Competition opening its call for startups to pitch at UMKC (founders who’ve finished growing need not apply)

UMKC’s support for entrepreneurship doesn’t stop at the edge of campus, said Adam Larson, detailing plans for another startup competition between established Kansas City companies during this spring’s Regnier Venture Creation Challenge.

Adam Larson, Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UMKC

Non-student-led companies with headquarters in Kansas City are eligible to compete in the James and Rae Block Kansas City Startup Awards. Applications open Monday, Feb. 3.

Click here to view full eligibility requirements and additional details about the April 25 event, which coincides with a showcase and competition for student ventures.

“By showcasing community startups alongside student ventures, we provide a tangible example of the entrepreneurial journey and the potential for growth in early-stage companies,” said Larson, program manager for Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which organizes the annual RVCC competitions. “This serves as an aspirational model for student entrepreneurs, whether they’re continuing with their RVCC venture after graduation or launching something entirely new.”

Serial entrepreneur Dr. Shelley Cooper’s startup, Remodel Relief, took home the $15,000 top prize in 2024; followed by recognition’s for Dr. Brandy Archie, AskSAMIE, and Bob Waddell, MDMatchUp.

Click here for a full list of winners through 2018.

RELATED: UMKC pitch competition brings validating relief, cash prizes for emerging founders with big ideas

Dr. Brandy Archie, AskSAMIE, Dr. Shelley Cooper, Remodel Relief, and Ashley McClellan, MedCurate, at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Regnier Venture Creation Challenge; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

The Regnier Venture Creation Challenge and Summit celebrates entrepreneurship across Kansas City and the broader region, Larson said, noting the Regnier Institute is dedicated to supporting and recognizing the hard work of entrepreneurs at all stages — from concept to scale.

“As a regional hub for entrepreneurship education, we’re uniquely positioned to spotlight local startups and their successes,” he added.

“Our community startups and our student startups are often at similar places in their journey. Our students have a large amount of support and resources from the university but often lack the industry experience,” Larson continued. “Our community entrepreneurs often have more industry experience but lack all the resources a UMKC student has access to.”

UMKC offers a number of resources for entrepreneurs in the community in addition to RVCC, including the E-Scholars program and a weekly entrepreneurship meetup, Innovators Hub.

“All entrepreneurs are doing their best to make progress without all the resources, money, and experience of a major corporation and they all have to be scrappy and innovative to make progress,” Larson said. “Entrepreneurs aren’t a special breed of superheroes; they are regular people that are going on an extraordinary journey. It’s important for young, aspiring entrepreneurs to see that.

In addition to the competition aspect of this spring’s RVCC on April 25, a summit component is planned, featuring an entrepreneurship and innovation career fair, prototyping and startup workshops, keynote sessions, and free food with registration.

Click here for more information on RVCC and the summit.