What is Think Big Partners Thankful For?

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

What are we thankful for?  We're so glad you asked.

We're thankful for the amazing entrepreneurs who we have the opportunity to work with every day; from experienced techaholics to dedicated social media gurus.


We're thankful for our inspirational coworking space and the ideas that percolate within the bizperc walls.


We're thankful that Kansas City is exploding with entrepreneurship and collaboration with initiatives from KCSourceLink, the Social Media Club of Kansas City, Google Fiber and the Kauffman Foundation.


We're thankful for Twitter.


We're thankful for the 113 contestants who entered into The Gigabit Challenge and their dedication, passion and courage to put a business idea on the line.


We're thankful for our partners and all of our supporters who have helped make TBP what it is today.


We're thankful for other startup accelerators and business incubators out there that are leading the way for entrepreneurs and innovators. 


We're thankful for coffee.  


We're thankful for the precious time we get to spend with our friends and families.


We're thankful that our company is made up of driven, innovative and rockstar entrepreneurs who have been, there done that and are willing to help others do the same.


We're thankful that our office has one of the best views of downtown Kansas City.


We're thankful for 37signals and its mysterious ways of organizing our chaotic lives.  


We're thankful for all of the small businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations that have collaborated with us to throw events like Entrepreneur Corner, Think Big Kansas City, The Gigabit Challenge Finale and Entrepreneur Bootcamp.  


We're thankful for entrepreneurs, just like you, who have become living and breathing proof that Think Big Partners is making a difference in the Kansas City community and beyond.

What are you thankful for? 

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

What is Think Big Partners and What is bizperc?

Sometimes, we have to ask that question ourselves.  The truth of the matter is, Think Big Partners and bizperc do go hand-in-hand.  But they are not synonymous.  Allow us to explain. 

Think Big Partners is a business incubator and startup accelerator that was brought to life over a year ago in Kansas City.  Think Big Partners focuses on startup services and resources for today's innovative and creative entrepreneurs.  From legal advice to marketing strategies, web development and copy writing, Think Big Partners provides everything that an entrepreneur may need in order to succeed.  In addition, Think Big Partners hosts the Think Big Kansas City Conference.  TBKC is a jam-packed day for entrepreneurs, investors and startups to get educated and inspired. 

bizperc is a downtown Kansas City coworking space.  bizperc houses entrepreneurs who are looking for desk space, private offices, collaboration, networking and free coffee.  bizperc also provides entrepreneurs with access to a 6th floor event space for business cocktail parties, networking activities and entrepreneurial education as well as access to a sound booth, green screen, storage space, lockers, kitchen, productivity center and resource library.  We like to say that bizperc is the ideal place for any entrepreneur to go - whether they need a drop-in conference room or a dedicated desk with the perfect view of downtown KC.

In other words...

bizperc is powered by Think Big Partners.

Think Big Partners uses the bizperc space to access entrepreneurs who need guidance, resources and services.

Crystal clear?  If not, email us with any questions you might have!  info@thinkbigpartners.com

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

What’s the Difference Between a Business Incubator and a Business Accelerator?

The terms “business incubator” and “business accelerator” are often used synonymously, but the two entrepreneur initiatives are extremely different.  So what distinguishes one from the other?  How do you choose which option is right for you and your business venture?  And where can you find the right incubator or accelerator for you? 

As their names suggest, the key difference between an incubator and an accelerator is the timeline and discipline on which they operate.  Business incubators provide new companies with a nurturing environment where they can grow at their own pace.  Companies are allowed to stay within the incubator for an extended period of time until they get too big or eventually fail.  According to the National Business Incubation Association, the average incubated company spends 33 months inside an incubator.  By incorporating entrepreneurial insight and guidance, incubators save entrepreneurs a lot of valuable time and money.

On the other hand, accelerators operate more like an entrepreneurial bootcamp.  Business accelerator programs are short and intense.  The goal of an accelerator is to take a business idea and launch a company at an accelerated speed.  Business accelerator programs have become very popular among emerging technology companies.  Accelerator speed is especially attractive to companies creating mobile apps, cloud based software, and tech-based applications because a business accelerator’s speed is complimentary to the pace of web.   

Think Big Partners has taken the best parts of each and combined them by providing business incubator services at a business accelerator speed.  Specializing in tech-oriented companies, TBP combines incubation and acceleration initiatives in order to offer “fast test” validation of ideas and stellar support services to small businesses including marketing, consulting, legal, web, copywriting, and PR.  Through their Launch and Learn events the business aims to help tech startups and entrepreneurs launch stronger, faster.  Think Big Partners will also hosts Entrepreneur Bootcamps for Kansas City startup businesses, which attributes to the fast pace of business and startup accelerators around the globe. 

Think Big Partners operates within bizperc, a flexible coworking space dedicated to entrepreneurs.  The space is set up to provide both an open and collaborative environment conducive for companies preparing to launch and an executive office space for those companies who are already launched and running.  Whether tenants want to utilize the incubator services from Think Big Partners within the coworking space or simply use bizperc as a collaborative environment is entirely up to them. 

If you are debating between a business incubator, an accelerator or a combination of the two, there are a few important things to look out for when choosing the proper work environment for you, your idea and your business. 

Do you need mentoring and support services?

You may be an expert in your industry market or niche, but very few entrepreneurs can claim expertise in everything involved with starting a business.  Look for expert mentors with a proven track record and an environment with readily available legal, financial and technical services.  Know your strengths and weaknesses and choose a place that can supplement areas that you may be uncomfortable with such as social media or marketing.  Business incubators provide more long-term services in comparison to business accelerators.  If your business is looking for services that they can stick to for a longer period of time, an incubator may be the right choice.   

Will the space be compatible with your startup?

Look for a place that can meet the growing needs of your company.  The space should enhance your company’s professional image and contribute to its productivity.  Unlimited free coffee is always a plus!  But most importantly ask yourself, “Does the synergy of the space mesh with your company culture?”

What speed are you looking for?

Do you want to launch right away or do you have more time to invest when starting up your business?  This is the main factor when it comes to deciding between an incubator and an accelerator: how fast do you want and need to move?  If you are a tech company, your answer is most likely fast!  An accelerator is a good choice for those companies and startups that are looking to launch in the tech industry. 

Rejoice, entrepreneurs.  The time for business incubator and startup accelerators is here!  Whatever path you chose to take in your entrepreneurial career, we encourage you to remember one thing: both accelerators and incubators have the potential to benefit you and your startup greatly.  Choose wisely and Think Big! 

Written by Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBig

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

PART 2: Think Big Partners Chooses The Angel Capital Group to Create a Nationwide Capital Network--Our Q&A Session with Founder, Rachael Qualls

As Part 2 of this blog, I had the opportunity to talk with Rachael Qualls, founder of the Angel Capital Group, and answer any questions about ACG’s collaboration with Think Big Partners.  The Angel Capital Group, with five locations nationwide, is an angel capital organization developed out of Nashville, Tennessee, that links together its network of angel investors in order to aid entrepreneurs in finding startup and seed capital.  In addition, the Angel Capital Group provides investors with a diversified capital investment process.  After talking with Rachael, I learned a lot more about ACG as well as its exciting partnership with Think Big Partners in their collaborative effort to “change the world.” 

TBP:  Rachel, when did you start the Angel Capital Group? 

QUALLS:  I founded the company in January of 2007, so the company is four years old.  We started out as a small network in the community north of Nashville, Tennessee. 

TBP:  Why did you establish the Angel Capital Group?

QUALLS:  When I was an investment manager, I found that the number one best way to diversify your public assets was with private equity.  The problem is that access to private equity is extremely difficult.  On the other side, my asset management practice just happened to be located inside of a bank branch, so I saw a lot of people coming in and trying to get loans from the bank.  I knew the banks weren’t lending to them because they either didn’t have collateral or they hadn’t been in business long enough—all the things that make lending so difficult.  So I saw this huge opportunity to connect investors with startup companies.

TBP:  What made you land on the idea of Angel Capital Group?

QUALLS:  What we learned in starting a small, local angel network was that we were really limiting ourselves.  We ended up [noticing] that the one thing that most people think is synonymous with angel investing, which is that it’s only a local activity, is really the one thing that is wrong with the current model.  So we wanted to take and turn it upside down on its head and say, “Wait a minute.  We don’t have to only invest in our backyard.  What if we, through in the Internet and a web based platform, do investments everywhere?” 

TBP:  How do these national efforts of Angel Capital Group work?

QUALLS:  We are expanding in conjunction with Think Big Partners to launch multiple chapter networks hopefully all across the United States.  Local chapters are going to have a minimum of ten angel investors as part of the network.  Those angels are going to review not only local companies up for investment, but companies that are up for investment all across the United States. 

TBP:  How does the Angel Capital Group benefit both the investors and the entrepreneurs?

QUALLS:  [Investors] get the ability to build a full portfolio of investments and support their local companies.  The local companies get access to a much larger group of angel investors.  With that comes a very large network of resources, contacts and help.  The local community wins.  The investor wins.  It’s a win-win. 

TBP:  Can you explain the partnership between the Angel Capital Group and Think Big Partners?

QUALLS:  ACG has learned that once you fund a company, that company needs help.  They need to be connected with other entrepreneurs; they need resources.  There are all these other needs that come out of that initial investment.  That’s why we’re so excited to work with Think Big Partners—because they provide all of the services that we don’t, which makes a great partnership.

TBP:  What are Think Big Partners and Angel Capital Group hoping to accomplish together?

QUALLS:  The goals are going to be to use Kansas City as a beta test for what it’s like to provide an incubating environment with a strong funding arm. From there we are going to try to replicate the model in as many communities as we can.  The good thing about both of our models and both of us working together is that we are not just focusing on hub cities like San Francisco, Boston or Austin; it’s really for any community looking to grow their entrepreneur base.

TBP:  How many cities would the two companies like to reach together?

QUALLS:  We are hoping internally for about fifteen ACG-TBP locations for next year alone. 

TBP:  So what’s next for Angel Capital Group? 

QUALLS:  We are starting a number of just-ACG locations.  We are currently located in Nashville, Tennessee; Knoxville, Tennessee; Jackson, Mississippi; Memphis, Tennessee and [are] looking into opening in areas in Louisiana and Kentucky.  In 10 years, we want to be the largest angel investing organization in the country.  We would love to have at least 50 locations.

TBP:  How do you Think Big? 

QUALLS:  We are here to change the world by bringing to market innovations that wouldn’t have otherwise made it due to lack of capital.  Internally, we are passionate to do what we do and to give innovation and technology that will save the planet by getting it to market.  It’s about bringing together all these wealthy people, and all these communities and all these entrepreneurs and connecting them and flowing money to the people who need it.

The Rachael Qualls interview was conducted and written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City’s newest entrepreneurial resource.  To read more of Allison’s work, visit the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner or her articles on Helium, BrooWaha, eZine and Newsvine.

PART 1: Think Big Partners Chooses the Angel Capital Group to Create a Nationwide Capital Network

Something big is happening in Kansas City.

As part of this week’s Think Big Partners Sneak Preview Event, Herb Sih, co-founder of TBP, made an important announcement that got all entrepreneurs talking.

Two companies have collaborated in order to provide capital-raising opportunities with the benefits of vital entrepreneurial resources in order to improve the startup community in Kansas City and throughout the nation.

These two companies are Think Big Partners and the Angel Capital Group (ACG).

The Angel Capital Group, with five locations nationwide (and growing!), is an angel network of investors that links together its networks so that entrepreneurial resources, such as startup and seed capital, can be efficiently utilized to best aid entrepreneurs.  In addition, ACG provides education and support to various communities in order to aid in establishing more angel investor networks. 

Think Big Partners and the Angel Capital Group, originally located in Nashville, Tennessee, are partnering to create a nationwide capital network and are looking forward to expanding both of their valuable resources to entrepreneurs on a nationwide basis.  Combined with Think Big Partners' national conference for entrepreneurs, investors and startups, Think Big Partners and ACG can effectively help entrepreneurs locate capital easily, assist investors in finding more businesses worth funding, and help more ideas locate the right home anywhere in the country.

Together, the two companies are combining the importance of entrepreneurial funding with the vital services, resources, and help that entrepreneurs often need when starting up a new business.  This is the first collaboration of its kind, all in the name of serving entrepreneurs, building stronger communities and changing the world.

So what can you expect from Think Big Partners and the Angel Capital Group in the years to come?  The two companies plan to provide incubating environments with strong funding arms in as many communities as possible—and not just in hubs such as San Francisco, Austin and Boston—but in any city that wants to grow its entrepreneurial base.

Do you have more questions about the Angel Capital Group’s collaboration with Think Big Partners?  Stay tuned for Part 2!  In a few hours, check back with us and read up on the special interview I conducted with Angel Capital Group founder, Rachael Qualls!

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City’s mentorship-based business incubator and startup accelerator.  To read more of Allison’s work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on Helium, BrooWaha, eZine and Newsvine.

The Donald Teaches New Apprentices the Importance of the Modern Office

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners. 

“The toughest job interview in the world”, also known as The Apprentice, kicked off Season 10 on NBC last Friday. Donald Trump, once again, recruited this season’s contestants, most unemployed, from a 24-year old Stanford grad to a 46-year old ex-Air Force man and laid-off financial advisor. Although the Donald’s demeanor, attitude, and hair style may be the same as past seasons, The Apprentice Season 10 truly is a revamped reality show. And entrepreneurs, you should be quite interested.

Episode 1 showed the first project in which teams (one team of men and one team of women) had to design and build an ultra-modern office space out of empty New York City lofts. In the end, after a rainbow creation and a “green space” creation, both office spaces were hated by The Donald himself.

Trump’s first project posed a challenge. But ultimately, he was proving that smart business people and entrepreneurs should know what an effective and modern office space looks like. More importantly, a good businessperson should also know how it feels to work in an inspiring space. A modern office must have clean lines, an edgy ambiance, and should be inspiring for any type of entrepreneur or small business owner. bizperc, Think Big Partner’s new business incubator, has taken in every aspect of a productive, modern, and inspirational workplace and has unloaded it into one Midwestern, downtown building. Maybe The Apprentice contenders should have taken a look at bizperc before buying the furniture and choosing the paint.

An ultra-modern loft-turned-office is not an easy task for anyone. All elements must be put into place: from lighting to paint colors, from furniture to aromatherapy. The Apprentice contestants must use their imaginations and Think Big in order to wow The Donald. We look forward to following the contenders in their pursuit of big-time-business.

10 Kansas City Entrepreneurial Resources that are Worth Checking Out

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners.

There are a lot of entrepreneurial resources out there, even in Kansas City alone. In order to help you narrow down the most important resources, Think Big Partners has developed a list of 10 Kansas City Entrepreneurial Resources that are Worth Checking Out. Some of these resources are located near Kansas City, while others are located in the heart of downtown. No matter where these entrepreneurial resources are located, however, one thing is for sure: they were all created to help entrepreneurs launch successful businesses. So if you’re a serious entrepreneur looking for small business help, check out one (or all) of these resources to determine which one is right for you and your percolating ideas.

1. The Kauffman Foundation
http://www.kauffman.org/   |   816.932.1000

The Kauffman Foundation provides Kansas City with entrepreneurship education and training efforts and also promotes entrepreneurship-friendly policies to better facilitate the commercialization of new technologies. With programs such as FastTrac and the Entrepreneur Fellows Program, The Kauffman Foundation uses practical hands-on lessons in business development to help entrepreneurs become a success.

2. bizperc
http://www.bizperc.com/   |   816.842.5244

bizperc is Kansas City’s newest entrepreneurial resource located in the thriving Crossroads District of downtown Kansas City. As a collaborative, rentable workspace, bizperc provides serious entrepreneurs with all of their startup needs; from a vast rolodex of networking resources to an inspirational and creative environment, from beneficial core services to entrepreneur education and events, bizperc has exactly what the modern, yet Midwestern, entrepreneur needs.

3. Missouri Enterprise
www.missourienterprise.org   |   800.956.2682

The Missouri Enterprise helps small- and medium-sized businesses in the United States with manufacturing productivity improvement, ISO/quality management systems, and growth and business strategies. The Missouri Enterprise offers a variety of seminars, events, and core services.

4. Hispanic Economic Development Corporation of KC
http://www.kchedc.org/   |   816.221.3442

The Hispanic Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City helps aspiring and current entrepreneurs to start, sustain and grow their own businesses. This service comes complete with bilingual information, education, services, and assistance to develop business plans and feasibility plans to increase the probability for success and minimize the risk of failure in business.

5. Ozark Foothills Business Incubator
www.ofrpc.org   |   573.785.6402

The Ozark Foothills Business Incubator may be further away from Kansas City than most (located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri), but that doesn’t mean that it cannot provide entrepreneurs with an innovative facility to enhance business startup and expansion. With six industrial spaces, a wide variety of business services (such as seminars, tenant placement assistance, financial planning, and conference rooms), as well as discounts on many of its services, this business incubator has been professionally administered by the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission.

6. FAMEE
http://www.famee.org/   |   785.554.3050

Located in Topeka, Kansas, the Foundation for the Advancement of Marketing Excellence in Entrepreneurs provides entrepreneurs with free resources, training programs, and guidance to help small businesses address key marketing and development challenges and to, of course, help grow their firms.

7. First Step Fund
www.firststepfund.org   |   816.235.6116

First Step Fund of Kansas City offers general business courses, childcare business courses, as well as on-going support after the entrepreneurial company has been launched. First Step Fund is a 36-hour program with a full feasibility plan for business or business concepts. It is taught by an experienced team of facilitators, coaches, and small business professionals.

8. Kansas and Missouri Universities and Colleges

Many entrepreneurial resources can be found in the universities and colleges of Kansas as Missouri. Check out the following schools to improve your entrepreneurial knowledge:

Kansas City Kansas Community College, Entrepreneurship Program
Johnson County Community College, Entrepreneurship Program
Missouri Western State College, Dept. of Business
Small Business Development Center at JCCC
Small Business Development Center at KU
Small Business Development Center at Northwest Missouri State (Extension)
Small Business & Technology Development Center at UMKC
Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and Development

9. Women’s Business Center
http://www.kansaswbc.com/   |   913.492.5922

The Kansas City Women’s Business Center, located in Lenexa, Kansas, offers mentoring, resources, and counseling to women who wish to become an entrepreneur or who are currently operating their own business. The center provides business counseling, seminars, classes, workshops, networking, and peer mentoring.

10. Ennovation Center
www.ennovationcenter.com   |   816.463.3532

Located in Independence, Missouri, Ennovation Center focuses on three core areas for the development of new business: bio-tech, kitchen, and finally, business & technology. Ennovation Center provides professional facilities, administrative services, business & financing assistance, as well as a vast list of resources such as receptionist & message services, janitorial services, conferences & training rooms, and copy and fax machines.

More entrepreneurial resources can be found by browsing KCSourceLink. 
We would like to thank all of the above Kansas City resources for Thinking Big and providing help for all of our entrepreneurs.

Think Big Partners launches new business incubator, bizperc



bizperc helps entrepreneurs reach the American Dream.

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners.

Entrepreneurs are not only big thinkers, but they are also big believers.  More specifically, entrepreneurs must believe in the die-hard notion of the American Dream, a national ethos which leads people to believe that "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement."  Think Big Partners is giving this American Dream opportunity to entrepreneurs out there through the launch of our new business incubator, bizperc.

bizperc (site to launch soon), located at 1800 Baltimore in the thriving Crossroads District of downtown Kansas City, is a modern-meets-Midwest business incubator unlike any other found in the region.  Serious entrepreneurs are given the American Dream opportunity to launch their businesses within the walls of bizperc by utilizing its network of expert resources and beneficial core services.  With offerings such as rented desk and cubicle workspaces, virtual Smartboard conference rooms, open event space, and complimentary SmartCoffee, the entrepreneur that utilizes bizperc can chase his own American Dream and dramatically increase his chance of running a successful business.

Who says you must fulfill the American Dream alone?  At bizperc, the importance of co-working, collaboration, and community is extremely important.  The American Dream has historically been achieved through participation in the society and economy in the hopes that everyone reaches prosperity.  At bizperc, entrepreneurs can lean on one another with the goal that everyone becomes a success.  

Think Big Partners is here to help you chase your very own American Dream.  Visit bizperc today at http://www.bizperc.com/ or at http://www.thinkbigpartners.com/.  bizperc and its valuable resources will truly help you to Think Big!