Think Big Partners Announces The Gigabit Challenge

January 2010.  Google announces the development of Google Fiber.

March 2011.  Google awards Kansas City, Kansas as the city for the fiber optic network trial.  KC was selected from 1,100 cities that applied.

May 2011.  Google decides to expand the Google Fiber trial to both KCK and KCMO.

July 2011.  Think Big Partners presents The Gigabit Challenge - one of the first initatives for the new Google Fiber network in Kansas City.

Things are happening...and fast.  In about a year and a half, it seems as if Kansas City has gone from zero to 60.  Now that Google has joined Cerner, Garmin and Sprint as part of the Kansas City tech family, the city is emerging as a strong tech hub in the middle of America. 

This morning, Think Big Partners announced the formation of a business plan competition in anticipation of the launch of Google's ultra high-speed broadband network, Google Fiber.  The business plan competition, known as The Gigabit Challenge, will be open to entrepreneurs and innovators from across the globe.  Interested businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators are invited to participate in the competition with the goal of establishing new companies that will fulfill Google's mission of developing new applications that will expand human welfare.

As a community leader in early-stage business innovation and entrepreneurship, Think Big Partners is hosting The Gigabit Challenge so that entrepreneurs and innovators have a head start in utilizing the Google Fiber network. As a worldwide business plan competition, The Gigabit Challenge offers not only the chance for competitors to develop next-generation businesses, but will also foster a surge in innovation and disruptive technology linking Kansas City to the world.

"In the last few years we have seen an explosion of innovation and entrepreneurial activity in the Kansas City area," says Tyler Prochnow, Senior Partner at Think Big Partners. "New technologies are making it easier and easier to launch and grow new ventures. We expect that the Google Fiber network will spawn new waves of innovation both here and across the globe."

Think Big Partners is currently seeking sponsors and judges to participate in The Gigabit Challenge. As a sponsor or judge, organizations and individuals will have a first look at a number of innovative business plans and will gain insight into the direction that the market will take with this new platform.

The Gigabit Challenge will start on October 1, 2011. Winners will be announced and awarded prizes at an event to be held during December 2011. In addition to the prize awards, Think Big Partners will facilitate introductions to investors for further capitalization of the winners. The winners will then be able to implement their applications on the Google Fiber network starting in the first quarter of 2012.

For more information about The Gigabit Challenge or to express interest in becoming a sponsor or judge, please visit The Gigabit Challenge website.

Read the full story...

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

TEDxKC Makes a Splash in Kansas City

Ted isn’t just a nickname for your teddy bear anymore. No, today TED means so much more.

Innovation.  Collaboration.  Technology.  Creativity.  Inspiration.

But the most central word that should come to mind: ideas.

The TED Conference started out as an idea.  And from there, the ideas began to spread.  Now, TED is taking over the globe with TEDGlobal, TEDActive, TEDx, TEDPrize, and TEDFellows.  But one of the most popular ideas that has come from TED is TEDx, a movement that gives communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level.  And guess what’s making its third appearance in Kansas City?  You guessed it—TEDxKC. 

With much anticipation, the TEDx Conference is gradually making its way to the Midwest and the people of Kansas City are thrilled.  In fact, TEDxKC sold out within its first 90 minutes! However, this shouldn’t be too big of a surprise—every TED Conference sells out quickly.

Mike Lundgren, event coordinator of TEDxKC, has been eagerly working to get everything in order for the August 18^th conference at the Nelson-Atkins museum. He sees much promise and potential for the event.

“There is a thirst for this kind of event,” Mike says.  “Kansas City has a high per capita of what I call the ‘intellectually curious’ – people eager to see and hear about new things and new ways of thinking.”

With speakers such as Marcin Jakubowski, Jenn Lim and Patrick Meier, TEDxKC is going to be nothing less than extraordinary. A spirited reception is scheduled to follow the event, as well as two live performances.

When asked to comment on the theme of this year’s event, Lundgren said, “We are exploring the theme of radical collaboration and the open source movement from two sides of the coin—the good and the amazing, but also how unintended consequences are also shaping our world.”  TEDxKC 2011 is, without a doubt, a testament to that. 

We’ll see you at TEDxKC on August 18^th where ideas about creation, innovation and how to build the community will ignite the minds of all attendees. As Lundgren puts it; “TEDxKC is all about seeing that the world is a larger place – TEDxKC displays all of the world’s thinkers and doers.”

Didn’t snag a ticket in time? Don’t worry! TEDxKC will stream a simulcast online so you will have the opportunity to learn about ideas worth spreading.  Check out the simulcast here: www.livestream.com/tedxkc.

Written by Allison Way and Genevieve Alander. 

@AllisonThinkBig    @GennaThinkBig

Snow & Company: Bringing the Beach to Kansas City

Imagine it: You’re lounging on the beach, eyes closed, skin tingling from the blazing sun.  The crashing of the waves and breeze in your hair lulls you into an afternoon doze.  Then you wake and look to your left to find a strawberry margarita, complete with a little pink umbrella just waiting to be slurped down.  You grab it; the glass’s condensation stinging your fingers.  You take a big gulp.  That’s when you realize: this is paradise.

But then you wake up.  You find yourself sitting at your desk, in front of your computer, surrounded by your coworkers.  Your swim suit is now a business suit.  Your lounge chair is now a rolling one.  The fantasy is over.  And more than anything, you want to be on that beach slurping down that strawberry margarita.

The truth of the matter is, we can’t bring everybody in Kansas City to the beach.  But we can bring a little of the beach to Kansas City.  And it all starts with one of Kansas City’s newest downtown establishments, Snow & Company.

In September of 2011, Andy Talbert and his team of ultra-entrepreneurs are launching Snow & Company, an artful frozen cocktail bar in the Crossroads District of downtown Kansas City.  With a snowy theme, yet a “warm and comfortable” atmosphere, Andy hopes that Snow & Company will become the place for friends to hang out and enjoy specialty frozen cocktails both in the heat of the summer and in the frigid winter.

“Kansas City is growing and evolving into a cocktail town,” says Andy. “The cocktail space is a huge opportunity.  We want to continue the growth of the clever, creative cocktail experience in Kansas City.”

Andy and his business partner, Jerry Nevins, recently graduated from the UMKC Bloch Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.  Once they found the “time” to follow their true passion, they collaborated with two other entrepreneurs and wrote the Snow & Company business plan.  And from then on, the company...well...snowballed.  With interest from many different media outlets such as the Kansas City Star, Snow and Company is truly taking off.

“Kansas City is a great place to take this risk,” says Andy.  “This probably wouldn’t be possible in other cities.  Kansas City provides great resources like the Kauffman Foundation, Think Big Partners and the Bloch School to help entrepreneurs like us.”

Snow & Company is opening at 1815 Wyandotte Street in the Crossroads District of Kansas City.  Complete with lounge furniture, a frozen cocktail counter, and merchandise displays, Snow & Company will be accented with wintery colors and bright hues of purple, maroon and orange.  The overall ambiance of the frozen cocktail lounge will be high-end and modern, yet relaxed.

But it isn’t the location that makes Snow & Company what it is.  Obviously, it’s the cocktails.

“We want to introduce people to things that they would never try otherwise,” says Andy.

So what will it be?  The classic margarita?  A refreshing mohito?  A surprising frozen PB&J? Or perhaps the unique Jalapeño Lemonade?  Snow & Company plans on serving it all—it’s all part of bringing a bit of the beach to downtown Kansas City.   

Be sure to check out Snow & Company on Facebook and follow the company on Twitter for more updates about the company and its grand opening! 

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

KC Businesses Help People Beat The Heat

The relentless heat wave has taken a hold of Kansas City.  Weather reports say KC has been experiencing above average temperatures consistently since July 13th.  I feel every time I climb into my car the temperature gage spits out a reading of 100 degrees or more.  During a heat wave like this I find myself actively seeking any and all things cool!  Check out these KC businesses that are working hard to help Kansas City beat the heat.

Stay Cool at the Pool

If your ideal way of cooling down means jumping into the pool, then head for the Jones in downtown KC.  Take a dip in their rooftop pool and enjoy a refreshing cocktail.  Feeling more adventurous?  Gather up some friends and head to Oceans of Fun or Schlitterbahn for a day at the water park.  In case you’re in need of a new swimsuit, Swim Quik and Swimwear Solutions can outfit you for all your water apparel needs.

Cold Cravings

Nothing can compare to a frozen treat on a hot summer day.  I am longing for the opening of Snow & Company in the Crossroads.  Their soon-to-be-open artful frozen cocktails sound like the perfect way to end a long hot day work.  But in the mean time my obsession has been frozen yogurt.  Two great places that I frequent are Yogurtini and Peachwave.  Both have a variety of delicious flavors and toppings that keep you coming back.  Frozen cocktails and yogurt, you can never go wrong with ice cream or Popsicle.  Stop longing for the ice-cream truck to wander down your street, instead book a Frosty Treat Ice Cream Truck for you next summer event or party.

What do you do to beat the heat?  Let us know what Kansas City businesses you frequent during the hot summer months. 

Written By Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBig

bizperc Perk: Legal Consultation!

bizperc tenants have another great perk coming their way!  First, there was popcorn.  Then, there were cold towels to refresh them on a particularly hot summer day.  But now, there is a perk that will not only give bizperc tenants peace of mind, but will also improve their businesses tremendously.

On Thursday, bizperc will start officially hosting legal office hours.  Matt Salzman, Partner at Stinson Morrison Hecker, LLP will be officing in bizperc from 3:00 -5:00 PM on July 28th in order to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners answers to their legal questions.

Tenants who are interested must reserve their time with Matt in advance.  Reservations will work as a first come, first serve basis.  The legal session will last approximately 30 minutes. 

But it gets better.  This isn't just a one-time bizperc perk.  Matt Salzman will make his bizperc appearance on a monthly to bimonthly occurrence so that all entrepreneurs, tenants and clients can be helped.

Interested in a meeting?  Call Sarah Snyder at 816.842.5244 to book your reservation.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

8 Reasons Why Kansas City Coworking Works

"Coworking spaces only belong in Silicon Valley."

"There aren't any coworking spaces in Kansas City."

"Coworking is just a fad."

False. False. False. 

Working in a shared and collaborative coworking space has become a trend for entrepreneurs and small business owners alike.  But these coworking spots are not just popping up in Silicon Valley or tech hubs like Boston and Austin.  Coworking spaces are everywhere; from Denver to Nashville, New Orleans to Omaha.  And of course, there are a few dynamite coworking spaces in Kansas City. 

But of all cities, why cowork in the City of Fountains?  There are 8 great reasons why Kansas City coworking may be just what you need.

1. Kansas City is creative
With the Kansas City Maker Faire, the KC Chamber Innovation Conference and many other creative events, companies, and people, Kansas City is bursting with creativity and innovation.  Come see the creativity for yourself in any of Kansas City's coworking spaces.

2. Kansas City is tight-knit
Kansas City is big enough to make an impact, but small enough to remain a tight-knit community.  That means that Kansas City is a friendly, neighborly city in the heart of America.

3. Kansas City is thriving
Google Fiber.  Zaarly.  Think Big Partners.  These are just a few examples of the new implementations that are catching some major attention in Kansas City.  These additions to KC prove that the city is growing and thriving, making it the ideal spot to cowork.

4. Kansas City is busy
With dozens of daily networking events, launch parties, cocktail receptions and banquets, Kansas City is always in hustle-and-bustle mode.  That means that there are hundreds of people to meet, places to see and events to attend.

5. Kansas City is entrepreneurially strong
Kansas City has a vibrancy to it and much of it comes from the startups that have launched in the area.  From hundreds of local restaurants to thriving startup companies, Kansas City is becoming a hub for entrepreneurs and small businesses alike. 

6. Kansas City has history
Although KC is strong when it comes to startups and entrepreneurship, it is also rich in big business history.  From Helzberg to H&R Block to Hallmark (the 3 big H's), Kansas City knows how to take a small businesses and make them go down in history.

7. Kansas City is refreshing
Get away from the superficialities of the Silicon Valley area and steer clear of the smog taking over Boston and come to Kansas City to cowork!  If you need a step away from the obvious tech hubs of the nation, Kansas City is the city to cowork in.

8. Kansas City has the space
Currently, Kansas City has three very different coworking spaces.  Innovation Cafe, Officeport and bizperc all target unique entrepreneurs, freelancers and small business owners who are looking to network, think outside the box and of course...cowork.

Read More: Which KC Coworking Space is Right For Me?

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

The Evolution of the Entrepreneur

What does an entrepreneur endure while starting a business?  Entrepreneurs progress and advance through many different steps and stages when aspiring to open a new venture. Every entrepreneur is different, as are each of their new businesses.  Therefore, everything moves at a slightly different pace. Some companies will take years before the official launch, while others, like technology companies, will take a matter of weeks. With this being said, there are stages that every entrepreneur will undergo. 

It all starts with an idea.  Anybody can have an idea.  An entrepreneur is someone who does something about it.  Oftentimes, entrepreneurs gain inspiration from something that they are passionate about. Other times, ideas seem to materialize when the entrepreneur is not necessarily looking for one. The foundation of a business is started by an idea, no matter how it is attained.  At this stage, the entrepreneur is ecstatic and cannot wait to get their idea into motion. The next steps show the evolution of the entrepreneur as they form their business. 

After brainstorming an idea, an entrepreneur next must evaluate the idea. Is there really a market for this idea? Is this idea worthy and viable? Will this business work? An entrepreneur must identify the opportunity that comes with this innovative thought. He or she must also recognize the future goal and life plan of this business idea. It is helpful to also decide the business model the entrepreneur wants to build on.

Next, the entrepreneur should develop a business plan. The entrepreneur must define what product and/or service they want to offer and how they are going to do so. From simple steps like determining a name for the new business to deciding the location of the company, the entrepreneur should map it all out. Although a complete 80-page business plan is not always necessary, written direction is essential. This can seem tedious and unnecessary to the entrepreneur, but it will be helpful in the long run.

With an idea and plan in mind, an entrepreneur must find resources to pioneer the business. And the most important resource to find is money.  No matter the size of the business, an entrepreneur is going to need capital to start it. Personal savings, family, friends, angel investors, the SBA and venture capitalists are all some options for funding depending on the type of venture and the amount needed. This can be a stressful time for the entrepreneur for many reasons.  Capital can be hard to find and paying it back can be even harder. The entrepreneur also must obtain assets such as building, land, machinery and equipment for whatever the business may be.

The entrepreneur then will use the resources obtained to implement the business plan. There is a lot of work to be done at this point. Marketing the upcoming business is key and social media is the way to go this day and age. Facebook, Twitter and an email account are critical for the soon-to-be business. Whatever the product or service that will be offered from the business must be tested over and over again to make sure there are no flaws. Employees must be hired and trained if necessary.

Once everything is in place, the business is ready to be launched!   Although it is the most exciting phase in an entrepreneur’s life, this time period will be filled with limited hours of sleep. There will be glitches and the entrepreneur will have to quickly respond effectively. If the entrepreneur is working hard, has planned well, and the market is thriving, their new business is likely to succeed.   

In the end, the entrepreneur will have an exit strategy. Defined in the original business plan, the entrepreneur will know when they want to move on to something else. Some choose to make their venture a family business to be passed down for generations, while others want to build it up and sell as fast as they can. At this time, we hope that the entrepreneur is content with their success and the hard work they put into it. 

Written by Genevieve Alander

@GennaThinkBIG. 

Think Big Baltimore Gets Entrepreneurs Talking

The Think Big Conference is going national–and Baltimore was the second city to bring together entrepreneurs, investors and startups for a jam-packed day of inspiration, collaboration and motivation.  After a nonstop day of breakout sessions, keynote speeches and networking, the entrepreneurial scene in Baltimore started to Think Big—and people haven’t stopped talking about it since.

With over 200 attendees, the first Think Big Baltimore conference, coordinated by Danny Bendebba, Audra Carpenter and Tighe Greenhalgh, was not only an entrepreneurial success, but it was also a financial success for all of those involved in developing the conference.  According to Tighe Greenhalgh, organizing partner of TBB, the conference brought out many entrepreneurs who normally would not be easily found or accessible in the Baltimore area. 

But it wasn’t just the entrepreneurs who made it out to the conference in Baltimore.  When walking the halls of Towson University throughout the day, TBB attendees had the opportunity to network with a large amount of investors, a plethora of students and a multitude of both startup and established companies.  Attendees also had the opportunity to get some face time with many of the TBB speakers and panelists.  They even had the chance to speak with Greg Cangialosi of Blue Sky Factory, who had literally sold his company just a week before the conference. 

Perhaps the highlight of the Think Big Baltimore conference was the keynote speech given by Yanik Silver, CEO of Maverick Business Adventures.  As a serial entrepreneur and self-made millionaire, Yanik spoke of his life-changing experiences such as running with the bulls, bungee jumping, sky diving, and exotic car road rallies and how they related to his breakthroughs in ideas and business. 

A Big congratulations to the founders, leaders and speakers of Think Big Baltimore on the financial, inspirational and overall success of the conference.  The Think Big mentality is growing across the nation—and Baltimore is one of the first cities to be a part of it.  Thanks for all of your hard work!

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Is Your City Ready to Think Big?

If you’re anything like us, you may have noticed a lack of entrepreneurial spirit in your city.  But with the declining economy and severe unemployment rates, now is the best time to build up the startup communities throughout the nation.

And that’s what we’re doing.  We’re bringing entrepreneurs together.  We are uniting investors.  We are educating students.  We are Thinking Big.

We have developed the Think Big Conference with every city in mind.  The Think Big Conference is a jam-packed day-long event in which aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs can come together under one roof to celebrate entrepreneurship, build a startup scene and find motivation and inspiration to turn ideas into something big.  And now is your chance to get the conference in your city.

What started as a local event in Kansas City is now branching out across the nation.  This year, the Think Big Conference was successful for the second year in a row in Kansas City and was unleashed in Baltimore in mid-July.  Both conferences brought in hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, startups, panelists and inspirational keynote speakers to help ignite the entrepreneurial flame in their communities.  The results, both financially and socially, were phenomenal. 

The truth of the matter is, entrepreneurship exists in more places than Silicon Valley, Boston and Austin.  It’s our responsibility to bring it out of the dark.  Bring the Think Big Conference to your city this year and build your community, strengthen your startup scene, and improve the economy in just one day.

To bring the conference to your city, contact us!  Call 816.842.5244 or check out www.thinkbigkansascity.com and email us. 

We cannot wait to Think Big with you.

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

How Passion Fueled the Fire at Kansas City’s Blue Grotto

John Grier’s restaurant, Blue Grotto, may serve up hundreds of Artisan-style pizzas a day, but it’s not the fire from the pizza oven that fuels this KC restaurant—it’s John’s entrepreneurial passion for the business.

John Grier opened Blue Grotto in June of 2008 and since its launch, the restaurant has become a local favorite for Brookside residents, Kansas City diners, and out-of-town visitors.   Blue Grotto has even been nominated for Best Small Business by the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. 

“I went to Italy and I fell in love with Artisan-style pizza,” says John.  “We needed it in Kansas City.  Blue Grotto gave me the opportunity to teach people what real pizza is all about.”

But it’s time to cut to the chase.  Any blog can suggest a good, local restaurant.  So what makes Blue Grotto the place to go for a dinner out?  John believes it’s the atmosphere, the bringing together of people and the outstanding food.

“When you walk into Blue Grotto, you fall in love,” says John.  And he’s right.  Blue Grotto is located in the heart of Brookside, one of the most beloved areas of Kansas City.  With one of the best outdoor patios in Kansas City and a modern indoor eating area and bar, Blue Grotto has an atmosphere that everybody can enjoy. 

“You can bring your kids here one night and then go on a date night the next,” says John.  And it’s true...there is something for everyone.  From Artisan pizzas to small Mediterranean plates, from knockout Italian desserts to a killer happy hour menu, Blue Grotto serves it all.

But, as everybody knows, starting up a restaurant is no easy task.  And Blue Grotto, like all restaurants, had its ups-and-downs in its startup phase.

“It took a long time to become a success,” says John.  “But it was worth it!”

Because of Blue Grotto’s renowned success throughout the Brookside area of Kansas City, John plans on opening more locations in the future.  He is aiming for two more restaurants in the next seven years, keeping the “go big or go home” mentality in mind. 

The “go big or go home” mentality resides in many entrepreneurs throughout the Kansas City area—but especially within John.  When asked what advice he would give other entrepreneurs looking to start a business, he replied, “Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and help, even outside of the restaurant industry.”

Good luck to John Grier and the Blue Grotto restaurant.  Thanks for Thinking Big and bringing a successful (and delicious) restaurant to Kansas City!

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Do More. Be More. Agenda, Be.

Have you ever wanted to make a difference?  Do more?  Be more?  Adam Benton, founder of Agenda, Be has made it his mission to make a difference and inspire good in the lives of those around him.  He quit his job to embark on a 90-day cross-country bike tour to find the greatest charities in the United States and share their stories.  Adam hopes to provide a stage for which the voice of amazing charities can be heard.  This movement is known as Agenda, Be. 

The “Inspire Good” tour kicked off earlier this month in Los Angles California.  Right now, Adam and his Agenda, Be crew are pedaling their way from city to city looking for people who are making a difference in the world.  Along the way, the team is filming the stories of the great charities they encounter.  And one of Agenda, Be’s many stops is the one and only, Kansas City, Missouri! 

Watch Agenda Be’s mini-episodes on the Agenda, Be website or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.  The “Inspire Good” tour could be the spark that ignites a gigantic movement.     

To find out more about Agenda, Be and the "Inspire Good" Tour take a look at this video:

Written By Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBig

Grand Opening: bizperc's 5th Floor for Entrepreneurs

Whew. 

After a lot of sweat, elbow grease and collaboration, bizperc's 5th floor has been opened for more coworking and collaboration in record time!  The Kansas City coworking space known as bizperc has been expanding since it opened in August of 2010.  Starting out as a one-floor coffeeshop/office hybrid, the coworking space has grown to a 5-floor (plus a rooftop!) startup heaven.

Check out some pictures from the recently-opened 5th floor space.



Welcome to bizperc's 5th floor!



This cubicle with a view could be yours for only $450/month.

 

The 5th floor was completed with private offices. Two of them are housed by FINDitKC.



White boards cover the walls for inspiration and organization.

An already well-lived-in cubicle on the 5th floor.

Another cubicle that houses a bizperc tenant.

Not a shabby place to take a mid-afternoon break! Corona, anyone?

A conference room section.

A fully-stocked kitchen keeps all entrepreneurs and tenants happy!

Chris of FINDitKC busy at work in the conference room/green screen studio.



The right side of the 5th floor conference room.

There is still available space in bizperc- but it's going quick!  Call to book a tour with Sarah Snyder today at 816.842.5244.

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Top 10 Brain Foods for the Entrepreneur

Need some food for thought?  Sometimes, we entrepreneurs just need something to nibble on throughout the day. But before you open the fridge and crack open a Coke or dig your hand into a Lay's Potato Chip bag, you may want to take a look at the Top 10 brain foods for entrepreneurs: 

1.  Blueberries

Blueberries contain a certain antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress.  If blueberries aren't on hand, many other fruits provide these antioxidants.  An easy way to add fruits into your diet is by drinking smoothies and shakes or putting fruit in your yogurt or cereal for breakfast.  

2.  Salmon

Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and contains anti-inflammatory substances that aid in blood flow and brain activity. This, in turn, enhances memory!  Salmon can keep blood flowing in the smallest capillaries of the brain.  

3.  Seeds & Nuts

Vitamin E boosts brain function and corresponds directly with cognitive increases.  Nuts and seeds do not only offer Vitamin E, but they also contain monounsaturated fat which promotes a healthy heart and blood flow.  

4.  Oatmeal

Oatmeal is good for the heart and good for the brain.  The breakfast food is packed with fiber, protein and even Omega 3's. It's best to start off the day with oatmeal because it will sustain you throughout the morning and well into lunch.  No crash and burn effect here!

5.  Avacados

Avacados contain antioxidants and amino acids that help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.  Avacados are also loaded with monounsaturated fat (like seeds and nuts!).  

6.  Dark Chocolate

As we all know, dark chocolate has powerful antioxidants and a bit of caffeine.  Therefore, dark chocolate helps with focus, concentration, and stimulates production of endorphins that help to improve mood.  Want to kick it up a notch?  Try chocolate covered blueberries!   

7.  Tuna

Tuna has the highest level of Vitamin B6 than any other food.  Vitamin B6 relates directly to memory, cognition and long-term brain health.  

8.  Eggs

Eggs have enough protein and fat to give your brain hours and hours of energy.  Additionally, the selenium in organic eggs has been found to improve mood.  

9.  Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene which is an antioxidant that is great for your brain.  The only catch: you have to cook the tomatoes in order to get the lycopene! 

10.  Green Veggies

Eat your greens!  Spinach, kale, chard, romaine, and arugula are high in iron.  Without iron, our bodies will feel fatigue and our moods will decline.  Iron also improves cognitive thinking and memory.

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

My 10 Favorite Quotes from the KC Chamber Innovation Conference

Yesterday’s Innovation Conference hosted by the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce was full of ideation and collaboration. The speakers gave their professional insight into entrepreneurship and innovation here in the Midwest and beyond.  A lot was shared, and I tried to absorb it all.  It was difficult to choose just ten, but I have put together a list of quotes from the day that really stood out.

1. “Collaboration is the key to our success.  It always has been.”  -- Jim Heeter, President & CEO of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

2. “The US economy is the world’s largest hedge fund.” – Dennis Bushnell, Chief Scientist of NASA Langley Research Center

3. “In the current IT age, wealth is created by inventing things.” – Dennis Bushnel

4. “The birthplace for an idea is observation.” – Herb Sih, Managing Partner of Think Big Partners

5. “Most investors will invest quicker in the A team with the B idea, than the B team with the A idea.” – Jeff Pfaff of MTB Mobile

6. “Fail fast, fail cheap.” (from Herb Sih) – Greg Kratofil of Polsinelli Shughart

7. “An angel investor is not a guardian angel.  They are doing things for the same reason that you are—to make money.” – Tyler Prochnow of Think Big Partners

8. “When you bring in investors, you bring more discipline into your company.  Then you’ll begin to feel more like a company.” – Joel Wiggins of Mid America Angels

9. “You don’t have to be the smartest person in the world to create a business, or an industry for that matter.” – Tom Bloch of H&R Bloch 

10. “If you are in business for yourself, forget the bottom line. You are here to help people.” – Henry Bloch of H&R Bloch

Written by Laura Goede.

@LauraGThinkBIG