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
ScaleUP! KC touts revenue success stories as latest small biz cohort opens applications
Growth outcomes don’t always follow entrepreneurs’ graduation from ScaleUP! KC — sometimes they come before the game-changing, no-cost program is even complete, its leaders said. Rickey Leathers made significant strides in his business, Savvy Salon — co-owned with his wife, Lenora — while enrolled in the cohort, he said. “I successfully opened a second location…
Modern-day stress triggers make life harder; getting healthy shouldn’t add to those burdens, says KC Wellness Club
The shift to focusing on wellness instead of illness should be fun, said Heath Wessling, a former wellness expert at Cerner-turned-entrepreneur, who noted sustained growth or change is unlikely if a person is unhappy with the process. “We like to find ways to show you how it’s not a drag,” said Wessling, founder and owner…
Give them a drink, get to the real: This craft KC podcast serves entrepreneur vulnerability
Two Kansas City entrepreneurs hope to amplify the voices of local change makers by getting them behind the microphone with a drink in their hand. The Behind the Bar with Ashley and Hailee podcast sees co-hosts and friends Ashley Kendrick and Hailee Bland Walsh welcome their fellow Kansas City entrepreneurs into Kendrick’s basement for a…
A sneaky wink in each brutal piece: How one artist’s work paints his reality within a world of big, heavy events
Emerging Kansas City contemporary artist Addison “A.L.” Parrish believes that to create a work of art, he must first observe and understand the world around him. “I feel like, as an artist, my main job isn’t necessarily painting,” Parrish said. “It’s seeing and being — not detached — but in a neutral state of observation.”…