An exciting opportunity is available to many small businesses in Eastern Kentucky.

The Kentucky Artisan Heritage Trails project has been launched by the Center for Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Technology at Eastern Kentucky University with funding by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

KAHT features Internet-based driving trails that direct tourists to the treasures of Eastern Kentucky, including artisan studios and galleries, bed and breakfast inns, antique stores, regional food restaurants, agricultural attractions, and historic and scenic sites. In addition, festivals, theater and musical productions, and special demonstrations and workshops are listed on the site at www.kaht.net.

Small-business owners and community organizations located in the counties of Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry, Pike, Owsley, Bell, Clay, Harlan, Knox, Laurel and Leslie are eligible to participate in the program.

KAHT will continue to enroll participants through March 31. Once the enrollment period closes KAHT will not enroll participants again until future notice. Inclusion on the Web site is free; the only cost to participants is a small sign that must be displayed for identification purposes and a business home page using a provided template.

The KAHT site will be featured in a kiosk at the new Kentucky Artisans Center in Berea, scheduled to open in July of this year.

Businesses and organizations interested in learning more about KAHT should contact Dale Walker, KAHT project manager, at (859) 622-8439 or dale.walker@eku.edu.