Hook said. “Speaking on behalf of our Board of Directors, we were delighted to find in Kelly Glasser Wright an active entrepreneur in our region who values mentoring others, who understands the strengths and potential of our region, and who knows firsthand resources available across the Commonwealth, available to us through the KY Innovation Hubs program."

CREATE is part of the Kentucky Innovation Hubs network, a statewide initiative funded by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and administered by the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation.

The organization’s work is also supported by Warren County government.

Entrepreneurs interested in learning more or meeting Glasser Wright can attend a meet-and-greet at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Western Kentucky University Innovation Campus, 2413 Nashville Road in Bowling Green.