An in-depth look at entrepreneurship will highlight the first Innovation Summit to be held at Kansas City Kansas Community College, Wednesday, May 2.
Free and open to the public, the Summit will be held from 8-11 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center on the KCKCC campus at 7250 State Avenue, and will include continental breakfast.
The Summit is designed to inspire entrepreneurs, individuals, and educators to innovate by connecting people and organizations in the discovery of new ideas.
The event will promote Kansas City’s entrepreneurial spirit and help connect the innovators to the community leaders who want to encourage entrepreneurship as a vital part of our economy.
Dean Tan of the UMKC Bloch School, which houses top-ranked entrepreneurship programs, will deliver the keynote address on the future of entrepreneurship and disruptive innovation.
His address will be followed by four local innovators who will each speak about his/her unique and highly motivational journey in finding success.
In addition, five individuals representing funding sources, including venture capitalists, investors and small business bankers, will discuss the innovative ideas that they fund.
The session will close with designated community members presenting creative startup plans to the investors who will select the most viable and innovative pitch to win the $500 “Perfect Pitch” award. To make their pitches, participants must apply in advance by contacting Jay Matlack at 913-288-7210 or jmatlack@kckcc.edu.
Organized by Workforce Development at KCKCC, the Summit sponsors include the Central Area Betterment Association, Kansas Small Business Development Center (JCCC), Women’s Business Center, Wyandotte Economic Development Council, UMKC, KCK Black Chamber, KCSource Link, and the KCK Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
Advanced registration is requested for the Summit by contacting Workforce Development at 913-288-7210 or jmatlack@kckcc.edu.
