Founding Partners
Kansas Department of Commerce
The Kansas Department of Commerce (KDOC) took the lead role in the establishment of NetWork Kansas by bringing in all of the organizations that would provide both tartup and ongoing assistance. Currently, KDOC convenes monthly meetings with a variety of resource partners and collaborates with NetWork Kansas on ongoing initiatives. KDOC is a key network partner in delivering assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Kansas Small Business Development Center Lead Center
The Kansas Small Business Center Leader Center (KSBDC) plays a key management role as well as providing administrative assistance in executing operating tasks. The KSBDC Lead Office also participates in strategic planning and is heavily involved in the strategic direction of the center.
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) plays a key role in the overall operation of NetWork Kansas by providing support in the areas of accounting, information technology, legal, finance, and administration. Fort Hays State Departments also provide expertise in the area of research and participate in the Regents Working Group for Entrepreneurship Education.
Wichita State University
Wichita State University (WSU) played a leadership role in the development of the legislation that created NetWork Kansas and also played a leadership role in startup activities. WSU provides office space and support in the areas of facilities and information technology. WSU Departments also deliver expertise in the areas of research and business plan competitions, as well as participating in the Regents Working Group for Entrepreneurship Education.
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Butler Community College
The anticipated growth of NetWork Kansas brought with it a major challenge: The addition of more full- and part-time employees was quickly outpacing the availability of office space at Wichita State University, making future office expansion nearly impossible. With this challenge in mind, it was determined that any expansion must meet the following criteria: 1) It was vital to the overall operation to keep the primary operation at Wichita State in order to continue hiring counselors from the broad talent pool of entrepreneurship students at Wichita tate; and 2) Any expansion beyond Wichita tate must be strategic in nature.
Our growing relationship with the community college network—educational institutions vital to the economic development of communities across Kansas—provided the perfect solution through Butler Community College. Butler Community College’s strategic vision to incorporate the entrepreneurial mindset into their organizational culture offered a tremendous opportunity for NetWork Kansas to become more integrated by having offices physically located on Butler’s Andover campus. This expanded partnership will enable both organizations to build a strong foundation for future entrepreneurial efforts.