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
‘This is our era’: How one local streetwear brand got the ball rolling for an exclusive KC Comets collab
Soccer fans can kick off their weekend with a one-day-only sale of a limited-edition apparel collaboration between Kansas City’s premier indoor soccer team and its top streetwear brand, said Vu Radley. “We found this really cool, creative space with the KC Comets where we could pay homage to their vintage jerseys and mix it with…
Not all shops will be riding high if Missouri legalizes recreational cannabis, but even imperfect expansion ‘far worth the effort,’ advocates say
Legalizing recreational marijuana would have potent outcomes across the state if Missouri voters approve a constitutional amendment Nov. 8, but some cannabis advocates and small business owners say not all strains of success will be equal. On one hand, Missouri’s Amendment 3 would expunge the criminal records of people with past non-violent marijuana charges and…
Tesseract deepens military ties with deal to develop smart space hub for US Air Force
Tesseract Ventures’ research and development partnership with the U.S. Air Force is reaching new altitudes with a just-announced contract to develop 21st century smart space technologies for MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. “The Air Force has always been a center of innovation and a launch pad for world-changing new technologies,” said John Boucard,…
Fund Me, KC: She’s served a community need; now LaRonda LaNear needs help filling her kitchen
Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners and innovators — like LaRonda LaNear’s effort to launch a brick and mortar space for We Got It Covered Food Services — to…