With scholarships available, urban business effort grows Kansas City
December 7, 2016 | Meghan LeVota
An effort to increase entrepreneurship in the urban core of Kansas City is increasing its area economic impact as well as its scholarship opportunities.
Launched in 2013, the Urban Business Growth Initiative offers a variety of programs that help applicants access resources, classes and counseling to create jobs and support urban business growth.
The UBGI helped its 92 scholarship award-winners generate $29.5 million in sales and $4.3 million in investment capital in 2016, according to a report from the UMKC Innovation Center. The report also found that the program helped retain about 130 jobs and create 83 new positions.
The UBGI is funded by the City of Kansas City, Mo. and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The initiative is a collaboration of KC BizCare, KCSourcelink, UMKC Small Business and Technology Development Center, the Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Justine PETERSEN and the Women’s Business Center. The initiative pushes its services to low- and moderate-income individuals in the urban core who wish to start or grow businesses.
“The UBGI is defining the path to economic mobility for Kansas City entrepreneurs,” assistant city manager Rick Usher said in a release.
Below is more information on upcoming winter scholarship opportunities. Eligible applicants must live or own a business in Kansas City. Accepted participants may select one free class and one $75 class. To apply, click here.
Winning Government Contracts:The First Steps
When: Jan. 5, Feb 2. Mar 2. Apr 6 and May 4
Cost: no cost with scholarship
Explains how to get started in government contracting including federal, state and local government registration and certification.
Construction Business Management
When: Jan. 17 – March 7
Cost: $645, $75 with scholarship
Assists construction business owners with issues of growth.
FastTrac® NewVenture™
When: Jan. 17 – Feb. 14
Cost: $649, $75 with scholarship
Explores the feasibility of a business concept and teaches participants how to develop a viable business plan.
FastTrac® TechVenture™
When: Feb. 8 – April 12
Cost: $795, $75 with scholarship
Provides technology and science-based entrepreneurs with a proven framework and network of connections to help grow a great idea into the next viable innovation.
Featured Business
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Innovation index: Cross-newsroom startup data partnership puts Kansas City on the map
Finding relevant, actionable information on innovation happening in one’s own backyard can be tough, said Christopher Wink, announcing Kansas City’s inclusion within a new resource for navigating innovation communities. “Every metro region, every state has some website or page — ‘This is where you start if you’re going to join the KC tech community or…
This duo plans to takedown one of female wrestlers’ most ‘mortifying’ foes: the wrong kind of exposure
Two women-owned Kansas businesses are teaming up to ensure that female wrestlers don’t get pinned by a wardrobe malfunction mid-match, shared Deb North and Frankie Elder-Reedy. It’s a pairing that shows for these sole sisters, entrepreneurship is more than an individual sport. Topeka-based Yes! Athletics is going to the mat with the Apex high-impact sports…
Entrepreneur featured on Hallmark show finds identity beyond motherhood (with help from Connie Britton and her own KC Team Mom)
When Kansas City’s Rochelle Owens answered a message from Hallmark, she had no idea it would launch her into the national spotlight — or transform her life as a single mother and aspiring entrepreneur. Owens is the featured mom in Monday’s episode of The Motherhood, Hallmark’s new reality series created and hosted by actress Connie…
Four role models selected for Hall of Fame as Junior Achievement celebrates 25 years of business honors
A fresh round of Hall of Fame laureates celebrates Kansas City’s living legacy of visionary leaders who drive business excellence, innovation and community impact, said Megan Sturges, announcing a range of honorees from tech to tender chicken. “The JA Business Hall of Fame celebrates more than business success — it honors the spirit of leadership…