Cross-border collaboration expanding Growth Mentoring with Joel Barrett at the helm

A just-announced partnership is expected to deepen mentorship, business support and entrepreneurial resources across the Kansas City region.

The collaboration links Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UMKC and the Enterprise Center in Johnson County to run the Growth Mentoring Service (GMS). As part of the deal, business advocate Joel Barrett has been named program manager for ECJC’s

GMS while continuing to serve as senior business development consultant with the SBDC.

In this shared role, Barrett is set to support partnership development, mentor engagement, and regional outreach efforts between the two organizations.

“I’m committed to KC entrepreneurs and to linking various business circles,” Barrett said. “I’m excited to help strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and expand access to mentorship for growing businesses on both sides of the state line.”

GMS is a team-based mentoring program aligned with MIT’s Venture Mentoring Service. It connects growth-oriented entrepreneurs with a group of experienced, volunteer business leaders who provide confidential guidance to help them overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and accelerate growth.

The partnership also supports ECJC’s broader entrepreneurial initiatives, including a 2026 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Project Grant focused on improving loan readiness and expanding access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem on both sides of the state line by increasing access to mentorship, business development resources, and community support, said Jill Hathaway, regional director of the Missouri SBDC.

“As GMS continues to grow, Joel is uniquely positioned to help strengthen this partnership

and expand opportunities throughout the region,” she noted.

Finalists Brandon Yangmi, program director, Rebel Song Academy, Art as Mentorship; Kimberly Weaver, program director, Community Health Council of Wyandotte; outreach clinic director for Swope Health Services; Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation; Anna Munguia, director of community outreach, Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City; and Joel Barrett, senior business development consultant, Missouri SBDC at UMKC; pictured at the Uncommon Leader Award ceremony; courtesy photo

Barrett has served entrepreneurs through the Missouri SBDC at UMKC for nine years and was recently named Missouri’s 2026 State Star by America’s SBDC, recognizing outstanding leadership and impact in small business development. He was named a finalist for the Kauffman Foundation’s inaugural Uncommon Leader Impact Award.

ICYMI: Kauffman narrows Uncommon Leader contenders to five finalists from community orgs

“His collaborative approach, commitment to entrepreneurs, and passion for community impact make him an ideal fit for this role,” said Rebecca Gubbels, managing director of ECJC’S GMS program.