Presentation Format

5-8 minutes for the CEO of each startup with a PowerPoint on the product or service offering.
Each individual was tasked three objectives to present for the demo:

1. What the business offering is from a B2B or B2C perspective and who are the target customers

2. How the business intends to make money, any revenue to date or funding sources

3. What help the company needs (if any) from the audience members or KC entrepreneurs/ mentors/ capital investors

Presenting Teams

FlexPro – custom meals delivered to your door, geared towards athletes, the health conscious or picky eaters.

MOTTO – an online virtual gym with access to workout routines, a nutrition store, personal trainers, online magazines & more.

BraneKid – cloud-based learning for disadvantaged, ‘behind grade level’ students and resources for educators.

GossUP – anonymous geo-location messaging system; like traditional social media, but say what you want without the backlash.

Utility Contractor Xchange – revolutionary utility directory, a “Craigs List” for Oil, Gas, Electric, Telcomn, Waste Water and Renewable Energy service providers who need equipment or specialized services.  

ShamBibby – the baby bib, evolved…like “sham-wow” customized for infant cleanup and quickly managing messes

GIVSTRONG – leveraging your birthdays for a cause or your favorite charity; instead of gifts, give your birthday meaning

Autoswaprz – the best way to find your next car, easier to use than competition, connects dealers and buyers

An important take away from the Demo presentations was over half of the presenting companies had sold product and services to the tune of $25K+ in less than three months, several with the help of initial seed capital or a no capital investment model, purely using the suite of services BetaBlox provides. A former incubator participant, Hannah Rues, ConciergeCare, Inc., a health provider for senior and ElderCare solutions gave a follow up of “business life post incubation.’ The company has signed partnership agreements in multiple states for ElderCare services and has been the keynote speaker at several national health conventions focusing on Eldercare solutions for an increasing aging population.

How the BetaBlox Accelerator Works

BetaBlox processes hundreds of startup opportunities and accepts applicants at roughly the same rate as Harvard’s MBA program. A committee of expert investors picks the high growth potential teams based on one-on-one interviews, live presentations, question-and-answer sessions, written applications, and group discussions. Next, the teams enter into a six-month, NO COST program designed to help them succeed in business, as well as accelerate the timeframe at which they reach success. Teams have access to Mentor Lecture Series, Investors & Business Partners, Startup Classes, One-on-One Consultation, Marketing & Branding resources, Environmentally friendly offices space and 24/7 access to the facility.

At the end of the accelerator program, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to present to a room of investors, journalists, and stakeholders aka DemoDay! More info at About the Program.

What Does BetaBlox Look for In a Mentor Entrepreneur Partner?

BetaBlox is a mentorship-driven startup accelerator…which means they are always on the hunt for people looking to give back to the entrepreneurial community of Kansas City. They look for three traits in a mentor for the BetaBlox program:

“The first and most important is startup experience. We want mentors to be able to tell the story of what it was like to be at the same stage of business as our entrepreneurs; whether it was a failure or a great success. This is anywhere from the idea stage to the first several years worth of revenue and growth.

The second trait we look for is relevance. Is a mentor’s expertise something of importance to our crop of startups?

Digital strategy, early stage investment, programming, marketing, startup law, etc. are all great examples of relevant skill-sets that our startup teams can learn from and implement ‘in the now.’

The third trait we look for is good people. We are in no shortage of amazing individuals thanks to where we live and the growing Kansas City startup market. We don’t pay our mentors, nor get paid to manage the things we can do for them; a prerequisite is we all enjoy each other’s company.  Mentors should want to be around the BetaBlox team and our group of entrepreneurs.

Sure we get to share in their knowledge and experience, but they also get to share in our networks, stories, friendship, and business opportunities. A good mentor recognizes that with the right mentality, we represent a very well rounded and mutually beneficial relationship,” shared Weston Bergmann, BetaBlox co-founder.

BetaBlox needs new co-founders, connections in alternative industries, beta testers, strategic alliances, and more.  BetaBlox welcomes all who support Kansas City entrepreneurship. For information on becoming a mentor or become involved contact Weston Bergmann.

The post Betablox DemoDay appeared first on Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

Conference Highlights

The Opening Reception Wed. evening, June 5, t6 to 9 pm. in the famous Barney Allis Lobby of the Meuhlebach Hotel, provides a chance for participants to network over heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Thursday morning starts with a plenary session, then breaks into the two featured tracks. Featured speaker Dell Gines from KC Region Federal Reserve Bank delivers the luncheon talk, immediately after featured guests are introduced. Our last session of the day, Watering Hole Reception, combines exhibits, networking, drinks and appetizers.

Exhibitors include vendors, service providers, investors, EG clients and EG Team Members. Choose your dinner companion and experience some time away from the hotel in the Kansas City Power & Light Entertainment District.

Friday morning breakfast gives way to the 1/2 day program. Targeting how to get involved in EG, how to fund programs, as well as learning how programs have implemented sustainable EG programs by recording measures and delivering impact.

CLICK HERE to view the full agenda.

CLICK HERE to register for the conference.

CLICK HERE to view full list of sponsors

The post 2013 Economic Gardening Conference – Nurturing Entrepreneurs, Growing Economies appeared first on Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

As part of the prioritization process, PIAC will hold a  series of public hearings throughout  the city for both district specific and city-wide requests.  The current round of hearings will be Fiscal Year 2014-15.  The public is invited to provide testimony at each hearing and/or submit a request form for funding consideration.  Remember, you must submit a project request form as this is the only way to have your project considered.

The deadline date to submit a request is August 31, 2013.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULE

The Public Improvements Advisory Committee (PIAC), in cooperation with the Mayor and City Council, holds public hearings across the city.  These hearings are held so that the Committee and Council can hear directly from citizens about the city’s public improvements needs.  The PIAC will use information gathered through the hearings to recommend projects for funding to the Council for Year Thirty-One (Fiscal Year 2014-2015) of the one-cent sales tax for public improvements.

The post What is PIAC (Public Improvements Advisory Committee) and how can I get my project on the docket? appeared first on Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

Bernardo Ramirez is currently the Executive Director of the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) in Kansas City, Missouri. HEDC is a non-profit economic development corporation that exists to improve economic opportunities for the greater Kansas City area. Ramirez is responsible for the daily operations of the corporation, including program planning, operational programming, financial and budget structures.  Ramirez earned a master’s degree in business administration from Rockhurst College.  “I am excited about joining the EDC team at this time but more importantly making great opportunities of economic impact available to all of our Kansas City communities and neighborhoods”, said Ramirez.

T’Risa McCord is currently a Financial Analyst with Pimerica Financial Services.  McCord brings an extensive level of experience in administrative, financial, leadership and change management skills to the EDC.  Prior, McCord was the Business Services Manager for the Little Blue Valley Sewer District.  Earlier in her career, she held positions with the Housing Authority of Kansas City, MO and the AFL-CIO Labor Council.  From 1994-1997, McCord was a Business Development Specialist/Project Manager for the EDC.  McCord received her undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College in Business Administration and earned a Master’s of Public Administration from Park University.  “I very much look forward to rejoining the EDC team and look forward to being a part of building a great organization,” said McCord.

“The addition of Bernardo and T’Risa is a strong move toward creating a new EDC.  An EDC that is proactive and community centered,” said Bridgette Williams, EDC Chair and Deputy Director of the Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City.

For questions/comments contact: 

Pete Fullerton (816) 691.2105

Jill Quinn (816) 691.2120

The post Welcome to the EDC Bernardo Ramirez, our NEW COO, and TRisa McCord, our NEW CAO! appeared first on Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

Mayo Auction and Realty, Inc. worked with UMB Bank to submit the improvement invoices and move forward with a loan application with the SBA.  They were approved for the acquisition of their building in early April and closed at end of April 2013.  Their grand opening was the first week in May to a packed house.  ”Tom Kenagy of the EDC was great to work with and was so very responsive in every way,” says Steven Kyser with UMB Bank.  ”I can’t say enough good things about the process with the EDC.”

The 504 loan will allow for a bank to retain 50 percent of the total funding project, the SBA to retain 40 percent with the business having 10 percent cash injection.  The biggest advantage for the business is that they can take advantage of long term fixed financing for 20 years on 40 percent of their loan. “My clients were thrilled to learn of their approval through UMB and the SBA.  They are excited to be able to start earning equity right away in their new building, which is exactly where they want to be in the city,” says Kyser.

The SBA 504 loan program is a great asset to small business owners throughout the United States.  CLICK HERE for more information about the program.

The post The True Impact of The SBA 504 Loan Program appeared first on Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

“The Senator wanted to hear about small business issues and needs from our points of view,”  said White.  The group related how existing small business programs and assistance actually work for them, both positively and negatively.  ”The Senator provided some great feedback and suggestions, along with some very specific action items we can all work on to better the situation for both women and small business owners in our Kansas City area.”

The group stressed that small businesses were what make the purchases and get the tax dollars flowing.  However, there was a consensus that small business owners are not heard at the same level as large corporate entities.

The participants stressed to the Senator that she has a great opportunity to tap into the area’s women’s business groups for assistance and feedback.  Some national women’s group leaders are either currently from, or have come from this vicinity.  In addition to the organizations noted above, Kansas City is also home to the Women Angel Investors Group and the Kansas City Council of Women Business Owners, among others.

The meeting ended with the Senator agreeing to assist with specific action items.  The women committed to keeping up a regular dialogue with the Senator, and assist her in modeling some of Kansas City’s unique programs, like the Angel Investors, in other Missouri cities.

For further information or questions, contact Colleen White, Strategic Workplace Solutions, Inc.

Pictured above Left to right:  Jami Henry, NAWBO; Denise Farris, WIPP; Colleen White, WIPP/WCOE; Senator McCaskill; Sherry Turner, KCOne for Women; Rosana Privatera-Biondo, WCOE

The post KC’s Women’s Business Leaders Muster Support from Senator Claire McCaskill appeared first on Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

Ed Ford currently holds the 2^nd District At Large Council seat on the Kansas City, Missouri City Council.  “At Large” indicates that Councilman Ford earned this position by receiving the majority of votes from residents in the entire city.  “In-district” Councilmembers are voted into office only by the residents in their district.  He has had the honor of serving with 4 different Mayors- Cleaver, Barnes, Funkhouser and James.

“Kansas City faces many unique challenges over the coming years,” says Ford.  ”Economic Development in Kansas City Missouri really matters because without a healthy and growing tax base, the city is unable to provide basic services to its citizens, including public safety and infrastructure improvements.”

Councilman Ford serves as Chairman of the Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee for the City of Kansas City, Missouri. “People would call my office if they need help with City procedures and policies, especially those related to Planning and Zoning issues,” says Ford.

Mayor James has also appointed him to the Advance KC Implementation Committee and the KCATA Advisory Committees.  Councilman Ford is a member of the Health Commission and the Co-Chair of their Budget and Contract Evaluation Sub-Committee.

Stay in touch with Councilman Ford and issues he is involved with by becoming a fan of his Facebook page.

The post Spotlight on Ed Ford, City Councilman and EDC Board Member appeared first on Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

L-R: Pete Fullerton, EDC President,
John Smith, Executive Chef, The Jacobson,
Brian Aaron, Executive Chef, Tannin Winebar-Kitchen,
Bridgette Williams, EDC Chair & Dep Director of Heavy Constructors Association of KC

Opening remarks by Bridgette Williams,
EDC Chair & Deputy Director of Heavy Constructors Association of KC

Mayor Sly James commented about Kansas City receiving national attention for economic development and technology growth. He stated “Everywhere I or my staff travel, coast to cost, from Texas to San Francisco, people are talking about Kansas City…they want to know ‘What is going on in Kansas City’ and ‘Why do we keep hearing about Kansas City?’ We are doing a lot of good here, and that is cause for celebration!”

A highlight of the evening was when Mayor Sly James was presented the
Small Business Advocate Award
by Jeffrey Bean from the United States Conference of Mayors

He received the honor for his small business and start-up initiatives in Kansas City, and advocacy work with Partner America, a public-private partnership to help small and medium sized businesses in cities across the nation improve sales through management assistance. PartnerAmerica is designed to assist mayors in providing the resources and information small businesses need to thrive within their local communities and the global economy.

Cornerstone Award Winners:
*Click on project titles for details about each project

The post Kansas City EDC Cornerstone Awards 2013 Wrap-Up appeared first on Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

Conference Highlights

The Opening Reception Wed. evening, June 5, t6 to 9 pm. in the famous Barney Allis Lobby of the Meuhlebach Hotel, provides a chance for participants to network over heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Thursday morning starts with a plenary session, then breaks into the two featured tracks. Featured speaker Dell Gines from KC Region Federal Reserve Bank delivers the luncheon talk, immediately after featured guests are introduced. Our last session of the day, Watering Hole Reception, combines exhibits, networking, drinks and appetizers.

Exhibitors include vendors, service providers, investors, EG clients and EG Team Members. Choose your dinner companion and experience some time away from the hotel in the Kansas City Power & Light Entertainment District.

Friday morning breakfast gives way to the 1/2 day program. Targeting how to get involved in EG, how to fund programs, as well as learning how programs have implemented sustainable EG programs by recording measures and delivering impact.

CLICK HERE to view the full agenda.

CLICK HERE to register for the conference.

CLICK HERE to view full list of sponsors

The post 2013 Economic Gardening Conference – Nurturing Entrepreneurs, Growing Economies appeared first on Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

The Expert Panel was comprised of individuals from the Kauffman Foundation, boot-strap startups turned multi-million dollar entities, App companies sold to corporate buyers as well as startup owners in rapid growth stages, covering a wide range of business expertise and experiential knowledge.

Human capital, hiring, firing and getting the “right people on your team” were themes echoed by all panelists

“Know Thyself is a great place to start; know what you are good at, not good at and hire people that fill in the gaps for you…hire people that believe in what it is you do, who can support you along the journey.”

“What you learn in your first entrepreneurship: you want to believe that people share your values and commitment…bad hires can really screw up the company and your business progress. Better to be inconvenienced for a short time lacking in employees than be wrecked over a short time! Startups hire fast and fire fast…you have no other choice. In reality, as the owner, you don’t know if an employee is cut out to be there till they are actually there and working in the thick of the organization.”

Critical elements of community building was another key theme

“Community is a new form of currency in the Kansas City economy. What does that mean from an extraction-value standpoint?  Telling the community ‘this is what I’m doing, I need help with this, our company is looking for this type of employee, looking to hire, acquire capital’, etc. The community is a new resource that is evolving; you need to be savvy about how to extract those resources from the community. Organizations like Kauffman and the corporate community is paying attention (occasionally circling like buzzards). You have a role in the community, not just a passive participant, but the opportunity to be vocal, be participatory, help others. Also you need to be really critical about the community or your organization, asking ‘tell me why my baby is ugly’ so we can fix it…so you can help, not be nice, but help companies/ community fix and address the problems we are facing.”

Owner’s passion about the stages of their startup 

The panelist candidly addressed issues with boredom after rapid growth or the urge to move onto a new venture project after the company was in sell mode or a more stable cash position. The question spawning the dialogue was “What is it like to sell your baby?”

“Ultimately, do you think that what you have (company/ idea) is what someone is willing to pay you? After the company sold, I was bored and wanted to do something different…she wasn’t my baby anymore, she grew up, went to college, got married, divorced and moved on. ‘I got bored’ is a typical trait of an entrepreneur. We love and live for the craziness of the startup, long hours, love that the company is supporting families, paying salaries, building the local economy…then we become uninterested when we get into the “growth phase” of the business, it got so big, we weren’t doing what we were really was passionate; hence we sold the business and started again!”

More Info on KC Rountable

In addition to morning meetings, KC Roundtable provides opportunities to network with young (and older) entrepreneurs at events like Just For Starters & After Hour mixer events. KC Roundtable aims at providing 20-30-something Kansas City entrepreneurs with a group of peers to support and collaborate on each other’s businesses and meets on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month at Eggtc (5107 Main St, Kansas City, MO‎).

The post KC Roundtable: Impact Of Startup Efforts On Economic Development In The Region appeared first on Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.