GEWKC submissions open: Organizers seek community-sourced ideas for fall event series

June 12, 2025  |  Startland News Staff

Small business community organizers and entrepreneurs Rickey Leathers, Savvy Salon, and Victoria Campbell Osborne, The Scented Webb, share a laugh during Global Entrepreneurship Week Kansas City in 2024; photo courtesy of KCSourceLink

One of Kansas City’s largest interactive educational experiences for entrepreneurs is inviting community members to drive the conversation when Global Entrepreneurship Week returns in November.

Festivities are set for Nov. 17-22 at Union Station in Kansas City.

The GEWKC event series’ programming is crowd-sourced through submissions from community members and organized by KCSourceLink. Selected concepts are led on event day by the individuals or organizations who submitted them.

Click here to share an idea with GEWKC organizers.

“As a former entrepreneur, I understand how valuable time is when you’re building something from the ground up,” said Callie England, director of GEWKC and marketing director at KCSourceLink, which has organized GEWKC since 2008. “That’s why every session we include in GEWKC is intentionally crafted to offer real, actionable value. In my third year leading this event, it’s been incredibly rewarding to give back by helping curate free, impactful education for our community.”

Organizers are welcoming a wide range of session ideas, from solo talks and expert panels to hands-on workshops, networking events, site visits and more. While creativity is encouraged, space is limited. Sessions that focus on real skill-building, knowledge-sharing and tangible takeaways for entrepreneurs have the strongest chance of being selected.

GEWKC also has traditionally been home to such high-profile startup and small business community events as AltCap Your Biz and LaunchKC’s grant winner reveal.

Global Entrepreneurship Week-Kansas City attendees listen to a panel conversation in the Planetarium at Union Station, basecamp for GEWKC; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Other well-attended GEWKC sessions and workshops have included:

  • Happy hours and networking
  • “Marketing Mastermind” panel
  • “AI and Marketing: Create 30 Days of Content with Chat GPT”
  • “Managing ADHD as a Business Owner”
  • “Polish Your Pitch: An Interactive Guide on Clarifying Your Story Hook”
  • Marketing and sales for artists/makers/creatives
  • “Balancing Babies and Business”
  • “What entrepreneurs should know about trademarks, copyrights, intellectual property, equity funding, hiring vs. contracting”

“GEWKC was built with the entrepreneur in mind — whether you’re running a business, growing a side hustle or just getting started,” England said. “We want every attendee to walk away with something that truly helps them move forward: practical tools, honest insight and meaningful connections.”

Click here to learn more about GEWKC.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

2025 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    With a focus on fashion education, Sock 101 rebrands to School of Sock

    By Tommy Felts | January 16, 2017

    A growing Kansas City fashion firm is restitching its public image. With a broader focus and new expansion plan, Sock 101 is rebranding to become School of Sock. The company — which began with a la carte and “Sock of the Month Club” options — is changing up its name to reflect its goals to…

    Columbia-based EquipmentShare plans to hire 20 techies at new KC office

    By Tommy Felts | January 13, 2017

    A rapidly-growing startup based in Columbia, Mo., is planning to open its technical hub in Kansas City. As it expands around the nation, EquipmentShare co-founder Willy Schlacks said he’s hoping to hire about 20 software and web developers for the firm, which has been touted as the “Airbnb for construction equipment.” EquipmentShare created a peer-to-peer…

    Funding opportunities for educators, artists, entrepreneurs

    By Tommy Felts | January 12, 2017

    Half the of the battle of raising capital is finding the right opportunity. To give you a hand, we’ve gathered some timely opportunities so you don’t have to. Here’s more on funding opportunities with deadlines drawing near: AT&T Aspire Accelerator Application deadline: Feb. 7 Ed-tech ventures are encouraged to apply for the 2017 AT&T Aspire…

    Brian Kearns: Get outside of your startup bubble

    By Tommy Felts | January 12, 2017

    What’s so special about Silicon Valley, Hollywood or New York? I’ll give you a hint: bad barbecue. Just kidding. These are the places you go when you want to build the next “unicorn,” become a big star or bask in the bright lights of Broadway. The dream you often hear whispered backstage is, “I want…