NetWork Kansas

?? Congratulations to Thomas Papadatos on being recognized as a NextGen Under 30 Kansas award winner in the Non-Profit Organization category! We're incredibly proud of the work Thomas is doing on our equity team (EGV), pushing the boundaries and making a positive impact on entrepreneurs across Kansas. NextGen Under 30 celebrates innovative, creative, and inspiring individuals, and Thomas exemplifies all these qualities. View the full list of winners and learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gGVwEEDq

?? Big news for Kansas small businesses! There are lots of exciting days in this role, but this one feels special. The Kansas Launchpad program, a brand new initiative crafted by our incredible team, has received $2.6M from the U.S. Treasury as part of the $75M SSBCI Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP) awards! ???? Our collaborative grant-writing team, led by Taylor Overton, Director of Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship, worked on all cylinders to ensure Kansas small businesses receive the support they deserve. From startups to industry leaders, Kansas is here for all entrepreneurs. ?? ?? ?? 14 SBOP awards nationwide ?? $75M in total funding ?? $2.6M for Kansas businesses This funding will fuel our Kansas Launchpad program, which brings together partners from: ?? Kansas Office of Minority and Women Business Development (Christian Hopkins) ?? Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity (Trisha Purdon) ?? Kansas Department of Agriculture ?? NetWork Kansas … and so many ecosystem partners. Proof that the Kansas Department of Commerce is committed to supporting ALL businesses—from the smallest startups to billion-dollar industry leaders. ?? I'm looking forward to seeing how this program will help Kansas entrepreneurs go to the stars. ???? Ad Astra Per Aspera U.S. Department of the Treasury, SSTI #TheStateofUnexpected #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #SSBCI #KansasInnovation #KansasLaunchpad #KansasCommerce #SmallBusinessSupport

Our Fall 2024 Accessing Growth Capital Series is well underway, and we’re excited to spotlight the 8 innovative companies taking part?in the cohort! ?? These entrepreneurs—Flowpoint Medical, MatchSavings, Oak Therapeutics, Optegrity Solutions, LLC, Ordinal Munitions Technologies, SeeInMe, The BlackPrint ICT, and Winnow Bioscience—are delving into how investors evaluate their businesses while gaining knowledge about the mechanics and expectations of raising outside capital. A special thanks to Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures and?K-State 105?for partnering with us to make this program a success! ??

This time next week, Tiffany Nixon from our team will join a panel of national ecosystem-building experts at the InBIA, International Business Innovation Association Conference! They’ll be diving into one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs: #funding. Learn more here: events.inbia.org

Cultivating a new generation of entrepreneurs is vital for our economy. The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) is a great way for 6th-12th grade students in Douglas County, Kansas to work on developing their business concepts, practicing public speaking skills, and maybe even winning some cash to help take their concept to the next level! This Friday, October 18th at noon, will be a YEC Warm Up Webinar where students can learn more about the annual pitch competition to be held on Friday, February 7th, 2025. To learn more about both events, visit: https://lnkd.in/gBJDdFZ8 Please share with anyone you feel may be interested participating! Thanks to the event sponsors: The Government of Douglas County Kansas, NetWork Kansas, K-State Research and Extension of Douglas County, and the Lawrence Chamber. #youthentrepreneurship #entrepreneurship #pitchcompetition

NetWork Kansas has two exciting opportunities available for driven professionals: Director of Loan Services and Compliance Oversee all NetWork Kansas loan transactions, evaluate direct loan projects, support partners in assessing loan applications, and more! ?? Full Time | In-person (Wichita preferred) | Full benefits package ??Explore & Apply: t.ly/Ly3VL Venture Investment Coordinator Invest in and collaborate with startups, founders, and innovation partners to foster growth across the State of Kansas. ?? Full Time | In-person (Wichita or Kansas City preferred) | Negotiable salary + full benefits package ??Explore the position here: t.ly/P4sBe ?? Send resumes to: [email protected] Join us in our mission to empower Kansas entrepreneurs! #kseship

#KState105 partners — including NetWork Kansas, K-State Research and Extenstion and K-State College of Business Administration — are continuing a collaboration to build the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge as one of the leading youth entrepreneurship competitions in Kansas. Learn more about the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge at https://lnkd.in/ghU__7Yr #KState | #KState105

As we kick off the 12th annual YEC Series, we’re excited to announce our continued partnership with K-State Research and Extension, Kansas 4-H Foundation, and the #kstate105 initiative for the second year in a row to enhance the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge. Director of E-Community Partnership Amara Kniep shares her thoughts on this collaboration: "Their commitment to serving Kansans and providing resources across the state aligns perfectly with our mission. We’re excited to work together to offer hands-on learning experiences to youth across all 105 Kansas counties." ?? Read the full press release here: t.ly/ZXTNo.

A great opportunity to work with a great team! Check out this open venture-focused role with NetWork Kansas.

A great opportunity to work with a great team! Check out this open venture-focused role with NetWork Kansas.