Founded with the vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship,
the UMKC Innovation Center was established in 2003 to transform Kansas City into a thriving hub of entrepreneurial activity. The center’s purpose is to nurture and support entrepreneurs, from fledgling startups to established businesses, by providing vital resources, coaching, and connections.
By delivering comprehensive programs and initiatives, the UMKC Innovation Center equips entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed and offers everything from proof-of-concept support and mentoring to advanced business training and professional development. Through these programs, the UMKC Innovation Center aims to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, drive new business formation, and generate job opportunities.
Today, the UMKC Innovation Center is the largest and most established entrepreneurship center in the Kansas City region, annually serving more than 5,000 community-based entrepreneurs and others who support them. At its base, the center creates new investment, businesses, revenues, and jobs for the region, routinely supporting businesses in creating 500 new jobs each year.
In addition, the center has been working within the community to strategically position Kansas City as America’s most entrepreneurial city. The UMKC Innovation Center comprises several pillars that house multiple programs, extending the university’s reach throughout Kansas City, the bi-state region, and the country. These pillars include:
- Entrepreneurial Education
- Regional Ecosystem Development
- Technology Venture Studio
- Global Expansion
Entrepreneurial Education
The Entrepreneurial Education pillar offers wrap-around support to the region’s entrepreneurs and small business owners, delivering inclusive, relevant, and timely business coaching and training from concept through maturity.
Some standout programs include:
- Missouri Small Business Development Center: Certified business consultants provide coaching to help business owners overcome challenges, avoid blind spots, and grow.
- Missouri APEX Accelerator at UMKC: Assists businesses—including disadvantaged, veteran, and women-owned firms—in obtaining government contracts.
- ScaleUP! Kansas City: Empowers top-tier business owners to scale operations and lead in the community.
Regional Ecosystem Development
Through Regional Ecosystem Development, the UMKC Innovation Center connects entrepreneurs and small business owners to vital local and regional resources.
Programs include:
- KCSourceLink: Connects entrepreneurs to resources and builds collaborations to address gaps in the ecosystem.
- MOSourceLink: Supports entrepreneurs across Missouri with resources for business planning and growth.
- Global Entrepreneurship Week – Kansas City: The region’s largest annual educational conference for entrepreneurship.
Technology Venture Studio
This studio transforms early-stage innovations into reality, driving job creation and economic impact. Key programs include:
- Digital Sandbox KC: Provides proof-of-concept support and has helped startups secure over $243 million in follow-on investment.
- Whiteboard 2 Boardroom: Connects entrepreneurs with technologies from research institutions to expedite commercialization.
- KCInvestED: Educates and connects investors, increasing early-stage capital investment in the region.
Global Expansion
Global Expansion efforts leverage consulting tools and proven processes to build entrepreneurial ecosystems and connect them to a national network.
Programs include:
- SourceLink: Improves the visibility and accessibility of resources, fostering inclusive entrepreneurial communities across the U.S.
By fostering connections, providing critical resources, and driving job creation, the UMKC Innovation Center has strengthened the local economy and elevated Kansas City’s reputation as a premier destination for entrepreneurship. With its unwavering commitment to supporting business ventures, the center remains a cornerstone of the entrepreneurial landscape in Kansas City and beyond.
