Kansas City Get Your Business Online with Google Happening NOW

Today marks the first day of Kansas City Get Your Business Online, a forum for local small businesses and entrepreneurs to better understand and learn how to effectively use the Internet for their business ventures. At the event, Google experts are sitting down with Kansas City entrepreneurs to teach search engine optimization, Google Places, Google Adwords, building and running a website, and much more.

This morning, Kansas City Get Your Business Online brought together both the KCMO and the KCK mayors (Sly James and Joe Reardon) as they spoke about the city's giant opportunity to innovate on the Google Fiber network.  Of the 1,100 cities that applied to be the first city in the nation with a fiber network, Kansas City was chosen due to its growing tech base and entrepreneurial vibrancy.

In addition, the attendees of Kansas City Get Your Business Online had the chance to listen to the team of Burns-McDonnell, an extremely successful engineering firm in Kansas City.  In 1898, Clinton Burns and Robert McDonnell themselves chose Kansas City, MO as their original base of operations because it was growing quickly and it had the most potential.  Burns and McDonnell chose correctly: Since then, the firm has grown to fill three office buildings with more than 2,200 employee-owners.  We like to think that Kansas City is back to that fast-paced lifestyle with the implementation of new tech advances like Google Fiber. 

Because OfficePort, the host of Get Your Business Online, is a friendly neighbor of bizperc and Think Big Partners, the Kansas City coworking space invited us to check out the event. Of course, we snapped a few pictures:

Day 2 of Kansas City Get Your Business Online starts tomorrow. Sorry, guys; the event has already reached capacity. However, feel free to come by and talk with Google product experts one-on-one in the online expo area.

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

The 25-Hour Day: InQuest Marketing Makes it Possible

"Who doesn't want an extra hour in their day?" asks Jody Hanson of InQuest Marketing.

An extra hour can be spent working on a big project, spending time with family, taking a longer lunch or traveling to a different side of the country.  Everybody could use an extra hour in the day, but the people who need 25 hours the most seem to be entrepreneurs.

Which is why InQuest Marketing has decided to host The 25th Hour Entrepreneur Challenge -- a competition in which entrepreneurs throughout Kansas City can submit their ideas with the hopes of winning 25 straight hours of marketing services from InQuest.  InQuest is geared up to provide deliverables such as research marketing, creative design help, business plan development, media strategy, and other marketing aspects to one lucky entrepreneurial winner for 25 hours straight in order to benchmark the company's 25th anniversary. 

"Our core passion has always been helping innovators, entrepreneurs, business owners and true visionaries accomplish their goals," says Jody, PR account executive at InQuest.  "The 25th Hour Entrepreneur Challenge fits right in with that passion and allows us to give back to Kansas City."

The 25th Hour Entrepreneur Challenge is looking for the next big idea -- it could be a product or service that's currently not on the market, an invention that needs tinkering, or a business idea that's always been in the back of your mind.  After submitting the big idea, InQuest will hold a 25-hour work session, at no cost, to one standout winner. 

"We are looking for a well-thought out idea and someone who believes in it," says Jody.  "We want to promote entrepreneurship and help people bring their ideas to life."

To apply for The 25th Hour Entrepreneur Challenge, visit InQuest Marketing online and fill out the application.  Who knows?  Maybe you will get the chance to have a 25-hour work day.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Entrepreneur Corner: Meet Local Entrepreneurs and Artists at First Fridays

Logo provided
by Coty Beasley, Beasley Creative

On the first Friday of every month, the businesses in the Crossroads Arts District open up shop to artists and attendees in order to celebrate the vibrant environment that Kansas City has to offer.  But in September, First Fridays may look a little bit different.

That's because bizperc, a modern-meets-Midwest coworking space in the Crossroads District, is opening the Entrepreneur Corner in its parking lot located at 18th and Baltimore on Friday, September 2nd for First Fridays.  At the Entrepreneur Corner, attendees will have the opportunity to meet local successful entrepreneurs, learn about new business in Kansas City and view unique pieces of artwork that local artists have produced. 

Join Think Big Partners and bizperc for this entrepreneurial activity and meet the entrepreneurial stars that have helped make Kansas City a lively and booming town.  At Entrepreneur Corner, you will have the chance to hear startup success stories from:

• Mellow Militia:  A company that creates high-quality, eco-friendly and addictive products such as the Tiki Toss 3D app.  Mellow Militia produces products that challenge the limits of technology and embrace exceptional design.
• Zaarly: Zaarly's easy-to-use digital platform gets you "what you want, when you want it" at the click of a mouse.  As a real-time, location-based marketplace, Zaarly allows its users to get whatever they want from the local community.
• KCWiseGuide: KCWiseGuide is Kansas City's local iPhone and Android application.
• KC Incubator: A new twist on the Kansas City business incubator brought to you by the newest bizperc tenant.
• DealBug: Dealbug offers the opportunity and hope for communities to save money within their households while supporting schools, charities and other non-profits (think Groupon, with a charitable twist!).
• bizperc: A modern and inspiring Kansas City coworking space that will be hosting September's Entrepreneur Corner at First Fridays.

Entrepreneur Corner will also feature knockout artists including Donna McCullough, a local Kansas City artist who specializes in 3D art and design.

So, stop by.  Grab a beer.  Socialize.  Even play some games with the entrepreneurs and artists at Entrepreneur Corner.  Join us for a fun Friday evening from 6:30pm-9:00pm.  Can't wait to see you there!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Mix It Up on Mixergy.com

We love mixing and mingling with other entrepreneurs.  That's why we have bizperc (our coworking space), networking opportunities (like launch parties and lunches), and the Think Big Kansas City Conference.  We are all about meeting other entrepreneurs, interacting with different startups and growing our rolodex of contacts.

It seems as if Mixergy has the same idea.

Mixergy is an online platform that allows members to interact with other entrepreneurs, take online courses, tune into videos, and hear stories from some of the best and brightest in the startup tech industry (like the founders of Groupon, Y Combinator, Wikipedia, Kiva and more!). 

The Mixergy mission is to introduce its members to doers and thinkers whose ideas and stories are so powerful that hearing them will ignite a spark...and perhaps even a change.  With Mixergy, members have access to a wide variety of courses, like Advanced Lead Generation, Mobile App Design, Customer Targeting, Blogging for Business and much more.

If you're interested in an online entrepreneurial community, I encourage you to check out Mixergy.com and see what benefits it can offer you and your business!  Happy surfing!
Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Entrepreneurship in Manhattan...And we're Not Talking about New York

Students have great options when it comes to entrepreneur programs in Kansas and Missouri. And Kansas State is one of them. 

For most students, summer has come to an end.  This week marked the first days of class for many colleges and universities across the Midwest.  For young entrepreneurial minds, the beginning of the semester is arguably the best time of the year.  It is a chance for a fresh start because it opens the door to limitless opportunities.  Right now, you can find bright, industrious minds all over campus actively pursuing various degrees.  But where do these students go when they want to turn their passions into entrepreneurial careers? 

They don’t have to go very far.  The University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), Kansas State University (K-State) and Rockhurst University all offer degree programs for students interested in entrepreneurship.  Students at the University of Kansas (KU) can also earn a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from the KU School of Business School.

Entrepreneurship programs are a growing trend among many top universities in the country.  K-State, located in Manhattan, Kansas, established its entrepreneurship program in 2009 as a reaction to the growing demand among students who wanted to pursue entrepreneurial careers.  This year, the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship recognized K-State with the 2011 Emerging Program Award.  An honor rightly deserved. 

K-State’s entrepreneurship program is growing fast.  “We are working on bridging the gap between the classroom by connecting our coursework with outside resources,” says Chad Jackson, Associate Director of Entrepreneurship at K-State.  K-State has already established a campus-wide business plan competition and a professional mentoring program.  The program is now in the process of creating a venture fund and business incubator to help make the entrepreneurial endeavors of K-State students a success.  

Students that have interest in social entrepreneurship would benefit from looking at K-State’s Entrepreneurship Program.  In the next few years, K-State is looking to focus its direction on social entrepreneurship and startup organizations.  It is put best by Jackson himself: “Social entrepreneurship is already a growing trend and it has the ability to make a huge impact on the world.”

It is wonderful to see so much growth in entrepreneurial education right here in the Midwest.  So whether you’re from Manhattan, New York or Manhattan, Kansas, one thing is for sure—a great idea can come from anywhere.

 Written by Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBig

Art + Technology + Passion = Beasley Creative

Within all of us, there is some type of creativity.

Some people think creatively through their use of strategizing; finding the right solutions to specific problems.  Think lawyers, doctors and entrepreneurs.

Some people think creatively through writing; using robust language and imaginative descriptions to captivate readers and formulate an audience.  Think authors, bloggers and copywriters.

Some people think creatively through using numbers; manipulating formulas and diving into numeric problems.  Think architects, engineers, and accountants.

But when most of us think of creativity, we tend to give credit to those who are creative in the field of art and design.  And for good reason.  Art and design requires a higher level of creativity that many people just aren't capable of.  And one such example of this is Coty Beasley of Beasley Creative.

As a native of Kansas City, Coty Beasley grew up with a passion for engineering, but a love for art.  By combining these two interests together, he found the wonderful world of graphic design and started his own business, Beasley Creative, about three years ago.

"I have always been computer-oriented," says Coty.  "But I enjoyed the passion that came from art.  I found the field of graphic design because it encompassed both of these things."

Coty Beasley of Beasley Creative.

The idea for Beasley Creative came to Coty about five years ago.  Within the past five years, Coty developed a web design and development company that incorporates the latest standards and maintainability. After Coty launched the company, he worked with many small businesses from the comfort of his home.  As time went on, however, Coty started feeling the effects of working out of his lonely apartment.

"I could never leave the home!" Coty says. "Day and night became the same.  There was no human contact.  I needed fresh air and people to meet."

In other words, finding a coworking space in Kansas City was a must.

That's when Coty logged onto Loosecubes, an online coworking space directory, and found bizperc.  A few hours later, Coty had purchased a 10-pack punch card and was hard at work in the modern Kansas City coworking space.

"I found bizperc and saw that it was heading the direction that I wanted to go," says Coty.  "The per day price was cheap enough to give it a try! But then it ended up being in the perfect location with great resources and helpful connections, too."

Not to mention, Coty could stay in Kansas City, which was exactly where he needed to be.

"Kansas City has a great art scene, plus the Sprint headquarters, plus Google Fiber," he says. "That is a recipe for a technology boom.  It is the perfect breeding ground for entrepreneurs." 

How does Coty Beasley Think Big? "My field is new enough to provide me with the ability to change things.  I have the ability to educate and progress my industry here in Kansas City." 

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Think Big Partners and bizperc Present: Entrepreneur Corner at First Fridays!

September has historically been the most highly-anticipated month for First Friday fanatics.  The air is crisp, the sun is shining, and there is always a slight breeze in the air.  But this September, First Friday is not only going to attract attendees just because of the great weather.

On September 2nd (September's First Friday date) Think Big Partners will open the doors and parking lot of the bizperc coworking space in order to facilitate the Entrepreneur Corner.  This new initiative by Think Big Partners aims to bring together Kansas City entrepreneurs, small business owners, startup companies and those interested in learning about the startup environment that KC has to offer. 

Entrepreneur Corner will feature various startup and small businesses from across the Kansas City area.  In addition, the Entrepreneur Corner will also display numerous pieces of art for First Fridays attendees to enjoy.  As always, beer and wine will be provided by all participants in the Entrepreneur Corner. 

So mark your calendars for September 2nd and stop by 1800 Baltimore to hear more about the startup buzz in Kansas City.  More information about companies participating in Entrepreneur Corner will be announced in a few days.  Hope to see you there!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Wall Street Journal Announces Kansas City as US Information Technology Leader



Click to enlarge.

It's hard to miss Kansas City when you look at a U.S. map.  After all, it is right smack dab in the middle.

But it's even more difficult to miss Kansas City when it is spotlighted for its progression in information technology and displayed on a U.S. map by the Wall Street Journal. And that's exactly what happened this morning.

The Wall Street Journal has defined Kansas City as the nation's newest leader in information technology.  The city is booming with entrepreneurs, small business and technology.  In fact, in a study found by the TechAmerica Foundation, the number of Kansas City tech companies rose by 5% in 2009, trumping the growth rates of Silicon Valley, Boston and Austin.

The initiative of Google Fiber is a large contributor for the technological growth of the city.  Obviously, this lightning-speed network will lure in even more entrepreneurs (some have already moved to Kansas City from the coasts!).  But it's not only the Google Fiber network that has led startups and entrepreneurs to the area.  It's also KC's friendly business environment.  And the fact that it is far less expensive to develop technology here.  And there are fewer state regulations to worry about.  All in all, KC has every missing puzzle piece that an entrepreneur may be looking for. 

Check out the full article written by The Wall Street Journal and bask in the Kansas City love.  Click here to read the full article and see a full-scale version of the U.S. map.

Congratulations, Kansas City!  Now that's Thinking Big.

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Get Your Business Online with Help From Google!

Not on Google Places?  Struggling to develop an effective website?  Can't wrap your head around SEO?

Great news, Kansas City.  Google has the event made just for you.

On August 31st and September 1st, Google is presenting Kansas City Get Your Business Online - a new program that is easy, free and a fast way to get your business online.  At this event, you will learn how to develop a Google Places page, how to start a great website and much more.  Google will provide the web professionals and computers...the only thing you need to provide is an open mind.

But what does this opportunity mean for Kansas City entrepreneurs, anyway?  According to Greg Kratofil, legal counsel provider for Kansas City's Google Fiber initiative, the implementation of Google Fiber has started a growth spurt in Kansas City.  Kansas City Get Your Business Online is a testament to that.  With Google Fiber coming to Kansas City, entrepreneurs will find more opportunities, ideas and resources in order to reach the American Dream from their very own Kansas City.

"I think this is a game-changer for the entire region," says Kratofil. "The opportunity and tools that we are going ot get out of this investment by Google will put us on the map."

If your business is ready to get online, pre-register to reserve your spot (spaces are filling up fast, so get to it!).  This event will take place at Officeport (208 West 19th Street in Kansas City, Missouri) from 7:30am until 6:30pm.

Get online with Google and start Thinking Big!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

bizperc Perk: Legal Advice!

It's time for another bizperc perk!

This Thursday, Matt Salzman, Partner at Stinson Morrison Hecker, LLP will be returning to bizperc to provide the building's tenants with complementary legal advice.  Matt will be available from 2:00 - 4:00 PM to answer questions for the small business owners and entrepreneurs.  Tenants interested in meeting with Matt need to reserve time for a 30-minute session in advance.  

Interested in some legal advice?  Call Sarah Snyder at 816.842.5244 to book a reservation.

Written by Laura Goede
@LauraGThinkBig 

Top 5 Ways to Mobilize Your Marketing

Does your business have a mobile marketing strategy in place?  If not, it’s time to hop to it!  Small businesses that want to keep up with today’s world can no longer afford to ignore mobile marketing.  Mobile devices have changed the way people access their information.  In 2010 over 50 percent of all Internet activity was done via a mobile device.  Here are 5 ways your business can start connecting with mobile consumers.

1. Mobile Websites

There are many opportunities in the mobile market, but a great place to begin is your business’ website.  The key to creating a great mobile site is to keep it simple but engaging.  The site’s usability is critical to its success.  The best mobile sites combine simplified design, layout and navigation without sacrificing their creativity. 

2. QR Codes 

While Quick Response (QR) codes have taken off in Japan, people in the United States are just now starting to recognize their marketing potential.  Help direct your consumers to online resources by placing QR codes on all your business cards and marketing materials.  You can direct your audience to your website, get them to follow you on Twitter, like you on Facebook or point them to a mobile-friendly landing page for your most recent marketing campaign.  However, if you really want people to pay attention to your QR codes, try rewarding them with special discounts, freebies or something fun.

3. Apps

The rise of mobile usage has spurred the growth of new mobile applications.  Apps can serve many different purposes.  Some offer informative tips or educational bits, while others deliver pure entertainment or gaming fun.  Apps are way to boost brand equity and get your audience to actively engage with your business.  When creating an app for your business, focus on delivering what something your audience will find both useful and valuable.  

4. Location-Based Services

Foursquare and Gowalla are two location-based services that have gained a following among consumers open to sharing their locations with the world.  Small business can take advantage of these services by rewarding the loyal customers as well at those in their area.  Businesses can leverage location-based deals by incentivizing checkins, adopting barcode scanning technology, and offering group buying initiatives.

5. Mobile Coupons

There is no denying it, everyone loves a good deal.  Mobile coupons are a popular trend gaining a following beyond the stereotypical coupon-cutting crowd.  Many customers love getting money-saving offers from their favorite companies delivered straight to the phones via text message.  Coupons are a great way to drive extra sales during times when business is slow.

When implementing a mobile marketing strategy there are a few things to keep in mind: 

• Make sure that the content you are putting out there is useful or else it dismissed as meaningless clutter.
• Capitalize on social media by creating two-way conversations between your company and its audience wherever possible, this will build brand value.  
• Use the available mobile data (location, activity and time) your company collects to get a better understanding of consumer behavior and apply it to your strategy.

Now get moving on your mobile strategy, before your customers move on without you! 

Written by Laura Goede
@LauraGThinkBig

TEDxKC Blasts Off Tonight!

The buzz is in the air: tonight the TEDxKC conference will be in full swing at 6:00pm on the dot.  During the event, attendees are invited to examine how radical collaboration, transparency and an open-source mind-set are shaping the world today.  Tickets are (of course) sold out.  But for those lucky ticket-holders, the TEDxKC conference will take place from 6-8:15pm at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

To learn more about TEDxKC, check out the blog we wrote about it a few weeks ago:

TEDxKC on Think Big Kansas City blog

Have fun and Think Big!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Sometimes, All You Need is Opportunity

“Ability is nothing without opportunity.”

This famous quote from Napoleon Bonaparte reveals that sometimes, you just need a little opportunity to get where you want to be.  This is true for every aspect of life: making a new best friend, landing your first job, making it on the high school basketball team, starting a new business—it all begins with opportunity.  Opportunity is the first stepping stone in creating a successful life.

Which is why Jessica Garand started the Opportunity Music Project.

The Opportunity Music Project, based out of New York City, is a movement that provides underprivileged children the chance to find passion, hard work and opportunity through music.  Children involved in the Opportunity Music Project are taught an instrument and then perform for the homeless, the elderly or for hospital patients.  The project offers children interested in music with the opportunity to take private music lessons and learn the value of service within the community.

“The Opportunity Music Project came from the accumulation of all of my experiences,” says Jessica Garand, the founder of the Opportunity Music Project. “I performed for the elderly and in hospitals when I was young.  I want these students to have this same experience and develop the same leadership skills that I did.”

The Opportunity Music Project provides students with weekly half-hour lessons on the viola or violin.  Students and their families are then encouraged to attend classical music concerts around New York City, participate in meetings within the project, and perform in a final concert.

“My favorite part of this experience has been seeing the kids inspired about music,” says Garand.  “When I saw the kids’ faces after their final concert, it was amazing.  Also, seeing the support from their families is incredible.”

The Opportunity Music Project recently partnered up with RentMyInstrument.com, a company based out of Kansas City, Missouri.  With RentMyInstrument.com, OMP now has even more of an opportunity to improve children's lives through the magic of music.

In addition, a documentary is being filmed about the Opportunity Music Project which will be completed in the weeks to come.  In the inspirational documentary, viewers can see how the Opportunity Music Project has transformed the lives of every underprivileged child involved.  The documentary proves that anybody can achieve their dreams—no matter how out-of-reach they may seem at first.

Because after all, it all begins with opportunity. 

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Sly James Announces Mayors' Bi-State Innovation Team

Last week, "a Casablanca moment" happened in Kansas City.  According to the Kansas City Star, "a beautiful friendship" was created when Google Fiber decided to launch in both KCMO and KCK.  The two Kansas Citys are uniting, all in the name of creating more small businesses and fostering innovation in the Midwest. 

Sly James, mayor of Kansas City, Missouri and Joe Reardon, mayor and CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas recently announced the formation of a Mayors' Bi-State Innovation Team.  This team has been created in order to leverage the Google Fiber network and create business opportunities that will benefit the entire KC metro area. 

The Mayors' Bi-State Innovation Team will include 10 people with 5 from KCMO and 5 from KCK.  Mike Burke was named co-chairman for the innovation team. 

Will the collaboration of the two cities that we know and love foster even more innovation and business success?  We like to hope so. 

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

3 KC Entrepreneur Competitions You Don't Want to Miss Out On

Fall may be the best time for Kansas City entrepreneurs to get a jump-start on their dream businesses.  Three incredible entrepreneurial competitions and honors have been announced in Kansas City in August alone.  Check out these three opportunities and get registered or nominated today!

The Alliance Project
Presented by Alterra Bank, the Alliance Project asks Kansas City entrepreneurs to "get down to business".  One lucky early-stage company will be awarded $10,000 for being voted an outstanding small business in Kansas City.  But the $10,000 grand prize is not the only benefit that the Alliance Project winner will receive.  The winner will also be awarded complimentary office space from bizperc, scholarship to the FastTrac GrowthVentures program at the Kauffman, logo design from Whiskey Design, 10 hours of legal services from Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP, a year of PR services from Will Gregory, HR support from CBiz, messaging strategy from Kazoo Marketing and a one year supply of coffee from the Roasterie.  Now that's an award worth looking into!

The Gigabit Challenge
The Gigabit Challenge, a business plan competition launched by Think Big Partners, will award one new early-stage business with the opportunity to utilize the new Google Fiber network in order to benefit their company.  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.  More information about the Gigabit Challenge will be released in the following weeks.  But mark your calendars!  The Gigabit Challenge will blast off on October 1st.

Startup Open
Startup Open is a featured event of Global Entrepreneurship Week.  It is a global competition that will identify and recognize startup companies founded between GEW 2010 and GEW 2011.  Startup Open will recognize the GEW 50 (a group of the 50 most promising ventures from around the world) who will be awarded a handful of prizes.  One grand prize winnder with be announced during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011. 

Don't miss out on these three giant opportunities.  Any three of them could set the precedent for your business and your dream.  Good luck and Think Big!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

A Typical Day at bizperc

bizperc has been filling up with creative entrepreneurs and innovative ideas fast these past few months. So what does bizperc look like on a typical coworking day?  Why don’t we take a look at Tuesday – just another normal day in this wonderful Kansas City coworking space! 

Interested prospective drop-ins took casual tours of bizperc’s many floors throughout the day, while the small conference room was rented out by Snow & Company, a new frozen cocktail bar that is opening in September in the Crossroads District.

While the Think Big Partners team was busy brewing all-you-can-drink coffee for bizperc tenants, Coty Beasley, a bizperc punch-card holder, was busy working on his Beasley Creative projects and interacting with fellow entrepreneurs. 

While Nathan Benjamin of PlanetReuse was busy joining the Board of Reuse Alliance (a huge congratulations to our first floor tenant!  Way to go, Nathan!), Josh Coleman of Zaarly stopped by to cowork and interact with the folks at Snow and Company and Branden Connolly of Evenergy Events and Sponsorships.

All the while, Sarah Snyder of Think Big Partners was busy cleaning up after the Women’s Capital Connection event that took place on the 6^th floor the night before.

Busy, busy, busy. Just another day at bizperc!   

In addition, bizperc has recently added a brand new sound booth on its 5^th floor space.  Entrepreneurs now have the opportunity to utilize this sound booth for voice-over capabilities and much, much more.  Just another bizperc perk that the coworking space brings to entrepreneurs, collaborators and visionaries!



bizperc's sound booth located on the 5th floor.

Written by Allison Way and Genevieve Alander.

@AllisonThinkBig    @GennaThinkBig

Get Ready to Launch and Learn With Think Big Partners

Are you an entrepreneurship expert? Think Big Partners wants to hear from you.  We are looking for seasoned entrepreneurs and educators as we gear up for fall for our new series of Launch and Learn events.

At Think Big Partners, we believe that education is key to unlocking the maximum potential of any business.  That is why we search for the latest and most important topics to bring to the Kansas City business community each month. 

Here is a sneak peak of what we have in the works:

• "Art & Science of Integrated Marketing Part II (aka How to Get 1000's of Visitors to Your Site) - Herb Sih, Think Big Partners 

• "How Your Business is Valued -- Why You Should Care" - Jene Popper Hong, Business Transition Specialists 

• "Is There An App For That?" - Chris Puglisi, Think Mobile & Mellow Militia 

• Instant Advisory Board Experience 

Think Big Partners wants to deliver quality education that will be valuable for you and your business.  Please take a second and share with us which Launch and Learn topics most interest you.  Please take our poll displayed above and let us know!

If you are interested in being a Launch and Learn Educator or wish to know more about Think Big Partners’ Launch and Learn Program please contact Sarah Snyder at SSnyder@ThinkBigPartners.com.

Written by Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBig

Happy Coworking Day!

Source: Silicon Pairie News

Six years ago, Brad Neuberg created Hat Factory -- the original coworking space.  And today, we celebrate the coworking phenomenon by partaking in International Coworking Day. 

So join a coworking space, network with other entrepreneurs, share a desk, or grab some coffee.  Today is the day to cowork! 

From everyone at Think Big Partners and bizperc, Happy International Coworking Day! 

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

KC Momentum Moves the City in the Right (Digital) Direction

Kansas City has always had a town-hall.  But now, the hall has gone digital.

The City of Kansas City, Missouri recently set up an account with MindMixer, an online conversation and virtual town-hall that allows for community planning, building and improvement to happen in a digital way.  MindMixer is the only virtual town-hall service dedicated to municipal and government projects in order to generate a broader audience and create community participation.  And in Kansas City, it comes in the form of KC Momentum.

KC Momentum allows Kansas City residents to give ideas, comments and suggestions to the city online around the topics of improving the community, business licensing and regulation, Google Fiber, public improvements, parking and downtown transit and communication from the city.  When members submit ideas, "second" an idea, refer a friend, or vote on an idea, they can earn rewards and points that add up in a big way.  Prizes include tickets to a Kansas City Royals game and autographed baseballs.

So what's your idea?  Too many potholes on Main Street?  A new name for the Kansas City Missouri School District?  A new KC resident magazine? Interactive parking space availability?  Whatever your strange, cool, crazy or amazing idea may be, be sure to broadcast it on KC Momentum. 

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

The Kauffman Foundation Announces Startup Open Competition

The Kauffman Foundation is asking it: Who are the next generation of entrepreneurs that will grow to become tomorrow's Google, Apple or Facebook? 

And entrepreneurs? They're responding.  It's all part of Startup Open.

Startup Open, put on by the Kauffman Foundation, is a competition that recognizes the "GEW 50," a group of 50 companies deemed to have the greatest chance of growing in to game-changing firms that will move markets and create jobs.  Prizes and honors will be awarded during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011.  One winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip and VIP delegate credentials to participate in Liverpool's Global Entrepreneurship Congress in March of 2012. 

Second prize will receive a year of mentoring from Redbox's founding members Michael DeLazzer and Biju Kulathaka.  The startups that make it into the "GEW 50" will be invited to participate in Start-Up Chile. 

With Startup Open happening in Kansas City and throughout the nation, as well as the Gigabit Challenge recently launched in the Kansas City area, many more entrepreneur opportunities have been born in the Midwest.  Be sure to check out both of these competitions by clicking on the links below and start living your dream today!

Startup Open

The Gigabit Challenge

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Headed Back to School? The Top 10 Universities for Entrepreneurship

Due to the surge in startup companies, many universities have developed the entrepreneurship degree.  Is this degree the right one for you?  And if so, where should you go to get it?

1.  University of Houston: The Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship has been a leading program in the U.S. for the past several years. Over 1,800 students are engrossed in the entrepreneurship major or minor at this Texas school every semester. Continuous outside classroom experiences and opportunities are presented to the University of Houston entrepreneurship students, expanding their networks and connections. An average of 65% of students enrolled in this program have started a business in college or shortly after graduation.

2.  Baylor University: With a goal to assist local entrepreneurial efforts as well as national ventures, the John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship has been thriving for decades. Baylor University was one of the first universities to implement an entrepreneurship program and it has proven to be a leader for the rest of the country. Extensive entrepreneurship programs are offered such as International Entrepreneurship Study Abroad, The Innovation Evaluation Program and Institute for Family Business.

3.  Brigham Young University: Ranking first in the country for the number of startups, licenses and patent application per research dollar spent, Brigham Young is a surprising powerhouse in the entrepreneurial field. This small Mormon school produces promising entrepreneurs while retaining a low tuition cost and several mentoring opportunities for the students.

4.  Babson College: Having the mindset and commitment to encourage innovation, this small east coast school has exceedingly done so, time and time again. Babson has been ranked as a top college, business school and a first class entrepreneurship program numerous times. The study of entrepreneurship is “a way of life” at Babson College.

5.  University of Southern California: A valuable asset to the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies is the diverse and well-seasoned professors that encourage students to go above and beyond. With the ability to give students respectable exposure and resources, the entrepreneurship students are in good hands at USC.

6.  University of Missouri-Kansas City: UMKC's Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Bloch School of Management has not only won dozens of awards, but has produced many successful entrepreneurs and startup companies in the Midwest.  With various student ventures, mentor programs, seed funds, creative challenges, workshops, clubs, and entrepreneurial meet-ups, UMKC is a great resource for innovation and future success.  Not to mention, UMKC has the Kauffman Foundation located in its reach, allowing for even more dynamite resources. 

7.  Syracuse University: Syracuse University offers a diverse, yet critical set of entrepreneurial classes to students in addition to community business exposure. Those majoring in entrepreneurship learn every step of starting a business from creating a business plan to marketing invention designs to participating in pitch competitions.  Be sure to check out Syracuse's Student Start-Up Accelerator with various classes, seed capital, and vast incubator capabilities. 

8.  University of Notre Dame: Established a little over a decade ago, the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies has become a leader in developing young entrepreneurs. The goal of this school is to develop individuals aspiring to create for-profit ventures as well as help rebuild struggling businesses. The faculty is extremely credible, 90% being entrepreneurs themselves.

9.  Washington University in St. Louis: Trying to ignite a spark between the St. Louis entrepreneurial community and the students of this accredited school, Washington University’s main focus is on collaboration. The Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurship offers several free programs throughout the year to promote networking for both the community and the students. Washington University of St. Louis also offers many clubs for students to get involved in for all sorts of entrepreneurial pursuits.

10.  DePaul University: The entrepreneurship program at DePaul University attempts to give students real world experience so they can be “proficient in self-employment skills” and “live the dream.” The Coleman Entrepreneurship Program gives a competitive advantage to students by keeping close connections with alumni and the faculty with an entrepreneurial spirit. Centered in Chicago, undergrads majoring in entrepreneurship have eminent resources near them at all times.

These schools are the cream of the crop when it comes to entrepreneurship. With this being said, a successful entrepreneur does not necessarily have to attend one off this list, but the extra networking, knowledge and exposure can’t hurt!

Written by Genevieve Alander and Allison Way

@GennaThinkBig   @AllisonThinkBig

Announcing: Startup Weekend Columbia!

As many KC entrepreneurs know, Startup Weekend Kansas City was a huge success back in April.  While over 80 visionaries and entrepreneurs chugged Mountain Dew and chewed on Twizzlers, eight new companies formed within the walls of bizperc in just one short weekend.  Two went on to become actual running companies. 

So it's no wonder Startup Weekend is making its way to Columbia, Missouri for the first time.

Startup Weekend Columbia will take place from September 30th until October 2nd at Museao (3500 Buttonwood Drive).  The Startup Weekend Columbia crew welcomes all entrepreneurs, visionaires, innovators, and technology experts to join them for a 54-hour event that focuses on building web or mobile applications in the hopes to developing credible businesses. 

"Startup Weekend Columbia is a platform for sharing ideas," says Kelsey Meyer, head organizer of SUW Columbia (and Director of Awesomeness at League of Innovators).  "There are so many entrepreneurial opportunities going on in Columbia.  We wanted to create one event that brings people together to promote entrepreneurship."

Kelsey could not be more spot-on.  With recent entrepreneurial developments such as League of Innovators, the McQuinn Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, and many others, Columbia is booming with innovation and startup excitement.

"We have so much talent in this town," Meyer says.  "Columbia is trying to encourage the talented people to stay here.  Startup Weekend will help to promote entrepreneurship within the community.  We have a vibrant startup environment here- now it's time to show it."

Startup Weekend would not be possible without its stand-out sponsors.  A special thanks to The League of Innovators, VAMortgageCenter.com, Williams Keepers, Growth Partner, Subway, MO.com, Bookd.com, REDI, and Reynolds Journalism Institute for making the weekend possible. 

Tickets for Startup Weekend Columbia are on sale here. Be one of the first to spark the Startup Weekend flame in Columbia, Missouri and watch your idea come to life!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

bizperc Perk: The Idea Board!

Although many bizperc tenants love the coworking space's free popcorn, legal consultation, and bottomless coffee, these "perks" are not the number one reason that Kansas City entrepreneurs and startups rent out the office space.  The main reason is to network with others and to get ideas percolating.

Which is why bizperc has implemented the "Idea Board", where anybody--not just tenants, but walk-ins, passerbys, and even the FedEx guys--can bring their ideas to life on a simple white board and get input from others.  It is a testament to collaboration.  And that's what bizperc is all about.

So stop by.  Write on the board.  See what other people think.  You never know what amazing idea can blossom from writing it on a simple white board with a black marker!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

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

The Crossroads Says Farewell to the Arts Incubator

Think Big Partners was the new kid on the block when it opened the bizperc coworking space in the Crossroads District back in August of 2010.  Most of the establishments that reside in the Crossroads District have been there for years and years.  Some have been there for so long, that they have been known to "define" the Crossroads District.  And one of these buildings is the Arts Incubator of Kansas City.

The Arts Incubator helped Think Big Partners feel right at home.  As a friendly neighbor to TBP and bizperc, the Arts Incubator was a textbook example of a successful, well-run nontechnology incubator for over a decade.  But due to recent building and licensing violations, the AIKC's board of directors decided to close the incubator permanently, including its event space, showcasing floor, and studio space. 

As a tribute to the Arts Incubator of Kansas City, Think Big would like to display some photos of the infamous Kansas City incubator.  This is how we saw our friendly neighbor each and every day from our own windows. 



Looking into the Arts Incubator's empty event space from a window at bizperc.

 

A view of the Arts Incubator from the bizperc kitchen.



Something old, something new.  The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts
peeks out over the Arts Incubator roof. 

The two incubators side-by-side: Arts Incubator and bizperc coworking space.

The Arts Incubator was a huge part of First Fridays in the Crossroads District.

Signs that cover the Arts Incubator door.

Other Crossroads establishments such as Nara and bizperc have offered
to help out those looking for a space for events.

Farewell to the Arts Incubator.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig