The Porter House KC is renowned in Kansas City for its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship among the underrepresented. Its story is not just about an entrepreneurship support organization; it’s about a catalyst for change in Kansas City’s urban core, pushing the envelope of what it means to ‘scale deep’ in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A Mission Rooted in Community
The Porter House KC was founded in 2017 with a singular vision: to redefine entrepreneurship by providing an all-encompassing ecosystem for entrepreneurs in Kansas City’s metro. Its mission is to bridge the gap between underrepresented business owners and the resources, education, and support necessary for their success. With programs ranging from small business development to mentoring and grants, The Porter House KC offers a haven for entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey.
“We wanted to become the bridge between underrepresented businesses and their access to entrepreneurial success,” shares Dan Smith, co-founder and Principal.
Charon Thompson, co-founder and Principal, adds: “We provide the space, resources, and education for businesses at various stages of their creation to come in and grow into fully-fledged businesses. Recognizing that entrepreneurship can be viewed as a lonely road, our goal is to provide unwavering support throughout their journey, walking alongside them as they navigate through challenges, struggles, and obstacles until they achieve their own entrepreneurial victory.”
Scaling Deep: A Philosophy of Impact
‘Scaling deep’ is the guiding principle of The Porter House KC, focusing on creating substantial and lasting impacts within Kansas City’s urban core small business community. Unlike traditional models prioritizing expansion, The Porter House KC emphasizes nurturing long-term relationships, resilience, and empowering entrepreneurs to thrive amidst challenges.
“We believe in depth over breadth, focusing on creating meaningful and sustainable impact within the urban core small business community,” Dan emphasizes. “In short, ‘scaling deep’ means going beyond surface-level impact—it’s about nurturing long-term relationships, fostering resilience, and empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in the face of adversity.”
Who They Serve
The Porter House KC serves individuals just past the conceptual stage of starting a business and established small businesses looking to launch new products. These businesses often face financial constraints that make it challenging to afford the initial costs associated with a startup, maintain a standalone facility, sustain the business over time, or access the educational resources required for business creation and development. This frequently overlooked market segment is where the organization sees an opportunity to offer invaluable services. The primary demographic they serve is businesses 6 months and older.
Programs Designed for Empowerment
The Alchemy Sandbox Program supported emerging entrepreneurs by offering critical funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities. This initiative was dedicated to assisting founders in building businesses poised for sustainability and growth. The program ensured these businesses had a robust foundation for future success by equipping them with the necessary resources.
Similarly, the Small Business Development Program presents a comprehensive 15-week journey designed to challenge entrepreneurs. Throughout this period, participants are encouraged to engage deeply with their business models, make substantial decisions, and strive for growth beyond their initial expectations. This program is pivotal in pushing entrepreneurs to explore their businesses’ full potential and achieve remarkable progress.
The Small Business Mentoring Program plays a crucial role in pairing business owners with seasoned mentors. This pairing focuses on enhancing essential skills, including interpersonal communication, problem-solving, financial management, and negotiation. The goal is to support entrepreneurs in navigating business ownership’s complexities and facilitate their path to success through practical guidance and advice.
The 811 Retail Incubator and ‘Scale Deep’ Grant
The 811 Retail Incubator and the ‘Scale Deep’ Grant highlight The Porter House KC’s innovative approach to supporting local businesses. With incubator-style programming and an educational component, the Retail Incubator teaches underserved entrepreneurs the ins and outs of running a business within a physical space (opened July 2024). The incubator also offers productivity hubs, a coffee bar, and high-speed internet, creating an ideal entrepreneurial environment.
Meanwhile, the ‘Scale Deep’ Grant, backed by JP Morgan Chase, allocated substantial funds to businesses demonstrating a clear need and potential for sustainable growth.
A Beacon of Hope
The Porter House KC is a beacon of hope and innovation in Kansas City, embodying the spirit of ‘scaling deep.’ Through its comprehensive support programs, commitment to underserved entrepreneurs, and innovative funding opportunities, they are not just changing the landscape of business in the urban core but laying the groundwork for a future where every entrepreneur has the chance to succeed.
