Meet KCSourceLink’s trio of ‘navigators’ now embedded in KC business support hubs

A new initiative from KCSourceLink that places three experienced business leaders in strategic locations across Kansas City will help aspiring entrepreneurs better connect with the resources and answers they need to start and grow businesses and side hustles, said Becca Castro.

Becca Castro, KCSourceLink

“KCSourceLink is making it easier than ever for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners to find the resources they need to navigate hurdles and find success,” Castro, senior director of KCSourceLink said of the new Community Network Navigators effort. “This program enables us to meet entrepreneurs where they are in the community and ultimately fuel economic prosperity by creating jobs and opportunities for the region’s doers, dreamers and makers.”

The free-to-consult community navigators are placed at The Porter House KC, The Toolbox KC, and Square One Small Business and Career Services by Mid-Continent Public Library as part of the program, which is possible thanks to a $250,000 regional node grant from The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC).

Current and hopeful entrepreneurs can meet with a community navigator on site to receive their custom plan of the resources that can help them reach their goals. They also may connect with a KCSourceLink navigator through the website, hotline (816-235-6500) or by walking into the KCSourceLink offices at 4747 Troost Ave., Ste. 123 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The new community navigators and their placements include:

• Maddie Dierking (The Porter House KC, 811 E. 31st St., Kansas City, Missouri) — With more than 12 years of experience, including five years as the founder of Vista Design Co., Dierking has firsthand knowledge of the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. She is passionate about helping aspiring entrepreneurs take the leap and seasoned business owners scale their ventures.

• Paola Zapata (The Toolbox Small Business Resource Center, 726 Armstrong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas) — With 15 years of experience, including work in international markets, Zapata brings a wealth of knowledge to help businesses thrive. As the founder of Pawstel, she understands firsthand what it takes to launch and grow a successful business. Zapata is well-versed in the resources available in Kansas City to support entrepreneurs and is ready to guide you through the process. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she can assist a broad range of clients.

• Jannae Gammage (Square One Small Business and Workforce Development Services by Mid-Continent Public Library, 1000 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, Missouri) — Gammage is CEO and co-founder of Cyphr, a cutting-edge fintech company transforming access to capital and the way money moves. A seasoned entrepreneur and founder, Gammage has been a driving force in Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community for years. With extensive experience both building and supporting businesses, she is passionate about connecting entrepreneurs and business owners with the right resources to fuel their growth.

Castro is thrilled to welcome the community navigators to the KCSourceLink team, she said, on the heels of hiring Dena Thomas Aouassou to be KCSourceLink’s first director of operations — a role that helps support the navigators and other team members.

“Their skills, passion and fresh perspectives will bring incredible value to the way we support business owners and help drive meaningful impact in our community,” Castro said.

KCSourceLink is a program of the UMKC Innovation Center. With a network of more than 230 business-building organizations in the 18-county Kansas City region, KCSourceLink helps aspiring and existing business owners find relevant resources.