Deadlines loom for funding, educational and fellowship opportunities
August 16, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
Opportunities abound, Kansas City.
Whether you’re an early stage entrepreneur looking for some extra cash, representing an organization aiming to double down on its efforts, or someone seeking mentorship, the Kansas City entrepreneurial community has options available — if you take the initiative.
To lend a hand, we’ve gathered some timely opportunities. Act quickly! Deadlines are drawing near.
E-scholars
Application deadline: Aug. 31
A program of the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, e-scholars is open to both community members and UMKC students. The nine-month program offers intensive, early stage venture development, as well as the resources that budding entrepreneurs need to succeed.
The next class is expected to accept 35 entrepreneurs and is set to begin Sept. 9. Accepted ventures will have access to workshops, a large network of mentors and pro-bono legal services.
Since the program’s launch in 2011, e-scholars has seen more than 60 entrepreneurs launch ventures, such as Lending Standard, RFP 365, Integrated Roadways, Mobility Designed and others.
For more information and to apply, click here.
I-corps Site Program
Application deadline: Aug. 23
Have a technology-based idea? Beginning Aug. 23, UMKC’s Small Business and Technology Development Center plans to offer a new program for entrepreneurs and academics.
Leaders with the I-Corps Site Program want to turn your idea into a market-ready, commercially-viable business. Thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation, participants have the opportunity to develop a business model, learn about technology commercialization and interview industry experts.
In addition, selected participants will receive a $3,000 grant to develop a prototype, to travel or for other business needs. The five-week program requires a commitment of 10 to 12 hours per week.
Click here to learn more and to apply.
Missouri Technology Corporation grants
Application deadline: Sep. 7
As part of the Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity (MOBEC) program, the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) is now accepting applications for funding.
A cornerstone of MTC’s investment strategy, the MOBEC program makes strategic investments in public or private non-profit Missouri research institutions or entrepreneurial support organizations.
The MOBEC program aims to enhance the capacity of organizations that support entrepreneurs and, ultimately, create sustainable, high-paying jobs. Awards will not exceed $500,000.
To apply, click here.
Pipeline Entrepreneurs
Application deadline: Oct. 19
High performing entrepreneur in the Midwest? Pipeline Entrepreneurs will soon accept applications for its fellowship program.
Eligible entrepreneurs hail from Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. The 12th-annual program is expected to admit 10 entrepreneurs to participate in a rigorous, yearlong leadership development program, including workshops, modules and mentorship.
Touting an impressive mentor and alumni network of business leaders, Pipeline affords its cohorts entrepreneurial education and friendship. A few Kansas City-area Pipeline grads include EyeVerify CEO Toby Rush, Rawxies founder Callie England, VideoFizz founder Laura Steward, and Farmobile CEO Jason Tatge.
The online application opens Sep. 1. Until then, refer a potential pipeline applicant by clicking here.
Featured Business
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Roz audits its path to $2.15M in early funding; how KC helped this AI startup scale its potential
A series of funding wins is boosting a Kansas City startup’s efforts to automate the most complex — and tedious — parts of compliance work, drawing from the co-founder’s own pain points and resources from a server-full of local entrepreneur support initiatives. With $2.15 million in funding under its belt so far, Olathe-based Roz — which…
KC GIFT launches ‘Vibe the City’ passport to showcase Black-owned arts, entertainment venues
A newly published mini-guide to Black-owned arts and entertainment venues across Kansas City is expected to push community members deeper into the metro’s rich Black business ecosystem, said Brandon Calloway, highlighting a range of cultural and nightlife destinations. “Vibe the City” passports are available now at the G.I.F.T. Business Center at 5008 Prospect Ave.,…
Trially secures $4.7M seed round, launches ‘Margo’ AI solution to clear patient bottleneck
A Kansas City startup’s AI-first platform is expected to save time — and patient lives — thanks to a successful seed round for its clinical trial recruitment tech, explained Kyle McAllister, noting his startup’s solution could help speed up access to treatment by years. Trially, one of Startland News’ 10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in…
She scored music on Netflix and LA’s star-studded stages; now BodaciousThang is getting vulnerable in KC
When Cheyenne Jolene steps on stage in the shoes of her alter ego, the singer-songwriter’s voice carries both raw emotion and unapologetic truth. Performing as BodaciousThang, Jolene blends R&B, hip hop, rock, and soul into what she describes as “genre bending” music. Her songs are steeped in authenticity and storytelling, offering listeners intimate glimpses into…