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Growing Rural Businesses
Growing Rural Businesses (GRB) is an 8-week certificate program provides practical, applied information and examples necessary for todayʼs rural communities. The Growing Rural Businesses Model is certificate program customized for rural businesses. Participants receive a comprehensive practical approach to conducting business along with the resources needed to succeed. Group discussions facilitated by Wichita State University Center for Entrepreneurship staff provide insights on how to approach challenges and solve them effectively.
Total Participants as of June 30, 2024: 458
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Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC)
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge series (YEC) is a sequence of community-based entrepreneurship competitions for students in grades 7-12, culminating in a state championship. The YEC series gives students hands-on experience thinking entrepreneurially by creating, developing and presenting a business concept that addresses a problem or opportunity. Then, on a given day, students compete against one another in teams or individually. Students’ work is judge by local entrepreneurs, resource partners, teachers or other adults and prizes are awarded. The YEC series has been in existence since 2013.
Total Participants as of June 30, 2024: 7,486
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Maker Space Bootcamp
This 2-1/2 day training in Independence, Kansas is for communities who want to learn how to create an entrepreneurial mindset and maker space in their community to enhance community revitalization efforts. Fab Lab ICC experts demonstrate how they set up their maker space, share impact from community members, and showcase the magic of making, showing that anyone can learn to use a maker space. Participants take home a collection of plans and processes and benefit from two post-camp phone consultations with Fab Lab ICC founder Jim Correll. E-Community loan funds can pay for registration and travel. Discounts available for E-Community participants.
Total Participants as of June 30, 2024: 29
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Entrepreneur Business Basics (EBB)
Entrepreneur Business Basics (EBB) is a 12-week entrepreneurship training course that is open to all but is specifically beneficial to minority entrepreneurs. EBB accomplishes its mission by providing workshops, training sessions and resources facilitated by successful entrepreneurs, seasoned corporate executives and thriving organizations focused on entrepreneurship.
Total Participants as of June 30, 2024: 66
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Destination Bootcamp
This 2-1/2 day training in Longmont, CO is for business owners who want to accelerate their learning curve, receive in-depth instruction, strategies, and specific tactics on how to become a dominant “Destination Business” preferred by customers. Internationally-recognized business expert Jon Schallert teaches a 14-step strategy to turn businesses and communities into destinations. The Community Reinvention Program sends a group of 6+ business owners and a community coordinator from a community to the same Destination BootCamp® session and includes follow-up consulting and an on-site workshop with Jon.
Total Participants as of June 30, 2024: 305
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Kansas Ice House Entrepreneurship Program
The Kansas Ice House Entrepreneurship Program is an 8-week certificate program that develops entrepreneurial skills like critical thinking, communication, problem solving, and other key assets.
Inspired by the life story of Pulitzer nominee Clifton Taulbert, the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program was created by the Kauffman Foundation as a powerful learning program designed to educate and engage participants in the fundamental aspects of an entrepreneurial mindset.
Total Participants as of June 30, 2024: 590
Entrepreneurship Programming
Dedicated to Empowering Entrepreneurs Statewide
Network Kansas offers tailored entrepreneurship programming designed to support entrepreneurs at all stages across Kansas. By partnering with members of our eCommunity partnership, we provide essential resources, mentorship, and educational opportunities to help businesses grow and succeed.
Entrepreneurship Programs
458 Participants
7,486 Participants
29 Participants
66 Participants
305 Participants
509 Participants
Our Areas of Focus
- Youth Engagement: Engaging youth across the state to develop entrepreneurial skills and launch businesses. Through our Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC), Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge (KEC), and Lemonade Day programs, we aim to build supportive communities in the area of youth entrepreneurship development.
- Business Development: Includes resources such as NXTUS’ Customer Traction Cohort, Pitch Competitions, Growing Rural Businesses, and the Online Restaurant Academy to help entrepreneurs at various stages of growth.
- Mentorship & Networking: Connect with experienced mentors and business leaders to strengthen your business network.
- Startup & Borrower Readiness: Programs like Ice House and the Entrepreneurial Business Basics (EBB) equip businesses with the knowledge they need to grow and secure funding.
- Community Vibrancy: Programs focused on enhancing local economies and creating vibrant business communities, such as Destination BootCamp and Pitch Your Porch.
Tailored Support for Entrepreneurs
Network Kansas is dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with the education and resources they need to thrive. Through our partnerships with eCommunities, we offer funding, mentorship, and customized programs designed to meet specific local needs. Whether an entrepreneur is just starting out or looking to scale, we are here to help.
Program Benefits
- Education & Mentorship: Receive crucial business guidance and support from experienced mentors.
- Networking Opportunities: Build valuable relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders.
- Access to Resources: Take advantage of specialized tools, grants, and funding programs.
- Local Impact: Participate in programs that are designed to meet the unique needs of your community.
Get Involved
If you’re an entrepreneur or community partner interested in participating, or if you’d like more information about upcoming programs, reach out to our team at programs@networkkansas.com.
Featured Partner Training
Success Stories
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“Whether you’re looking to become an entrepreneur or looking to learn more about business, YEC is the perfect start!”
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“KEC is a great opportunity for young aspiring entrepreneurs to learn how to operate a successful business and make long-lasting connections with business mentors.”
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“YEC should be tried by everyone. You never know if you can succeed if you don’t try.”
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“Through preparing for the challenge, I also considered my business and the different pathways I could take with it. Overall, I greatly benefited from the KEC and am planning to participate in it again this year!”