TechOrchard featured in KC Chamber Spotlight

What’s the future of mobile and business look like for BYOD (bring your own device)? Four years ago, Phil Poje started his company recognizing that the mobility of business was changing. And where’s the mobility market moving?

“We anticipate the increasing BYOD (bring your own device) trend to continue, forcing companies to make critical decisions about the future of their businesses related to mobility. We also see companies branching out into wearables (i.e., Apple Watch, Google Glass, and other devices) for improved communication, productivity and data gathering.”

Click here to see the full Tech Orchard profile, inclduing how Phil got his first sale, advice for budding entrepreneurs, the most read business book, and more >>

Entrepreneurship Working Groups

The Chamber’s Big 5 entrepreneurship initiative is advancing to a new level this month with the selection of working group chairs being named by Matt Condon of Bardavon, focused in the areas of Access, Workforce / Talent, Education, Marketing , Policy, and Funding. Each area will develop recommendations and specific action steps and plans that will implemented to enhance the entrepreneurship growth in Kansas City.

KC Chamber meets with Entrepreneurs from Azerbaijan

Christine Murray and Scott Hall of the KC Chamber met earlier this month to discuss the KC Chamber’s Big 5 initiatives, specifically the initiative to “Make Kansas City America’s Most Entrepreneurial City.” The KC Chamber met with Chairwoman and members of the “100 Business Women of Azerbaijan.” These high profile female executives were traveling around the United States in conjunction with the State Department to learn about entrepreneurial examples initiated by women and specifically those illustrated through non-governmental and grassroots organizations. The Kansas City trip was sponsored by Global Ties. In addition to the meeting with the KC Chamber they met with UMKC’s Small business and Development Technology Center, KC BizCare, Google Fiber, and Social Media Buzz.

Kansas City region’s entrepreneurial work recognized globally

The Global Entrepreneurship Network, an international group of inter-disciplinary startup champions from around the world, including entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, thought leaders, and policymakers, met a few weeks ago in Milan, Italy. Kansas City was recognized as one of the top five cities in the world for its entrepreneurship ecosystem. A Kansas City delegation led by Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Circo, attended to share Kansas City’s story with delegates from more than 140 countries.

Congratulations to RFP365 – “What do KC small businesses need the most from local government?”

RFP365 participated in the KC Chamber’s first Access for Entrepreneurs group and we’re so excited to share their success. “Our story isn’t that different from any of our neighbors; lots of blood, sweat, and hard work. But we’ve been fortunate to have had the help of KC’s unique entrepreneurship resources. In 2013 the City agreed to let us demonstrate and prove our solution via a funded pilot program,” RFP365 Co-Founder David Hulsen describes the experience:

“If I had to boil it down, this is a city that was willing to take a chance on a homegrown solution. The program helped us bypass the bureaucratic hoops, and get in front of the right people, at the first meeting. They deserve a lot of credit.”Read more >>

On April 24, the KC Chamber will be hosting the pitches for the #ONEDAYKC event. What’s that you ask? Well, the best, brightest and most innovative students in the region will spending the day learning about the Kansas City region and what’s possible with expanding technology and Smart City information. The students will then leverage this information to conceive, build, and launch a company to benefit the region. Don’t get it? Click here for the details >>

Register to watch the final pitches in the KC Chamber Board room that evening >>

Wednesday, April 15 – Village Square Opening Event – Come celebrate the grand opening of Village Square Co-Working Studio in the heart of Start of Village.

Thursday, April 16 – Narrative: Lean Lab’s Demo Day – Narrative: Lean Lab’s Demo Day is a little over a week away. Come watch four Lean Lab Fellows and eight community innovators pitch their solutions for better KC education while enjoying beer, wine, and food. Plus, vote for your favorite pitch and determine which Lean Lab Fellow walks away with a cash award…funded by ticket sales from KC change makers like you!

Friday, April 17 – Application Deadline: ScaleUP! Kansas City – Narrative: The application deadline for ScaleUP! Kansas City is just a week away. Apply now for the second cohort in the ScaleUP! Kansas City program. For six months, a select group of 12 to 15 entrepreneurs will be immersed in courses and collisions that will change the trajectory of their businesses-and connect them with a lifelong network of peers, resources and mentors.

Thursday, April 23 – Athena League VOX – Because you can’t be what you can’t see – learn about the future of mobile health, as told by these innovative and dynamic female leaders and founders. The program will discuss trends, tools and disruptive technologies that are fueling the mobile health revolution, as well as how these women rose to the top in one of the fastest-growing industries. With their diverse backgrounds from across the world, they will share expert advice and insight for female entrepreneurs and professionals. Ana Mayer, CEO, Ovatemp |  Nadya Nguyen, CEO, Hidrate | Sarah Tulin, CEO, Oxie |   Siobhan Bulfin, CEO,Socialcode

May 1-3 – GIGHACKS: GigHacks is the third in a series of hackathons presented by KC Digital Drive. Developers, designers, technologists, dreamers, doers, and futurists of all stripes are invited to participate. To join, register for GigHacks on ChallengePost and submit your idea.