Ines Rivas-Hutchins is no stranger to building things from the ground up—whether it’s multimillion-dollar construction projects, a thriving small business, or a stronger startup community right here in Western Kentucky.
Now, she’s getting national recognition for it.
Ines, President and Owner of INTEC Group, LLC and Board Chair at Sprocket, has been named to Inc.’s prestigious 2025 Female Founders 500 list. The annual list highlights 500 of the most dynamic, innovative, and resilient women entrepreneurs in the country—leaders who are pushing boundaries and driving real change across industries.
And if you’ve ever worked with Ines or listened to her recent episode on the Sprocket podcast, you know just how fitting this honor is.
A Founder Who Knows the Power of the Pivot
Before she was leading a construction firm that’s won major federal contracts across the U.S., Ines was running a cheese business in Venezuela as a teenager. Her entrepreneurial story is one of grit, adaptability, and purpose—launching INTEC Group in the wake of the 2008 recession and steadily building it into a nationally recognized business.
That same mindset fuels her work at Sprocket.
“From the start of it to now, if you look at where we’ve been and what we’ve learned about what entrepreneurs and startups actually need, we’ve refined all that,” she said on our podcast. “I think this year is going to be a pivotal year in cleaning up our message and the tools we provide.”
She doesn’t just talk the talk—she brings clarity, strategy, and heart to the table.
Building a Stronger Startup Community in WKY
As Board Chair of Sprocket, Ines plays a key role in shaping the vision for what’s next—whether it’s supporting founders through mentorship, strengthening relationships with regional partners, or guiding strategy as Sprocket evolves to meet the needs of startups across Western Kentucky.
She sees Sprocket as a startup itself—one that’s learned, iterated, and grown alongside the entrepreneurs it supports. That builder’s perspective helps ensure we’re offering more than surface-level support. We’re creating real infrastructure and opportunities for founders who want to launch and scale right here.
National Recognition, Local Impact
Ines’s inclusion in Inc.’s Female Founders 500 list is a win not just for her—but for the entire WKY innovation ecosystem. It shows what’s possible when determined founders are given the tools, support, and community they need to grow.
And it reminds us that you don’t have to leave Western Kentucky to build something meaningful—you can do it right here.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, now’s the time to connect with the resources around you.
➡️ Learn more about how Sprocket helps entrepreneurs
➡️ Listen to Ines’s full podcast episode
Want to grow your startup in WKY?