As our fiscal year comes to a close, we’re reflecting back on a successful year at the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. Across our three departments: business development, land development and entrepreneurship, there was great progress made toward economic growth for all.
We hosted an annual event this past month to thank our partners who are working with us to shape a vibrant, thriving future for KC, and also celebrate the following award winners:
- Bob Long, Bob Long Community Champion Award (the award will be named after him for years to come)
- Bridgette Williams, Chairman’s Award
- Lee Barnes, President’s Award
- Kay Barnes, Lifetime Legacy Award
Business Development
2023-2024 Year in Review:
- 2,322 New Jobs (announced and pending)
- $1,419,632,943 Total Investment (announced and pending)
- $70,893 Annual Salary (announced and pending)
Active Projects:
(These are projects which have identified sites.)
- Total Capital Investment: $4,046,824,014
- Average Salary: $82,572
- FTE: 4.995
Prospective Projects:
- Total Capital Investment: $14,704,769,000
- Average Salary: $69,473.21
- FTE: 13,417
Land Development
A total of 15 unique projects across Kansas City, Missouri have been carefully vetted and invested in to create new job opportunities, housing options, and ultimately, increase the economic vitality of our great city. The total investment across those 15 projects exceeds $942M. In addition, the East Urban Renewal Plan is underway to reward positive investments in several east side neighborhoods.
Entrepreneurship
LaunchKC Grants Competition:
Attracting and retaining high-growth tech startups to Downtown Kansas City, MO since 2015.
- 115 startups funded
- 1,000+ jobs created
- $400M+ of investment
- 68% women/minority founders
Social Venture Studio:
Unique accelerator program focused on business models that address social, racial, and/or environmental issues in KC.
- 21 companies have participated in the last 3 years
- Award Winning – 2022 Excellence in Economic Development Award from IEDC
Small Business Capital Access Program:
KC SMB Capital Programs: accessible and affordable starting capital for KCMO small businesses. Launched February 2024.
- $70K in grant funding given to 4 micro-businesses
- 119 businesses referred to other programs (57% women/84% BIPOC)
- $22.5K in 3 Kiva KC loans fully funded (100% women/minority-owned)
- $13K in 2 loans fundraising & 5+ interested borrowers in pipeline