Regnier, Bloch family foundations invest $3M in UMKC venture challenge, resources

A just-announced $3 million gift is expected to transform UMKC’s flagship venture creation challenge — empowering new waves of student entrepreneurs — as well as enhance free business resources for local founders and builders.

The Regnier Family Foundation and Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation partnered on the investment to create new opportunities for students and the broader Kansas City entrepreneurial community — specifically through the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge and Bloch Consulting Lab, officials said.

“This generous gift represents a powerful investment in the future of entrepreneurship,” said Jeff Hornsby, executive director of the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. “By strengthening the long-term sustainability of impactful programs in the Regnier Institute including the Regnier Venture Accelerator and the Regnier Venture Creation Competition, it ensures that the next generation of innovators has the resources and mentorship to thrive for years to come.”

Brian Klaas, dean of the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, welcomes competitors to the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

The investment was announced Friday morning at the opening of this year’s venture creation challenge, an annual startup pitch competition offering tracks in technology, health, consumer products and services, arts and a non-student track for community entrepreneurs.

“Henry Bloch recognized that entrepreneurship — particularly in those early days — is hard. It’s uncertain,” said Brian Klaas, dean of the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, referencing foundational lessons from the school’s namesake. “Henry recognized that entrepreneurs in these early stages need support and resources to make progress, and that’s what this program is about. It’s about providing experience, advice, and guidance that will help entrepreneurs in that early stage of launching their business.”

An audience of students and competitors applauds during the announcement of a $3 million gift to UMKC’s Regnier Institute; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Bob Regnier, the public face of the Regnier Family Foundation, speaks during an announcement event at UMKC during the opening hour of the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

UMKC alum Bob Regnier, the public face of the Regnier Family Foundation, was joined Friday by Tom Bloch, representing the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation, to make the announcement.

Regnier, founder of the venture creation challenge, recalled his own difficult, early days starting the Bank of Blue Valley — connecting inspiration from those times to his empathetic reasons for giving back.

“I remember Dec. 18, 1989; sitting in my double-wide mobile home at 119th and Metcalf — praying somebody would show up and make a deposit,” he recalled. “At 7 o’clock, I made coffee. I was ready to go. I unlocked the doors, and sat there and waited, waited, waited; no one showed up.”

“Everything went up from there,” Regnier added with a chuckle.

Tom Bloch, right, shares a laugh with past RVCC competitors Bryan Shannon, managing director for ORDP at TreviPay; and Nhung Hoang, founder of Origin: Coi Nguon Coffeehouse and 2025’s first-place RVCC winner; during an announcement event at UMKC; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

The family foundations’ gift also expands the Bloch Consulting Lab, where expert faculty and highly trained students provide pro bono business services to local entrepreneurs.

This spring, 31 UMKC students from the lab partnered with 28 local businesses to provide expertise and strategies for long-term success.

“This shared investment reflects confidence in the Bloch School’s ability to prepare talent, strengthen businesses and help shape the future of entrepreneurship in our region,” said David Miles, president of the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation. “Together, this philanthropic commitment will further position the Regnier Institute and the Bloch School as the leading resource for entrepreneurs across Greater Kansas City.”