Blog

By working alongside our E-Community partners, we had uncovered some important facets of entrepreneurship ecosystem building that “worked” and knew we had some important tools that make a difference in our partner communities, like access to loan funds, local decision making on loans, the coaching and expertise of our staff, and financial and other support for entrepreneurship programs. We also knew that it was time to make some changes for the sustainability of the program – and this applies to NetWork Kansas as well as our partners.

Lacy O'Neal completed the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program in Thomas County during the Spring of 2018. Here she talks about the impact that this program has had on her and how it has helped her launch her flower shop, Purdy Petals.

NetWork Kansas’ Entrepreneurship (E-) Community Partnership announces the 2018-2019 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Series.

Nick Flores is a senior at Wichita High School East. He competed in the 2017-2018 YEC Series and won first place in his local competition with his business, Kestrel Aerial LLC. In April 2018, he took first place in at the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge State Championship. Here, he talks about how this program has influenced him as an entrepreneur.

Jim Correll, Director of Fab Lab ICC, explains the value of Fab Lab and how E-Communities can benefit from plugging in.

In these days where you’re more likely to hear of a grocery store or hospital closing than a grand opening, we want to take a moment to commend this community of St. John for its diligence and perseverance in believing in its future.

Angie Gaede completed the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program in Thomas County during the Spring of 2018. Here she talks about the impact that this program has had on her and how it has helped her launch her bakery, Oasis Bread Shoppe.

Jade Artzer has competed in the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Series since the 2013-2014 academic year. In 2017, she placed first in her local Goodland event and went on to place second in the YEC State Championship. In April 2018 she took first place in her local event and received an honorable mention at the KEC State Championship.

Effective January 1, 2019, a new national initiative launches known as e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. The Center’s Co-Founder, Don Macke, joins the NetWork Kansas team as Vice President. This innovative effort will provide a platform to offer learning institutes, a consulting network, analytics support and mentoring to benefit the entrepreneurs, small businesses, resource partners and communities in Kansas as well as nationally.

Jessica Young completed the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program in Greeley County during the Spring of 2017. In this feature she talks about the program's impact.