Research, Knowledge Creation,
& Economic Trends

We aim to identify economic trends so that policymakers, entrepreneur support organizations and other decision makers can create ideal conditions for entrepreneurs and their communities. Through the dissemination of practical, actionable, and rigorous evidence, question-based grantmaking, and advances in data, we seek to bridge the gap between knowledge gained and its application in policy and practice.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
& Policy Impact

We support and educate ecosystem builders – entrepreneurs, community leaders, entrepreneur support organization leaders, and policymakers – in implementing policies, programs, and practices that spur economic development through entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurial Learning
& Support

We champion entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them in Kansas City, the Heartland, and across the United States by ensuring they have equitable access to the resources needed to start, grow, and sustain businesses. By developing programs, convening, forging partnerships, and building organizational capacity, we can serve more entrepreneurs by championing high-quality support.

Capital Innovation

In collaboration with key financial institutions and civic organizations, we’re working to understand and address the challenges entrepreneurs of color face when accessing capital. We identify innovative capital models, educate those involved, and deploy supportive grants that help create more equitable access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Our three-pronged capital strategy includes civic participation, lender and entrepreneur education, and capitalization.