SPEDA strives to provide opportunities that foster business growth, improve workforce development, increase tourism and encourage industry leaders. This page is updated regularly as new opportunities are available. Please check back for new information.
Bid Opportunities
Invitation to Bid
Dream BIG Burnside Authority Feasibility Study
Dream BIG Burnside Authority will accept proposals seeking the services of a qualified and experienced consulting firm to prepare a Feasibility Study and Market Analysis for the development of lodging, restaurant(s), conference center, and entertainment amenities on the General Burnside Island State Park, on Lake Cumberland, Kentucky as a public-private partnership (“P3”).
The Request for Proposal document may be obtained by contacting Chris Girdler at 606-425-5409 or chris@speda.org.
All proposals must be turned in no later than 4:00pm on August 15th, 2024. Dream BIG Burnside’s mailing address is PO Box 8 / Burnside, KY 42519 – Physical Address is 7929 South Highway 27, Burnside, KY 42519. Electronic copies shall also be emailed to mayor@burnsidecitygovernment.com, chris@speda.org, jhalligan@ftblaw.com.
Proposals cannot be accepted at any other location or in any other form. All proposals must be received by the designated date and time and none will be considered thereafter.
Dream BIG Burnside Authority reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received and to select the proposal which it determines to be in its best interest. Dream BIG Burnside Authority is an equal opportunity employer. Questions can be directed to Chris Girdler, Chairman of Dream BIG Burnside Authority at 606-425-5409.
Mini-grant series
SPEDA’s mini-grant series provides strategic investments to businesses currently operating or in the start-up phase in Somerset and Pulaski County, Kentucky. Created to enhance assistance available to small businesses and strengthen economic growth and development locally, approved projects must demonstrate their benefit to the local community.
Businesses applying for mini-grants should present their overall plan, specific need for investment and ways in which funds will be utilized. Applicants are encouraged to show how their business helps to build community, mobilize local resources and strengthen community institutions and networks.
Mini-grants are subject to approval for up to $2,500 per business entity and require a 20 percent match of total project costs. Projects for which grant funds are provided must be completed within six months.
SPEDA administers program funds at its sole discretion. Nonprofits and governmental organizations are not eligible for SPEDA’s mini-grant program. Each applicant must complete the application in full by the application deadline.
Watch this for information on the 2025 application process.