NXTSTAGE taps trio of KC entrepreneurs to help their companies grow revenue, scale
January 25, 2024 | Startland News Staff
WICHITA — Three Kansas City startup founders are among 20 early-stage companies selected for the latest NXTUS program aimed at boosting innovation from within urban and rural areas throughout the state of Kansas.
Joining the 2024 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort: Joy Broils, Hustle & Ground, Shawnee; Mark Lukenbill, Mpruv Sports, Basehor; and Crystal Webster, Sharing Solace, Olathe.
Hustle & Ground and Mpruv Sports previously participated in the 2023 NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series. Mpruv also recently was named one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2024.
RELATED: Mpruv Sports swings for greater inclusion in traditional athletics
The NXTSTAGE program, originally launched in 2022 with support from a Build-to-Scale grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, aims to help early-stage Kansas companies break through barriers to generate revenue and identify scalable offerings for their young companies. It has graduated more than 30 startups to date.
The 2024 cohort includes entrepreneurs offering unique healthcare solutions, business operations and individual well-being technology tools, a spin on traditional services, innovative experience and product-based solutions with robust e-commerce capabilities, and sustainable apparel for today’s generation of shoppers.
Click here to learn more about the 20 companies in the 2024 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort.
2024 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction cohort; photo courtesy of NXTUS
For the second year, NetWork Kansas is supporting the program, enabling NXTUS to serve even more Kansas entrepreneurs in rural and urban areas often underserved by startup programs.
“As we proudly enter our third year of empowering Kansas entrepreneurs through the NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort, I am thrilled about the positive impact these innovative companies will have on economic development in Kansas,” said Amber Dunn, NXTUS Program Manager. “The diverse and dynamic group reflects the spirit of entrepreneurship in our state, and we’re honored to be a part of their continued growth and success.”
Through the program, the cohort will benefit from in-depth, personalized, 1:1 coaching provided by a national coaching partner, focusing on product-market fit and customer acquisition strategies. Additionally, participants will cultivate new connections and establish a supportive community with fellow founders through engaging in in-person workshops. Complementing these interactions, the cohort will also receive ongoing professional pitch coaching and mentorship.
In addition to NetWork Kansas and the Build to Scale grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded to ICT Entrepreneurship Coalition members Wichita State University and NXTUS, the program is supported by the Greater Wichita Partnership, Capacity, the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, and Wichita Shredding.
Featured Business
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Fans packed Chiefs rally, one didn’t come home; citywide trauma from shooting won’t heal quickly, grief expert says
Trauma and grief come in waves, said Mindy Corporon, foreshadowing a long road ahead for those impacted — directly and indirectly — by Wednesday’s shooting near the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory rally. Like many across the region, Corporon, co-founder of the Merriam-based nonprofit SevenDays foundation, was watching the Chiefs parade on TV when…
Black leaders need to earn a ‘thriving wage’ before they can help others; an Evergy-backed cohort could help them ascend
A new program backed by entrepreneur support groups and Evergy aims to raise household income by at least 30 percent for participating Black professionals, nonprofit founders, and entrepreneurs, said Craig Moore II. “The ultimate goal is making sure you’re a leader who can do more than show up and talk about community — you have the…
Last to know, first to go: ‘Out of touch’ ballpark plan leaves Crossroads small biz owners feeling betrayed
Unlike many of her Crossroads neighbors — hoping to draw in crowds of football fans still riding high from Kansas City’s Super Bowl win — Jill Cockson’s business wasn’t open during Wednesday’s Chiefs victory parade. Candidly, jersey-clad sports enthusiasts aren’t really within her typical customer profile, the James Beard-nominated owner of Chartreuse Saloon said, and…
Royals want Crossroads ballpark open by 2028, calling up ‘generational’ impact on newly linked arts district, downtown
A late-to-the-game East Crossroads site is expected to take shape as the new home of the Kansas City Royals if voters approve the extension of a stadium sales tax that would help support the $2 billion downtown ballpark project. Ending months of speculation, majority owner John Sherman and team officials announced on Tuesday the ball…