Alterra Bank Sparks Entrepreneurship Through the Alliance Project

Alterra Bank's mission is "to become the world's greatest bank."  Obviously, that is a hefty mission to take on.  But the truth of the matter is, Alterra Bank is actually doing it...one step at a time.

This Thursday, Alterra Bank is teaming up with some of the most recognized names in Kansas City business to unveil the Alliance Project.  This project will award one deserving Kansas City small business with everything that it may need to become a success - from business consulting and marketing services to coffee for a year.  The purpose of the project is to foster the growth of entrepreneurship and startup businesses in Kansas City and beyond. 

The Alliance Project will evaluate new businesses based on a variety of criteria.  Ten entrepreneurs will then be chosen to present at the contest's finale event on November 14th.  The finale will take place at the Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch.  At this event, one winner will be announced. 

"The Alliance Project represents a tremendous opportunity for one emerging business to build relationships with some of Kansas City's finest organizations," says Jeff Chambers, Chief Strategy Officer of Alterra Bank.

In order to make the Alliance Project a success, Alterra Bank has chosen to team up with some of Kansas City's most impactful businesses including bizperc, CBIZ, Kazoo Marketing, The Roasterie, Social Media Club of Kansas City, Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP, Whiskey Design and Will Gregory Public Relations.

"As entrepreneurs ourselves, we understand that building strong partnerships is critical to the growth and success in business," says Chambers.  "Alterra Bank is committed to being a partner to entrepreneurs at every stage of development and it was with that commitment in mind that we built the Alliance Project." 

Alterra Bank and its partners will hold a kick-off event to jumpstart the Alliance Project on Thursday, August 4th at the Kansas City Central Library's Helzberg Auditorium.  The kick-off event will take place from 11:30AM until 1:00PM.  Kansas City Mayor, Sly James, Library Director, Crosby Kemper and Alterra Bank CEO, Pam Berneking will speak at the Alliance Project launch event. 

But where did Alterra Bank find inspiration to start the Alliance Project?

"Printed on the wall at the Kauffman Foundation is the Entrepreneur's Pledge," explains Chambers. "Two tenets of that pledge stand out to me: I am what I am because many people have helped me along this journey and therefore, I will give back to the society that helped me be successful.  I believe what we've created with the Alliance Project is an example of how seriously we take that pledge at Alterra Bank."

For complete contest details, please visit http://alterrabank.com/alliance/.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig