Press Release, Office of Mayor Linda Gorton (April 8, 2025) - Entrepreneurial teams from the University of Kentucky, Fayette County Public Schools, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, and Transylvania University will compete for cash prizes during the April 16 Entrepreneurial Showdown presented by 250Lex and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.
“Everyone loves a little friendly competition,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “The Entrepreneurial Showdown is a wonderful way for bright young minds to pitch the next ‘big thing’ to local judges. Innovation and creative thinking make Lexington a great place to live, work, and play.”
The event will take place from 4-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, at Transylvania University Campus Center. The new ideas presented by the teams will be judged by local leaders, including Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins, Toyota Vice President of Administration Sandy Nott, Kentucky Sports Radio’s Andrew Jefferson, and UK graduate & 2024 contestant on ABC’s “Shark Tank” Destin George Bell. Awesome Inc will emcee.
Prize money will be awarded to winning teams, thanks to a sponsorship by Toyota.
“Toyota has been a strong community partner in Central Kentucky for nearly 40 years, and is proud to sponsor the Entrepreneurial Showdown at Transylvania University,” Nott said. “We are excited to hear the creative ideas and pitches from the participating student teams.”
250Lex Commission member Ray Daniels said, “The Entrepreneurial Showdown brings together our community’s young innovators to showcase their talents, while also celebrating our future business owners.” Throughout the year, 250Lex Ambassadors and Commission members are helping coordinate events that celebrate the city’s 250th anniversary.
The Entrepreneurial Showdown is free and open to the public, but requires a ticket due to limited seating. For more details about the event and to reserve tickets, visit https://250lex.com/entrepreneurial-showdown.
The 250Lex Commission, co-chaired by Dr. Eunice Beatty and Kip Cornett, has developed a year of events and programming that tell the story of Lexington’s 250-year history.
Find more information and an events calendar at www.250lex.com
Contact: Susan Straub Craig Cammack Jacob Keeton
Office: 859-258-3111 Office: 859-258-3117 Office: 859-258-3134
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