Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Nathan Kurtz, Brush Creek Partners; Drew Solomon, Economic Development Council of Kansas City, Missouri; Tommy Wilson and Mike Hurd, Downtown Council of Kansas City

LaunchKC, Brush Creek unveil InsureTech accelerator led by longtime startup advocate

The latest LaunchKC-powered industry accelerator aims to bring a new wave of technology Kansas City’s insurance community, said Nathan Kurtz. “There’s a rich heritage of insurance in Kansas City,” said Kurtz, COO of Brush Creek Partners, announcing the bcp tech InsurTech Accelerator, which teams Brush Creek with TechAssure and LaunchKC. “Brush Creek’s purpose is to…

Jeff Jones, H&R Block

H&R Block plans $3.5M in KC investments to combat social isolation, boost entrepreneurs

H&R Block filed its intentions Thursday to contribute $6.5 million over the next five years to support neighborhood revitalization and the success of small businesses nationally — with $3.5 million slated specifically for Kansas City. “Make Every Block Better” teams the Kansas City-born tax preparation giant with five key partners in the local entrepreneur and…

Already feeling FOMO for Global Entrepreneurship Week? Here are KC’s can’t-miss events

Hundreds of events geared toward makers, innovators and job creators are expected to pop up later this month in one of Kansas City’s historic cultural epicenters. “The 18th and Vine District has a rich history of entrepreneurship and has served as a hub for makers, dreamers and doers for decades,” said Jenny Miller, chief organizer…

Maleika Robinson, Eastside Collaborative, Blacktech Weekend 2018

Collaboration Awaits: Blacktech Weekend aims to connect black innovators with a lasting network

The most important aspect of Blacktech Weekend’s return to Kansas City Friday: connecting individuals from different segments of the entrepreneur cityscape, said Denayja Reese. “Across industries, we want them to collaborate with each other and continue to build community as well as bring in folks who are outside of the community into the fold,” said…

Wendy Guillies, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Kauffman, ECJC: Stagnant US entrepreneurship is a diversity issue that throwing money at Big Business won’t fix

Women, people of color, and rural residents remain punished by systemic barriers to starting businesses, said Wendy Guillies in a nationwide call to action that unites powerful Kansas City entrepreneurism advocates.   “America’s economy is out of balance. We’ve got businesses that have become too entrenched and powerful, while people and communities across America are being…