UMKC Innovation Center

GEWKC just launched its 2024 lineup; Here are three of the can’t-miss entrepreneur events

Inspiration — and top honors — are on the calendar this fall as registration launches for Kansas City’s busiest week in entrepreneurship. Among the headline events for the connection-packed summit: two grants competitions and a new-to-GEW celebration of Kansas City innovation. Organizers this week released the official schedule for the in-person Nov. 19-21 Global Entrepreneurship Week –…

$250K node grant expected to fund AI upgrade at KCSourceLink, part-time navigators for PHKC, Square One, The Toolbox

A hefty new grant is expected to build upon a community collaboration’s framework to help small businesses start and grow over the next five to 10 years in the Kansas City area. The goal: better access to diverse resources for local entrepreneurs. The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) earlier this month announced a $250,000 regional node…

Becca Castro redesigned, rebooted LaunchKC; now she’ll lead KCSourceLink, one of KC’s premier startup champions

KCSourceLink’s new director and network builder brings more than two decades of experience and a shared passion for helping aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs grow their businesses, leaders of the organization said Tuesday. Becca Castro, who most recently led LaunchKC from within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC), begins the role Aug. 19. “I’m…

Pulling $250K in annual sales and ready to scale? This KC cohort could take your small biz to the next level

As many as 20 local entrepreneurs and business owners could be selected for the latest game-changing program from ScaleUP! Kansas City. The key to getting in: proven revenue and a market ready for their supercharged ventures. ScaleUP! Kansas City — built within the UMKC Innovation Center — is now accepting applications for its no-cost cohort,…

KU Innovation Park hires former Tech Venture Studio leader to support its entrepreneurs

LAWRENCE, Kansas — An entrepreneurial support expert who made his entry into the Kansas City startup ecosystem through the UMKC Innovation Center, Chris Rehkamp is now building founder relationships at a business incubator in Kansas. KU Innovation Park today announced Rehkamp’s new role as director of business services at the nonprofit economic development organization’s sprawling…