intevli App Launches During Kansas City Crossroads’ July First Fridays

intevli, a free interactive event mapping app created for Kansas City’s First Fridays, will hold its official launch party on Friday, July 6, 2012 at Think Big Partners’ parking lot located at 1800 Baltimore in the Crossroads Arts District.

Created by Van Osdol and Magruder attorney Chris Brown and Adcuda’s vice president of technology Tom Jenkins, intevli has been built to help attendees of large events filter what they do and don’t want to explore.  The launch of the app will focus solely on Kansas City’s First Fridays, an event that takes place every first Friday of the month to celebrate the Crossroads Arts Districts’ art scene, businesses, restaurants and entrepreneurs.

“I think people have confusion about First Fridays,” says Brown. “They don’t know where to go or what to do.  We hope that intevli will draw people in not only from downtown, but from the suburbs too.”

The free app will allow users to explore and filter through events to find what they care about most.  With intevli, attendees of First Fridays will now be able to find out about art events, shopping deals, restaurants, entrepreneurial meetups and even parking availability when they install the app on their iPhones or Android smartphones.

“We need more people, especially from the suburbs, to participate in First Fridays,” says Brown.  “That’s our goal.  We also want to get more people involved in the entrepreneurial community.”

In the future, the intevli co-founders hope to expand its reach beyond First Fridays and become an app for large events such as music festivals, art fairs, barbecue competitions, concerts and more.  Crossroads Arts District businesses are invited to sign up for intevli today to for free event promotion during First Fridays.  Events can be posted at http://intev.li/venue/.

The intevli launch party will start at 6:00pm on Friday, July 6, 2012 (during First Fridays) at Think Big Partners’ parking lot on the corner of 18^th and Baltimore.  First Fridays attendees are invited to come learn more about the app, download it to their smartphones and provide feedback to the intevli team.  The intevli launch party will be a part of Think Big Partners’ Entrepreneur Corner event, which takes place each First Fridays at 1800 Baltimore.  This First Fridays, Entrepreneur Corner will be All-Star themed and will not only feature the new intevli app, but will bring in a baseball pitch speed reader, an opportunity to pitch an idea to camera (Pitch Here, Pitch There), a grand slam photo booth from Life Equals and much, much more!  Learn more here.  

To learn more about intevli, please visit http://www.intev.li.  The app will be downloadable on July 6, 2012. 

Follow me! @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

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

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

bizperc Celebrates First Fridays & The 4th of July

Summer is here and bizperc is celebrating it.  This past Friday the Kansas City coworking space operated by Think Big Partners opened its doors to the attendees of First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District.  Check out the pics below of the wonderful Friday afternoon in bizperc!  Of course, there was a lot of red, white and blue to go around!

Thanks to all of those who made it out to bizperc last Friday.  We are looking forward to celebrating with you all again next month!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Kansas City Coworking Spaces

In a recent study conducted by Deskwanted, it was found that it is cheaper to work at a coworking space than in a coffee shop.  Although prices do vary from city to city, one thing is for sure: coworking is worth it.  Entrepreneurs, startup companies, freelancers and small business owners can greatly benefit from carrying out day-to-day business in coworking spaces.  But where are the coworking spaces in Kansas City?  Do they even exist?

Of course they do.  In fact, Kansas City is the home of three innovative coworking spaces.    

bizperc

1800 Baltimore

Kansas City, MO 64108

Bringing a fresh, innovative, and collaborative approach to Kansas City coworking, the bizperc office space was opened in August of 2010 to support entrepreneurs, startup companies and small businesses.  Located in the heart of the thriving and eclectic Crossroads Arts District, bizperc is the home of many startups and established Kansas City businesses.  Powered by Think Big Partners, bizperc provides on-site startup resources (i.e. legal, web design, logo design, accounting, marketing, PR and much more), a productivity center, meeting rooms, event space, free coffee, and a Wi-Fi enabled rooftop garden.  But there’s more to bizperc than meets the eye: the team behind bizperc has strategically built it so that every entrepreneur’s needs are met—from incorporating natural light to providing sound masking capabilities, from handing out a version of 5-Hour Energy to setting up a video/audio suite—bizperc has it all.  For more information or to book a tour, please visit bizperc.com or call 816-842-5244.

OfficePort

208 W. 19^th Street (among others)

Kansas City, MO 64108

As one of the first coworking spaces to hit Kansas City, OfficePort (located in the Crossroads Arts District and the heart of the River Market) is best defined as an open, supportive, and affordable workspace for entrepreneurs, freelancers and small businesses.  With an unfinished and techy ambiance, OfficePort is far from the stuffy, traditional and corporate workplace. Housing over 30 successful small businesses among its three locations (the 3^rd location is in Chicago), OfficePort is the ideal home for someone who wants to collaborate, cowork and “weave” with others.  To check out OfficePort for yourself, visit officeportnetwork.com or call 816-994-7311 (Crossroads location).

Innovation Café

2029 Wyandotte

Kansas City, MO 64108

The newest coworking space in Kansas City is Innovation Café which launched at the beginning of this month.  As a workplace for today’s entrepreneurs, freelancers, and virtual agencies, Innovation Café welcomes all industries: from software companies to designers, from freelancers to engineers.  Although Innovation Café only opened a few weeks ago, the coworking space already houses five growing companies from a variety of different industries.  Additionally, Innovation Café offers an event space that is expected to be quite popular for launch parties, private parties and networking get-togethers.  For a closer look at Innovation Café, visit icafekc.com or call 816-994-9140.

Take your pick, Kansas City entrepreneurs.  There are three inspiring and modern coworking spaces out there that will not only help to grow your startup idea, but will cost less than working out of Starbucks! 

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig.

bizperc Tenant Aims to Save the Journalism Industry- One Zipcode at a Time

How Alan McArthur’s new small business, KCReporter, hopes to revive a dying industry.

It’s no secret that the journalism industry is diminishing.  Over 30,000 jobs in the field were lost in the past three years alone—and this number continues to grow.  But is anything being done about it?     

Saving the Industry

Alan McArthur may have the ability to turn it all around.  And he’s starting in a place very close to his heart—in the middle of downtown Kansas City.  This budding entrepreneur became a virtual tenant in the bizperc office space in the Crossroads District just a few weeks ago.  By utilizing bizperc’s location and mailing services, Alan hopes to successfully launch his new business, The Kansas City Reporter.

KC Reporter is to be an online journal for Kansas City that covers the city government.  By tagging each article by zipcode, KC Reporter hopes to be the next big online journal in the Kansas City area through its usability and breaking headlines.

“I want to provide news that’s being missed in Kansas City,” says Alan.  “These are stories that readers need to know.  They may not be getting this information from current sources.”

Discovering bizperc

Alan is launching The Kansas City Reporter with one goal in mind: to provide news to Kansas Citians.  But he doesn’t need a swanky office space, professional phone line, or a heavy-duty copy machine in order to do it...at least not yet.  What he does need is a professional mailing address.  And that’s why he turned to bizperc.

bizperc’s ultimate flexibility allowed Alan to become a virtual tenant in which he utilizes the professional mailing address and any other services that he may need on a drop-in basis.  After discovering bizperc during First Fridays in the Crossroads District, Alan found that the coworking space would be the perfect virtual home to start up.

“I think that a lot of small businesses are starting up,” says Alan.  “I’m just one of four people in the retail store that I work in that is starting a business.  Having a place like bizperc proves that you’re legitimate and that you do more than just work out of your apartment.”

Thinking Big

As a member of bizperc (which is powered by Think Big Partners), Alan knows how to Think Big:

“Thinking Big is having the courage to start a company, even in an industry that is said to be dying.  I don’t think journalism can die.  It will survive in one form or another.  It’s just time to start a new service and see what sticks.”

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

5 ½ Kansas City Restaurants to Wine and Dine Your Clients

Whether you're looking for a quaint café on the sidewalks of the Plaza, an energetic brewery near the Power and Light District, or the perfect cup of coffee in the Crossroads, Kansas City seems to have it all.

But with so many terrific breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, there is one major problem: making a decision!  That's why I have narrowed down the 5 ½ best restaurants in Kansas City to wine and dine your clients.  So, if you're looking to meet a client for lunch, take an important prospect out for coffee, or want to wine and dine a client with a classic Kansas City dinner, these restaurants are guaranteed to help any small business owner impress their future customers.

1.  La Bodega
The environment of La Bodega is as unique as its food.  From the fresco paintings on the walls to the authentic Spanish tiles, La Bodega is a restaurant like no other.  Take your client to La Bodega for exquisite tapas and blow them away with an amazing atmosphere for lunch or dinner. 

2. The Capital Grille Restaurant
To truly put your client in a state of "awe", take them to Capital Grille in Kansas City.  Although this restaurant is pricey, it also serves some of the best food that Kansas City has to offer.  Be sure to wine and dine your client at Capital Grille and try the famous Lobster Macaroni and Cheese.  It's to die for!

3. Grand St. Cafe
Tucked away just east of the Country Club Plaza is the Grand St. Cafe.  This restaurant features an innovative menu of regional, all-American favorites with its own creative and professional twist.  Your client is sure to be impressed by the Grand St. Cafe's sophisticated, stylish, and unique atmosphere with a breath-taking Plaza view. 

4. Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue
This Kansas City restaurant guide would not be complete without a Kansas City barbecue original!  I have chosen Jack Stack barbecue, one of my favorite restaurants in the city.  With many locations and a wide variety of barbecued meats and finger-licking sauces and sides, Jack Stack is sure to "wow" any client who is looking to try out some real (and famous!) Kansas City barbecue.

5. Lidia's Restaurant 
Lidia's Restaurant, located on 22nd Steet, features both a brunch menu as well as a lunch and dinner selection with first, second and third course options.  Lidia's Restaurant has a refreshing and beautiful atmosphere and has become famous for its selection of freshly made breads and bakery items.

5 ½. Classic Cup

The Classic Cup, located on the Country Club Plaza takes our number 5 ½ spot on this list.  Why 5 ½?  Because we recommend The Classic Cup for wining and dining your clients for breakfast (or should we say "coffeeing and brunching"?).  This European style bistro is famous for its outdoor dining, contemporary cuisine, and homemade desserts.  If that's not enough to get your client's mouth watering, I don't know what is! 

Did we leave your favorite KC restaurant off of the list?  If so...

Please comment below and let us know where you like to take your clients for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City's newest entrepreneurial resources.  To read more of Allison's work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner. 

How One Small Gesture Can Save the World: Crossroads Cares 2010

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” 

He couldn’t be more right.

And although the Kansas City Crossroads District is a centralized location in which art- and business-minded individuals and companies have flourished and found great success, many Crossroads businesses know that there is more to life than making a pretty penny.  That is why many of these Crossroads businesses have decided to make a difference in Kansas City this holiday season by participating in a new philanthropic event, Crossroads Cares.   

Crossroads Cares is the collaboration of many Crossroads District businesses in the effort to feed hungry Kansas City families this holiday season.  From volunteering their time, to donating money, to providing families with food—  each of the following businesses are giving back to Kansas City, are participating in effective community service, and are enhancing the collaborative environment that is the Crossroads District:

·        Avid Communications

·        H2B Architects

·        Think Big Partners

·        bizperc

·        Cellar Rat

·        Dog Nuvo

·        Black Bamboo

·        Mildred’s Coffeehouse

·        Arts Incubator

·        Joe Calhoon and “The 1 Hour Plan for Growth”

As a participator and driving force behind Crossroads Cares, bizperc—Kansas City’s new business incubator and accelerator—is donating 50 meals from Harvester’s Community Food Network to hungry Kansas City families for every person that comes in to tour its new business event space, bizperc⁶, by December 10th.  Think Big Partners hopes to provide enough Thanksgiving meals for underprivileged families to make a difference in Kansas City this holiday season. 

To get involved with Crossroads Cares this holiday season, please contact Herb Sih, co-founder of Think Big Partners at 816.842.5244 or at herb@thinkbigpartners.com or contact Harvester’s Community Food Network at 816.929.3000.

Entrepreneurs, I know that you live a busy lifestyle and even during the holiday season, it’s hard to find time to volunteer.  But when work seems to be taking up a majority of your time, be sure to sit back every once and awhile and realize: Although you are making a living by what you do, you can make a life by what you give.

“It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.” – Tom Brokaw

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City's newest entrepreneurial resources.  To read more of Allison's work, please visit the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner.