About Network Kansas
The premier statewide network for helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
Welcome to Network Kansas, where entrepreneurship and small business growth are at the heart of everything we do. Since our establishment, we have built a statewide Network connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools, resources, and connections they need to thrive. From rural towns to urban centers, Network Kansas collaborates with communities, support organizations, and local leaders to drive economic development and create opportunities for lasting success across the state.
Vision
To be recognized nationally as a leading organization devoted to the establishment and growth of entrepreneurship and small business as a priority for economic and community development.
Mission
We empower entrepreneurs through our partner networks by offering essential financial resources, valuable relationships, expert knowledge, and experience.
Our Approach
We empower entrepreneurs through our partner networks by offering essential financial resources, valuable relationships, expert knowledge, and experience.
Our Impact
Get the latest stats from our Annual Report
Our History
2004
Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship was established through Kansas Economic Growth Act (KEGA) legislative action.
2005
First employees, Steve Radley and Erik Pedersen, were hired.
2006
- Referral Center (now IIC) was launched
- Transitioned name to Network Kansas
- First loan program, StartUp Kansas, was launched.
2007
eCommunity Partnership was created. Hosted the Kansas Agricultural Biosciences Entrepreneurship Forum.
2011
Capital Multiplier was program launched after Network Kansas was awarded the SSBCI 1.0 contract.
2014
First Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) was held in Bird City and Rawlins County.
2016
First Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge (KEC) was held at K-State.
2017
Kansas Healthy Food Initiative (KHFI) Launched.
2019
Kansas Community Investment Fund (KCIF) Launched. State statute revised to allow banks to participate in tax credits.
2020
During the COVID-19 Pandemic Kansas Commerce launches $5M Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency Fund (HIRE); Network Kansas administers program in 3 days. Launched Networked for Change program: virtual convenings, conference and grants. Deployed $23M in Small Business Working Capital.
2022
Network Kansas was awarded the SSBCI 2.0 contract and launched GrowKS which replaced the StartUp Kansas loan fund.
2025
Strategic refocus. New Network Kansas brand was launched.
2004
Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship was established through Kansas Economic Growth Act (KEGA) legislative action.
2005
First employees, Steve Radley and Erik Pedersen, were hired.
2007
eCommunity Partnership was created. Hosted the Kansas Agricultural Biosciences Entrepreneurship Forum.
2014
First Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) was held in Bird City and Rawlins County.
2017
Kansas Healthy Food Initiative (KHFI) Launched.
2020
During the COVID-19 Pandemic Kansas Commerce launches $5M Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency Fund (HIRE); Network Kansas administers program in 3 days. Launched Networked for Change program: virtual convenings, conference and grants. Deployed $23M in Small Business Working Capital.
2025
Strategic refocus. New Network Kansas brand was launched.
