Kansas City Readies for LaunchKC Liftoff: Changing the Game for Entrepreneurs
If there’s one thing we know about Kansas City, it’s that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking! With tons of excitement building around the upcoming LaunchKC Liftoff event, happening on November 19 at J. Rieger & Co., the city is set to unveil its latest batch of *innovative startup companies*. This event isn’t just some run-of-the-mill gathering; it’s a lively celebration as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, attracting entrepreneurs from across the area!
What is LaunchKC?
For those who aren’t in the loop, LaunchKC is an impressive initiative from the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City and the Downtown Council. Each year, they host a competitive grants program, funding six to seven deserving companies that are ready to make their mark. The winners of the 2025 cohort will be announced at the Liftoff event, and we can hardly wait!
Uplifting Entrepreneurs
One of the key players in this initiative is Jannae Gammage, a true trailblazer in the startup scene and co-founder of Cyphr. Gammage recently snagged a $50,000 grant from LaunchKC, which is crucial for companies struggling to find funding in the metro area. “While Kansas City is fantastic for building relationships, it can be daunting to find investors willing to take a leap of faith,” Gammage shared, reflecting on the city’s challenges. A report from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation noted a staggering $1.4 billion funding gap in the region!
Capital with a Personal Touch
The beauty of LaunchKC, according to Gammage, lies in its approach. “It’s not just about the money; it’s about having the right support,” she explained. LaunchKC really gets personal, helping startups highlight their needs and navigate the waters of funding and development. Gammage emphasized the value of being able to identify gaps and receive tailored assistance, making it much more than just a check in the mail.
The Journey of Jannae Gammage
Let’s take a step back and look at Gammage’s incredible journey. Starting her entrepreneurial career at just 14 years old by reselling school supplies, she climbed the ranks, even serving as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. Fast forward a bit, and she is now running Cyphr, an automation platform aimed at transforming the lending process for minorities and small businesses. Gammage’s vision? To deploy $100 million to small businesses every year, with a significant chunk targeted at local Kansas City ventures.
Breaking Barriers
According to Gammage, breaking through the funding barriers is essential, especially for underserved entrepreneurs. “For every dollar we get into the hands of a small business, they can bring back $20 to $25 into the economy,” she stated passionately. This isn’t just about funding; it’s optimizing economic growth and supporting the community.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Gammage remains optimistic about Kansas City’s potential. However, she acknowledges that to elevate the startup scene even further, there’s a need for younger entrepreneurs and fresh ideas. “We need to be less conservative with our investments and open the door for younger minds to help navigate the landscape,” she expressed.
Creating Vibrant Connections
With its unique approach and fervent support for small enterprises, LaunchKC has already created over 1,200 jobs and attracted an impressive half a billion dollars in investments in the Kansas City area. The program aims to not only fund but to weave together a community of entrepreneurs who can rely on one another, ensuring they thrive in their ventures.
Be Part of the Excitement!
The anticipation surrounding the LaunchKC Liftoff event isn’t just for the winners — it’s for everyone invested in the growth of Kansas City’s business landscape. If you’re eager to see what’s next for this exciting city and meet the innovators making it happen, make sure to RSVP for the event on November 19!
The vigor within Kansas City’s startup community is palpable, and with initiatives like LaunchKC lighting the way, it’s evident that the city has some brilliant entrepreneurs ready to take center stage! Don’t miss out on being part of this transformative journey!
