Venture for America launches in KC to help startups find talent

A national fellowship program that helps recent graduates launch careers in entrepreneurship announced an expansion into Kansas City.

With a mission to revitalize American cities, Venture for America partners with startups, business leaders and foundations to connect young talent with early-stage companies. In addition to the opportunity to work hands on with startups, The New York City-based organization provides mentorship, network and resources for young people in 17 locations around the U.S.

Founder and CEO Andrew Yang noted that thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Kansas City was a natural choice for Venture for America’s expansion.

“We see tremendous potential in the Kansas City entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Yang said in a release. “We hope to seed this next generation of entrepreneurs with the skills, experience and networks they need to one day become successful entrepreneurs that create enduring jobs in Kansas City and across the country.”

Venture for America aims to put young people in a better position to contribute to economic development. The two-year fellowship program will begin in Kansas City in August 2017 and bring ten fellows to the Kansas City metro.

Victor Hwang, vice president of entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation, said he’s excited to usher more young people into the metro’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

”As a growing entrepreneurial city, Kansas City is primed for Venture for America’s keen ability to cultivate future entrepreneurs by matching them with startups,” Hwang said in a release. “Kansas City startups will gain as much as the VFA Fellows who will apprentice in these emerging companies.”

Since its launch in 2011, Venture for America has contributed to the creation of over 2,000 jobs in its partner cities, including St. Louis, Denver, San Antonio and others. If you’re interested in applying for the program, click here.