To cultivate area ecosystem, Kauffman launches ‘KC Connector’ project
February 2, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is setting out on a mission to better connect people cultivating Kansas City’s entrepreneurial and education communities.
The Kauffman Foundation is asking Kansas Citians to nominate the area’s unsung heroes” for its new Community Connector Project. Inspired by similar initiatives that have been implemented in Portland, Philadelphia and Louisville, the Connector Project aims to match people, opportunities and resources.
“Other cities have used this process to identify new ideas and make better connections,” Larry Jacob, vice president of public affairs at the Kauffman Foundation, said in a release. “This is part of the Foundation’s ongoing approach to work with and learn from our community. The project will provide us with the opportunity to make sure our education and entrepreneurship strategies and funding of today and tomorrow are informed by those who work for progress every day.”
The Kauffman Foundation hired independent researcher Dr. Karen Stephenson to analyze the applications to maintain objectivity. Stephenson has been internationally recognized by her research in networks and relationships.
Applications will be accepted until March 3. In June, key connectors culled from the program will be invited to the Kauffman Foundation to be recognized and provided opportunities to “:design additional innovative ways to accelerate positive changes in Kansas City and beyond,” the foundation said.
For more information about how to apply, or if you’d just like to get involved, click here.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Royals ballpark plan gains support among longtime Crossroads advocates, though questions linger
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. The Kansas City Royals’ controversial Crossroads ballpark plan has qualified support from some longtime…
Quick studies: These Kansans just left their college careers for $500K (and a crash course in startups)
When a friend encouraged Aditya Joshi and Varun Verma to apply for the Y Combinator accelerator program, the Wichita natives didn’t expect to land an interview, they shared — much less get accepted. “Truly, all we had was this idea and a couple of months under our belt of just talking to different folks,” Joshi…
Siblings spin family pet into family business, capitalizing on alpaca’s plush potential
One Wyandotte County family’s trip to a local fair inspired their interest in alpacas, but it wasn’t until they brought one of the animals home as a pet that they realized the business opportunities they’d unleashed. “That’s where the idea started of — ‘Hey, we can actually make this an Alpaca clothing company and reduce…
Black Drip releases canned cold brew as KC coffee maker leans into creative blends
A new cold brew version from Charon Thompson’s popular Kansas City coffee brand drips with strength, the co-founder said, teasing its arrival on the market just as the metro begins to heat up for the spring. “I can’t sell hot coffee when it’s like 92 degrees,” said Thompson, recalling an experience during a Black Drip…