Instead, six conference attendees took 15 minutes each to share a story, notion, thought, project or idea to seed people’s thinking. These moments, dubbed “Firestarter Sessions,” fueled creativity, analysis and inspiration for the work ahead. Mayor Sly James kicked off the inaugural ESHIP Summit, welcoming 450 ecosystem builders: “You’re here to innovate. You’re here to […]

Please note that the following content is specific to the 2017 ESHIP Summit. Updates for the 2020 convening can be found here. The ESHIP Summit 2017 was the Kauffman Foundation’s inaugural global gathering of leaders working to facilitate and spread entrepreneurship through the creation of entrepreneurial ecosystems. 450 attendees from 48 states and 9 countries—entrepreneurs, mayors, economic developers, grassroots community leaders, […]

No panels, and essentially, no keynote speakers. Instead, conference attendees shared a story, notion, thought, project or idea to seed people’s thinking. These moments, dubbed “Firestarter Sessions,” fueled creativity, analysis, and inspiration for the work ahead. The typical journey of an entrepreneur is a long drive on a twisting road. Even the most fortunate founders […]

The Ecosystem Building Unconference turned the agenda over to the attendees, giving anyone the opportunity to lead a 20-minute presentation and discussion related to their work while meeting likeminded people. Like all good unconferences, the agenda was designed through a collaborative effort of all attendees. Download the Unconference Board [JPG] An early prototype of a marketplace […]

Inclusion is opportunity no. 1 Our communities will never reach their full potential, unless everyone is allowed to participate. Our current economic systems leave many people on the outside. As we collectively build this new field, we have a chance to reimagine our economies in a more inclusive way. To achieve this vision, to effectively […]

Based on the input of 800 ecosystem builders at the two ESHIP Summits, we’ve formulated The ESHIP Goals: a proposed set of collective objectives to further fortify the entrepreneurial ecosystem building field. The solutions to the ESHIP Goals will serve as tenets to the field, and the goals themselves are a checklist to help us […]

Please note that the following content is specific to the 2018 ESHIP Summit. Updates for the 2020 convening can be found here. The ESHIP Summit is an annual convening that brings together entrepreneurial ecosystem builders – leaders connecting communities to accelerate entrepreneurship. This page captures some of the highlights from the second ESHIP Summit, held July […]

The Kauffman Foundation office building at Kauffman Legacy Park was designed to house and symbolize the mission of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The building’s arms reach out, embracing the potential of Kansas City and its people. The gardens and grounds provide an accessible greenspace in the heart of the city. Open and welcoming, the […]

The Kauffman Foundation is committed to harmony with our community and environment. Legacy Park provides an urban greenspace for the education and enjoyment of the public. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the scenery and the trails, which many take advantage of for their daily jog or dog walk. The park is also home to Kauffman […]

Admission and parking are free. All ages are welcome, and the garden is accessible for individuals with disabilities. Pre-arranged tours are available. Please contact Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation for more details. To keep the garden open to the public, the space is not available for private functions, including weddings, receptions, or parties. Please enjoy […]