The Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and investment in the state. Programs administered by the Cabinet are designed to support and promote economic development within the state, primarily by attracting new industries to the state, assisting in the development of existing industries, and assisting communities in preparing for economic development opportunities.

By statute, the Cabinet is governed by the Kentucky Economic Development Partnership (or the Partnership Board). The Partnership Board is responsible for directing and overseeing the Cabinet and adopting a Strategic Plan. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) is a statutorily created committee under the authority of the Partnership Board. KEDFA is responsible for awarding most of the financial incentives offered by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet consists of:

• Office of the Secretary (502) 564-7670
  Responsible for the development and administration of executive policies and for the overall management of the agency. Staff and administrative functions within the Office include communication services, legal services, information technology, personnel and administration, legislative initiatives and special projects.
• Department for Business Development (502) 564-7140
  Responsible for assisting and encouraging job retention and creation by working with new and existing businesses. Department staff provide project management services, including out-of-state trips to recruit industry, information gathering for clients regarding their location requirements, traveling with client representatives to view properties and communities, assisting with applicable financial incentives, and providing opportunities for small business development and international trade. The Department is comprised of the Division of Small Business Services, the Commission on Small Business Advocacy, the Small and Minority Business Branch, and three regional offices located throughout the state. The Department also includes four international offices in Japan, Mexico, Germany, and China to facilitate foreign-direct investment and export growth.
• Department of Financial Incentives (502) 564-4554
  Coordinates all financial assistance, tax credit, and related programs available to business and industry. The Department consists of the Grant Programs Division, Tax Incentives Program Division, Direct Loan Programs Division, Program Servicing Division, and the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation.
• Office of Commercialization and Innovation (502) 564-7670
  Leads the state’s technology-based economic development efforts. Responsible for developing and implementing a strategy to build and promote technology-driven and research-intensive industries with the goal of creating high-tech job opportunities and developing clusters of innovation throughout the state. Administers and recommends funding to facilitate recruiting, creating, and retaining high-tech companies and jobs, producing new products and services, and developing new and improved processes.
• Office of Research and Public Affairs (502) 564-4886
  Responsible for marketing and communications activities, as well as research support, database development and the compilation of a statewide industrial property inventory. The Office includes the General Research Branch, the Site Evaluation Branch and the Division of Database and Systems Development.
• Office of Administrative Services (502) 564-4300
  Provides Cabinet-wide services in areas of fiscal management, budgetary implementation, information technology, and personnel support. Services are provided through two divisions, the Division of Finance and Personnel, and the Division of Network Administration and Support.
• Office of Legal Services (502) 564-7670
  Provides all legal services for the Cabinet.