Mayor James challenges area nonprofits on digital inclusion

July 18, 2017  |  Meghan LeVota

Kansas City, Mo. digital inclusion nonprofits now have the opportunity to win free blazing-fast Google Fiber.

On Monday, Kansas City Mayor Sly James launched the Google Fiber Community Connections Challenge, which will reward selected local non-profit who seeks to close the digital divide.

The challenge is part of the city of Kansas City’s larger digital equity initiative and is sponsored by Google Fiber.

“Thanks to the commitment of Google Fiber, this Challenge will give our city’s nonprofits the ability to enhance the services they provide to their clients,” James said in a release. “Connecting residents to the possibilities of the internet will open an entirely new world of opportunities, knowledge, and power to our citizens.”

Applicants will be evaluated by a selection committee of city officials and digital inclusion stakeholders. The winner will receive free gigabit-speed internet, courtesy of Google Fiber. Any initiative, within city limits, that fosters digital inclusion in Kansas City is encouraged to apply before the deadline on Aug. 7.

To apply, click here. For more information, the mayor is hosting a question and answer session on July 24 at city hall.

Tagged ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder
      [adinserter block="4"]

      2017 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Photos: Folklore transformed this rooftop for one-night; its $100K impact on small biz lasts even longer

        By Tommy Felts | October 1, 2025

        A packed rooftop event that started five years ago as a small gathering among friends has grown into a sold-out celebration that not only highlights music, food, and tradition, but also invests back into local nonprofits and entrepreneurs, said Luis Padilla, founder of Folklore and its popular small business grant program. “That balance of culture…

        Fresh in the tin: Crossroads cafe targets TikTok generation for laid-back canned seafood cuisine

        By Tommy Felts | October 1, 2025

        A new venue specializing in “sangria, tins and snacks” pairs viral tastes with inspiration from a classic culinary voice, said longtime Kansas City restaurateur Shawn McClenny, whose Crossroads “taverna” is expected to open by mid-November. “It will be more of a Spanish cafe, very informal, no reservations,” said McClenny, describing the future Lilico’s Taverna slated…

        Lula bets on responsible growth to hit profitability; why the startup’s most valuable property is room to scale

        By Tommy Felts | October 1, 2025

        Lula opened 2025 by announcing a hefty funding round; the momentum has only continued to build, founder Bo Lais shared. On top of its $28 million Series A round in early February, the Kansas City-based proptech startup expanded to more than 50 markets nationwide and had eight straight months of record gross merchandise value and…

        World Cup hosts launch KC Game Plan for entrepreneurs; heat map, cultural insights on global visitors warming up next

        By Tommy Felts | September 30, 2025

        Kansas City boasts no better roster of ambassadors than the region’s small business owners, said Tracy Whelpley, announcing a new KC2026 “Game Plan” for entrepreneurs who are eager to put cleats to streets ahead of the incoming FIFA World Cup. “There’s so many entrepreneurial people out there and they really represent what our community is…