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
Travis Kelce’s Super Bowl catchphrases score big for KC merch makers, driving business into the end zone
Editor’s note: The following is part of a multi-story feature profiling Kansas City small businesses reaping wins thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 Super Bowl bid. Click here to read more from this limited series. When the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce opens his mouth, fans roar, social media lights up, and makers across…
Strength in numbers: Chamber’s Superstars bench surges to 2,500 KC small businesses
Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. A new round of nominations and submissions have brought the KC Chamber’s roster of Small Business Superstars to more than double its initial size — further amplifying…
They’re plating my jam! How a homecoming dance inspired this teen’s charcuterie business with family on board
Curating colorful boards of meats, cheeses, nuts and fruits always came natural to Bella Messmer, she shared; it wasn’t until after she started her charcuterie business that she learned that passion was passed down from her grandmother. “In the ’70s, Bella’s grandmother would host these lavish parties among other Miami socialites, and she would make…
We’re all going to die: What’s more inclusive than death? asks KC’s favorite doomed streetwear brand
Wasteland Society is for the strange; those who believe that there’s no such thing as “normal”; people who recognize the reality that sadness is part of life, and that’s OK, the duo behind the irreverent apparel company detailed. “Whenever people ask us what we stand for, I always say existentialism with inclusion,” said Peter Nonprasit,…