Kauffman Foundation issues a challenge to grow KC accelerators
October 21, 2016 | Meghan LeVota
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation believes business accelerators have the opportunity to bridge a gap between capital and entrepreneurs.
That’s why the foundation announced a new grant initiative Friday that hopes to spur more accelerator-like organizations in Kansas City. And applications are now open, and proposals are due by Jan 13.
Starting Nov. 16 during Global Entrepreneurship week, the KC Accelerator Challenge hopes to encourage proposals from programs in the area that provide mentoring, access to resources and other services that help entrepreneurs scale their company.
“A vibrant community must invest in a variety of organizations that have a track record of increasing the success of early-stage entrepreneurs and accelerating business through growth,” Kauffman Foundation CEO Wendy Guillies said in a release. “The KC Accelerator Challenge will directly support organizations that are helping Kansas City to become America’s most entrepreneurial city.”
The foundation is looking especially for organizations that provide a structured educational curriculum, serves an underrepresented population of entrepreneurs or has used research to provide a “novel way to accelerate startups.”
“Kansas City has many of the ingredients for a strong ecosystem for entrepreneurs,” Kauffman Foundation vice president of entrepreneurship Victor Hwang said in a release. “The KC Accelerator Challenge is part of the Kauffman Foundation’s comprehensive approach to address barriers that too many of our entrepreneurs face in Kansas City and the Midwest.”
Applicants are required to meet Kauffman’s funds with a one-to-one match. Applications close on Jan 13.
Featured Business
Related Posts on Startland News
Kiva KC brings zero-interest microloans to founders shut out of traditional capital
Editor’s note: The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC) and KC BizCare are partners of Startland News. Kansas City is betting that a global microlending model — one built on $25 contributions and community belief in everyday entrepreneurs — can help close one of the city’s most stubborn gaps: early-stage capital for founders who…
Kauffman wraps three fast-paced rounds of capacity building: Meet the year’s final grantees
A revised strategy to help nonprofit organizations strengthen their internal effectiveness and long-term stability — while still aligning with the Kauffman Foundation’s focus areas — next must showcase outcomes, said Allison Greenwood Bajracharya, announcing a final round of capacity building grant winners for 2025. Built with intentional versatility, capacity building grants are meant to meet…
Kauffman narrows Uncommon Leader contenders to five finalists from community orgs
Kansas City leaders advancing toward the Kauffman Foundation’s high-profile impact award all demonstrate bold, creative, and inclusive leadership, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, announcing five finalists for the inaugural honor. “Each of these leaders reminds us that one person can make a difference, and that compassion and dedication can change the lives of the people we…
Kauffman taps financial exec to help foundation invest in ideas, collaborations that expand opportunity
A newly named addition to the leadership cabinet at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is expected to play a crucial role in fostering equitable, inclusive, and sustainable prosperity, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, announcing Ben Clouse as the organization’s chief financial officer. “Ben brings a proven record of strategic financial leadership and a deep commitment to…