Energy, Persistence and a Great Idea: The Story of Patrick Stoddart and Startup RED

Patrick Stoddart's favorite quote comes from the one and only Benjamin Franklin.  It reads, "energy and persistence conquer all things."  After all, no other quote could attribute more to Patrick's startup story.

Patrick's first big idea, a product known as RED, was not immediately accepted in his community of Lee's Summit.  When Patrick first presented RED, an interactive communication platform for organizations with events and activities, to the administration at Lee's Summit High School, the product suggestion was immediately turned down.

But even as a junior in high school, Patrick was not willing to take "no" for an answer.  After researching similar platforms such as Google Calendar, Blackboard and TextCaster, the high school student realized that none of them efficiently organized and communicated multiple events.

Patrick Stoddart, founder of RevDel.

So, Patrick, being the energetic and persistent person that he is, developed RED anyway.  After the product received 1,000 sign-ups in the first month of launch, the administration at Lee's Summit High School was suddenly interested.  Finally, both administrators and the director of technology for the school district began to support Patrick and RED.

Now, a few years later, RED has about 20,000 end users (50% schools and 50% churches/athletic organizations/nonprofits and chambers of commerce).  The communication platform sends alerts through text, email, social media and calendars to simplify the way that event-driven organizations interact.  After all, 90% of all communications are event-related, according to Patrick.

"RED addresses more than just the communication side--it addresses the calendar side too," says Patrick."  The platform is customized to the user; it easily filters through buildings, types of users, activities (120 available to select), and more.

RED grew so fast after its implementation in the Lee's Summit school district that Patrick had to drop out of college in order to continue to run the business.  After building up his client base considerably, Patrick began to face three well-known entrepreneurial barriers: lack of time, lack of experience and lack of interaction.

To solve for this, Patrick moved RED's headquarters from his home in Lee's Summit to the bizperc coworking space in downtown Kansas City.

"I was tired of the commute from the bedroom to the study," laughs Patrick.  "I needed a social environment, an established routine and fewer distractions.  Since I joined bizperc in August of 2012, I have learned more about the Kansas City entrepreneur community than I have in the past 2 years.  There are so many people to meet and things to get involved with."

Patrick even met Startup Weekend teammate Julie Edge in the bizperc coworking space.  Their Startup Weekend Kansas City idea, Shop Startup, is still moving forward from within the walls of bizperc.

Patrick is also excited to announce his newest product, RED 2.0, which is currently being tested at Lee's Summit North.  In addition to its official launch in January, Patrick is also working on the new RED site which will allow clients to purchase the product online.

Patrick Stoddart, founder of RevDel and RED, lives by the words "energy and persistence conquer all things."  And although Benjamin Franklin may have been the first to say it, Patrick truly is living out this quote in his day-to-day startup life.

How does Patrick Stoddart Think Big?  "What helps me Think Big is traveling or going somewhere else.  The longer I stay in one place, the more I slip into that small-thinking mentality.  I realize all the little problems are insignificant when I travel.  It puts things into perspective.” 

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Think Big Partners Hosts Two Startup Events During Kansas City’s Global Entrepreneurship Week

KANSAS CITY, MO—November 7, 2012—Kansas City-based startup accelerator and business incubator Think Big Partners has teamed up with Microsoft Windows 8, Startup Weekend and Global Entrepreneurship Week to host two entrepreneurial events on November 16, 2012 in Kansas City, Missouri. Think Big Partners’ two events taking place during Global Entrepreneurship Week feature networking opportunities for startup entrepreneurs as well as a chance to learn how to use Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 8.

Think Big Partners first Global Entrepreneurship Week event is Startup Waffles, a popular breakfast networking event open to all attendees of Global Entrepreneurship Week and Startup Weekend. The event is free (requires registration) and will be hosted by Think Big Partners at the bizperc coworking space (1800 Baltimore Avenue, 6^th floor, Kansas City, MO 64108). Startup Waffles starts at 7:30am on Friday, November 16 and lasts until 9:30am.

“In the past, Startup Waffles has always had a great turn out,” says Sarah Snyder, Think Big Partners meeting planner and event manager.  “It’s an event that Kansas City entrepreneurs look forward to because it’s an outstanding networking opportunity.  We look forward to bringing together KC’s most well-connected entrepreneurs during Global Entrepreneurship Week.” 

Following Startup Waffles, Think Big Partners will host Microsoft Windows 8 Kansas City Bootcamp on the 6^th floor of the bizperc loft space.  Led by Microsoft startup evangelist Taylor Cowan, the technology-focused bootcamp will concentrate on educating attendees on how to effectively utilize and build on the new, highly-regarded Windows 8 platform.  The free event is open to Global Entrepreneurship Week attendees as well as the Kansas City startup and entrepreneurship communities. Though it is free to attend, space is extremely limited and registration is required. Midwest-based developers, entrepreneurs and startups interested in learning more about the highly-regarded Windows 8 platform are encouraged to attend.

Starting at 10:00am on Friday, November 16, startup evangelist Taylor Cowan will give a presentation that will highlight how to navigate Windows 8, the user-experience patterns, the inherent async design and integration features.  In addition to great learning opportunities during the Microsoft event, attendees will also receive access to Microsoft BizSpark accounts for free as well as access to Microsoft software.  Attendees will also have hands-on access to demonstrate and intact with four touch devices loaded with Windows 8, including two of the brand new Microsoft Surface tablets and two Microsoft slates.

In addition to the bootcamp portion of the event, attendees will have the chance to speak with Taylor Cowan about both Windows 8 and Azure during private office hours from 2:00pm-4:00pm on Friday, November 16. 

Potentially interested attendees are encouraged to sign up for both events as space is limited and is expected to fill up quickly.  To learn more about Startup Waffles, Microsoft Windows 8 Kansas City Bootcamp and other Global Entrepreneurship Week events, please visit KCSourceLink’s GEW Calendar of Events. 

June Entrepreneur Corner Features iKC (with Giveaways!)

If the free drinks and networking can't convince you to swing by,
maybe the amazing view will! 

So far, we think Entrepreneur Corner has brought in some really cool companies this summer.  From featuring new inbound marketing company Inboun to spotlighting all four of the top contenders at Startup Weekend Kansas City, our rooftop parties during First Fridays have been a summer hit...and we're excited to keep the ball rollin'!

Join us this Friday, June 1, during First Fridays for Entrepreneur Corner where we will feature not a startup company, but a movement.  We will be spotlighting upcoming innovation and entrepreneurship conference iKC (which will take place on June 20 at H&R Block World Headquarters).  Join us on the rooftop of bizperc (1800 Baltimore in Kansas City, Missouri) for cocktails, snacks and a raffle for a free iKC ticket!  We will be giving away one free ticket to iKC and five 20% off discounts to the event.  When you stop by, you'll have the chance to network with some of KC's more innovative entrepreneurs and learn more about the iKC event.

To learn more about Entrepreneur Corner, be sure to check us out on Facebook.  Entrepreneur Corner will take place on Friday, June 1 from 5:00-9:00pm at 1800 Baltimore.

012 Think Big Radio: TutHopper: Startup Weekend Kansas City Winners

On this episode of Think Big Radio, Derek sits down with the winning team from Startup Weekend Kansas City, TutHopper.  Listen as Carrie Royce, Coty Beasley and Adam Arredondo give the inside-look at TutHopper's Startup Weekend experience (HINT: it takes a lot of teamwork and a lot of caffeine!).  

012 Think Big Radio: Tuthopper: Startup Weekend Kansas City Winners
REVIEW US!  We want to hear what you think of Think Big Radio.  Give us a review on iTunes.  

Follow Think Big! @ThinkBigKC

011 Think Big Radio: Top 8 Lessons Learned from Startup Weekend Kansas City

In the latest Think Big Radio episode, Allison Way dives into the lessons learned during Startup Weekend Kansas City. From a spectator's point of view, Allison informs listeners of what to look out for during Startup Weekend and how to make the 54-hackathon as beneficial as possible.

011 Think Big Radio: Top 8 Lessons Learned from Startup Weekend Kansas City

REVIEW US!  We want to hear what you think of Think Big Radio.  Give us a review on iTunes.  

Stay tuned!  Think Big Radio's next podcast will feature the winners of Startup Weekend Kansas City, TutHopper!

Follow Think Big! @thinkbigKC

Congratulations to Kansas City Startup Weekend Winners TutHopper, Keyzio & Grüple!

After 12 pitch presentations, hundreds of cups of coffee and less than 2 hours of sleep, Startup Weekend Kansas City came to a close yesterday at the Union Station Board Room.  And although many of the presenters (and even organizers) may have been delirious on Sunday night due to lack of sleep and an abundance of caffeine, there was an energy in the Startup Weekend air when the winners were finally announced.


3RD PLACE:  Congratulations to Grüple, who snagged the 3rd place prize at Startup Weekend Kansas City.  Gruple.co creates a grüp, invites grüpies, notifies grüpies, and provides grüpies with a simple and quick way to reimburse others for tickets (through debit, credit and e-check). 


2ND PLACE:  Another congratulations goes out to Keyzio, winner of the 2nd place prize.  Keyzio finds your location, allows you to verify your dream home address and then sends a postcard to inform the homeowner of your interest. 

1ST PLACE:  And finally, a BIG congratulations to TutHopper, winner of Kansas City Startup Weekend!  TutHopper is a web-based company that teaches programming and system architecture through games.  Featuring a Code Dojo and fun game-play environment, TutHopper will help kids learn coding concepts through games. Learn more at @TutHopper.  


Startup Weekend KC didn't announce the winners via press release or live blog post.  Instead, the tech-savvy event blasted out the winners via Twitter the moment they were announced at the yesterday's live finale event.

Congratulations to all participants, organizers, volunteers and sponsors of Kansas City Startup Weekend.  Another successful 54 hours are in the bag!  

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Follow Startup Weekend KC! @KCSW

My Startup Weekend Kansas City Recap: Pictures, Summaries and an Inside-Look at Every Team

Bustling, fingernail-biting, Mountain Dew (and some Bud Light) drinking, energetic entrepreneurs filled the Union Station Board Rom this weekend for Startup Weekend Kansas City.  I was lucky enough to check out the final presentations on Sunday afternoon and interact with some of the cool new startup companies that worked for 54 hours straight during the KC entrepreneurial event.


The Union Station Board Room was warm; perhaps from the energy of the presenters, perhaps from the body heat of the crowd, perhaps from the flowing all-you-can-drink coffee.  Whatever the reason was, there was a buzz in the Startup Weekend air that was inspirational, electrifying and (to be honest) a little nerve-racking.


In ordinary entrepreneurial fashion, the KC Startup Weekend final presentations began 8 minutes late, at approximately 4:08pm on Sunday, April 15, 2012.  Startup Weekend organizers Adam Coomes and Royce Haynes welcomed the large crowd to Union Station and commented on the every presenters abundance of hard work and lack of sleep.  Then, Haynes summed up the reason that Startup Weekend has arrived and succeeded in Kansas City (and it really hit home for me):


"Startup Weekend is all about bringing people together that don't know each other.  You get to meet people in the community and the teams who out of nowhere, come together and build a product over just one weekend."  That just about sums it all up.  

Adam and Royce welcome the audience to Kansas City Startup Weekend.

After the intro came the moment the entire crowd (and impressive lineup of judges) were all waiting for: the final presentations.  Although I have attended a few Startup Weekends in the past year, I was surprised by the casual, unintimidating demeanor of the organizers, presenters and even judges.  To be quite honest, it was refreshing.  

1.  MockCrunch: "Fake is the new real." (A hilarious intro from Startup Weekend organizers!) 

MockCrunch is the National Enquirer for Tech Crunch and Mashable.  Presenter Nate Allen took a joking approach to his pitch, claiming that MockCrunch.com would easily surpass The Onion, quickly crowdfund $1 million, fill the entire site up with advertisements, and eventually, buy the cloud.  Learn more at @MockCrunch.

2. Truckily: "Truck Yeah!"

Truckily wants to provide Kansas City with a location-based app with accurate food truck location data.  The startup plans to use Twitter and push notifications to show where each food truck is located.  According to Truckily, there are 3 million non-typical food establishments in the U.S., so Truckily is a need! Learn more at @Truckily.

The crowd at Startup Weekend tunes in.  

3.  Keyzio: "Where every house is for sale."

The Keyzio team leader and his wife found their dream home.  The only problem was, it wasn't for sale.  That's why he joined Startup Weekend and pitched Keyzio, an app where every house is for sale.  Keyzio finds your location, allows you to verify your dream home address and then sends a postcard to inform the homeowner of your interest.

4.  HomeMade Food

The 5-person team from HomeMade Food hopes to enhance the cooking experience by using technology to create an online companion chef (through video and online recipes).  According to the small team, it's difficult to find quality cooking resources, and when they are found, users often get frustrated with the overall cooking process.  HomeMade Food solves that issue.  Learn more at @HomeMade_Foods. 

Kansas City Startup Weekend took place at the Union Station Board Room.  

5.  Link Minded: "It's a startup for startups."

Link Minded isn't just a startup, it's a solution for other startups out there.  Link Minded is an invite-driven, location-based community for designer and developer entrepreneurs.  With Link Minded, members are responsible for the quality of the community.  Learn more at @LinkMinded.  

6.  NotiFire: "Phone, text and social media notifications made easy."

Before the team from NotiFire presented at Startup Weekend, they asked for various audience members' phone numbers.  Then, as the presentation started, NotiFire left a voicemail on each of these phones with (basically) the click of a button.  Suddenly, smartphones were ringing, beeping, vibrating and even chirping throughout the entire Union Station Board Room.  NotiFire proved that it is a broadcast notification service that delivers urgent messages to people in a time-sensitive way (and honestly, I would be surprised if something like this didn't already exist!).  Learn more at http://notifire.co/.  

7.  Out Of The Trash: "Recycling = Rewards."

Out Of The Trash was a refreshing and simple pitch from a college student with an environmental passion.  After defining a newly coined term, eWaste (old batteries, laptops, phones, etc.) that need to be thrown away, Out Of The Trash provided a solution to the eWaste dilemma.  The Out Of The Trash app analyzes devices to recycle, finds a local store that accepts those devices and allows users to redeem points for coupons.  What's even cooler?  The presenter of Out Of The Trash came in at 2:00AM on Friday morning from Iowa and grew up in Zambia (welcome to KC!).

8.  Change Stations: "Location-based changing table lookup."

Parenting is not easy.  Change Stations made this apparent by covering an entire slide with a picture of a wailing child.  Obviously, this took many audience members back to raising babies (and for this writer, a scary look into my future of motherhood).  But one of the most frustrating parts of parenthood is changing babies' diapers in less-than-sanitary locations.  Change Stations solves that!  This app highlights where changing stations are located.  Learn more @Change_Stations.  

9.  DivShot: "Rapid web app prototyping."

DivShot wants to make building apps faster and easier.  According to the team, it is tedious for entrepreneurs, developers, designers and business professionals to build web apps.  DivShot makes it easy.  With DivShot, you don't need coding or mockup knowledge.  It's simply drag and drop, export to HTML and CSS and build an app.  Learn more at @DivShot.

KC Startup Weekend brings in entrepreneurs, designers, developers and movers-and-shakers.

10.  LunchUp: "The simplest way to share what you're doing for lunch."

Does it take you 10 minutes to decide when and where you're going to lunch?  Do you always eat lunch with the same people (your coworkers)?  With LunchUp, lunch has transformed into a more social experience.  LunchUp is an app that broadcasts when and where you're going to lunch and who you're going to lunch with.  LunchUp provides a more serendipitous lunch experience.  It is a time saving, inclusive, convenient virtual concierge that pushes you to discover.  Learn more at @LunchUpMe.

11.  TutHopper: "The earlier you start, the better!"

TutHopper is a web-based company that teaches programming and system architecture through games.  The team at TutHopper notes that the earlier you start, the better.  Featuring a Code Dojo and fun game-play environment, TutHopper will help kids learn coding concepts through games.  As a side note, TutHopper displayed that, "kids will learn at a level over their heads if it's in an area where they've been turned on by these games."  Learn more at @TutHopper.  

12.  Grüple: "Group payments made simple." 

Lucky for KC, the All Star game is at our own Kauffman Stadium.  But let's say you've taken on the responsibility of buying all of the tickets for you and your friends.  Therefore, you probably won't get paid back (at least not in a timely manner), right?  Wrong!  Grüple helps you solve this issue.  Gruple.co creates a grüp, invites grüpies, notifies grüpies, and provides grüpies with a simple and quick way to reimburse others for tickets (through debit, credit and e-check).  Learn more at @Grupleco.  

13.  Connect Power: "Find your personal power by the minute or the hour."

Did you know that each year, $54.6 billion is spent on mental health in the U.S.?  Pretty extreme numbers brought to Startup Weekend KC today.  Connect Power is a website that provides mentors to share personal experiences of overcoming adversity for those who are experiencing similar issues.  It is a source of personal strength and power.  But what makes the site different?  Each person providing mentorship has already come out the other side and has found a solution to their emotional distress.  Connect Power boasts that this approach allows for an 80% recovery rate.

Connect Power finishes up the presentations. 

Stay tuned!  Kansas City Startup Weekend will be announcing the winners soon!

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Follow Kansas City Startup Weekend! @KCSW

Ready, Set, Launch! Startup Weekend Invades Kansas City This Friday

One year ago, Startup Weekend KC took place at bizperc.  This year, it's at Union Station.

Are you an idea-generating machine?  A collaborative superstar?  A tech junkie?  If so, you've probably heard of Startup Weekend Kansas City, a weekend-long, hands-on experience for entrepreneurs.  At the beginning of the weekend, you and your group will be presented an idea.  At the end of those 54 hours, you'll have a new business on your hands.

Startup Weekend Kansas City will take place April 13-15, 2012 at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.  The event schedule looks a little something like this: 

Friday:

5:30pm – Registration starts (dinner served)

7:00pm – Kickoff & Speakers

8:00pm – Pitches Begin (60 seconds per person)

9:00pm – Voting

9:45pm – Teams start forming and discussing ideas

10:00pm – 1:00am – Teams begin to work

Saturday:

9:00am – Doors open. Breakfast & coffee.

9:30am – Teams continue efforts. Mentors arrive and begin working with teams.

12:00pm – Lunch

6:00pm – Dinner

7:30pm – Mid weekend check-in, status reports, call for help.

12:00 – Finished for the day. Teams are welcomed to stay and work as late as the venue will allow.

Sunday:

9:00 am – Doors open. Breakfast & coffee

12:45pm – Lunch

3:00pm – Gut check. Start prepping for presentations. Test your tech.

5:00pm – FINAL PRESENTATIONS

6:30pm – Appetizers served while judges deliberate

7:00pm – Awards & Wrap-up

9:00pm – Go home!

Join some of KC's most passionate, driven entrepreneurs at Startup Weekend in just a few days!  Register today and get collaborative.  

And don't forget to follow Startup Weekend on Twitter! @KCSW

5 Things You'll Gain at Startup Weekend KC

The smell of a new car, the crispness of a new dollar bill, the softness of a new pillow.  We can't deny it: we love newness.  After all, having something new makes us feel like we're creating a fresh start.  So why not surround yourself with complete newness on April 13th?  


We're talking about Startup Weekend Kansas City; the opportunity for you to start fresh on a new business idea!  


Startup Weekend is a global network of passionate leaders and entrepreneurs on a mission to inspire, educate and empower individuals, teams and communities.  With this goal in mind, Startup Weekend puts together 54-hour events that focus on building a web or mobile application over the course of just one weekend.  And it's back this year for a fifth time in Kansas City on April 13, 2012. 


Join Think Big for Startup Weekend at Union Station in Kansas City...and gain all the newness you want: 


1.  New partners and connections: Entrepreneurs.  Developers.  Designers.  Marketers.  Product managers.  Startup enthusiasts.  Tech guys.  They’re all at Startup Weekend and they’re all anxious to meet you!  Startup Weekend not only provides you with the opportunity to make your startup dream come true, but it also gives you the networking opportunity that you need in order to grow your rolodex of experts and learn what others have to offer. 


2.  New ideas: You may be a hard worker, but you don't have quite the right ideas to launch a business of your own.  That's what Startup Weekend is for!  Startup Weekend will open your mind to new ideas out in the world and put you on the cutting-edge of entrepreneurship in Kansas City 


3.  New strategies: Startup Weekend is more than just a chance to launch a business—it’s a chance to expand your mind!  Startup Weekends are all about learning through the act of creating.  This event allows you to step outside of your comfort zone and work on a new platform, learn a new program, or just try something different.


4.  New perspectives: Local tech and startup leaders participate in Startup Weekends as mentors and judges. Get some one-on-one time and gain new, high-level perspectives with the movers and shakers in Kansas City at this event!


5.  A new startup! After just 54 hours, you will have built and launched a new startup in Kansas City. How cool is that?


Register for Startup Weekend today.  Stop sitting and start doing!!   You never know what can happen when you Think Big at SUW. 


Follow Startup Weekend! @StartupWeekend
Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

A Team, an Idea and 54 Hours: Startup Weekend Kansas City

Ask any business expert, "Is it possible to launch a company in under 54 hours?" and most of them will a) laugh and shrug off the question like it's a joke, or b) stare at you and shake their head.  But ask the founders of Startup Weekend if it can be done, and they'll confidently say, "Why not?"

Startup Weekend is a global network of passionate leaders and entrepreneurs on a mission to inspire, educate and empower individuals, teams and communities.  With this goal in mind, Startup Weekend puts together 54-hour events that focus on building a web or mobile application over the course of just one weekend.  And it's back this year for a fifth time in Kansas City on April 13, 2012.

Join Midwest entrepreneurs Adam Coomes (Salt), Royce Haynes (Legal Sonar), Danny O'Neill (The Roasterie) and many others for Startup Weekend Kansas City on April 13-15 at Union Station.  As a participant, you will have the chance to collaborate with other software developers, graphic designers and business people to build and launch a business in just 54 hours.

Prove the so-called "business experts" wrong and see your idea become a reality at Startup Weekend Kansas City.  Register today!

Great news, entrepreneurs!  I will be live blogging and reporting from Startup Weekend!  Stay tuned for more details and updates here on Think Big's blog. 

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

How to Celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011 in Kansas City

The much-anticipated Global Entrepreneurship Week is here.  That's right; from November 14 until the 20th, you will find entrepreneurs across the globe celebrating their startup ventures by attending entrepreneurial events, participating in business plan competitions and spreading the word of entrepreneurship.

But what will entrepreneurs be doing in Kansas City to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week?  There are a lot of events going on this week, but here are some of our favorites:

1. Entrepreneurs Unpluggd 

Entrepreneurs Unpluggd is bringing their popular Chicago event to Kansas City for the first time.  The event will feature three successful Kansas City entrepreneurs for an intimate evening of storytelling.  Ticket prices have dropped to only $10, so why not celebrate entrepreneurship with Entrepreneurs Unpluggd on Tuesday night from 6:00-9:00 PM?  Register here.

2. Congratulate Startup Weekend Kansas City Finalists

The past weekend, Kansas City's 4th Startup Weekend took place at the Cerner Innovations Campus.  This 54-hour event produced some amazing new businesses.  The top three included Horsebot3k, Bold Predictions and a tie between Dawg BnB and Merry Plate.  Want to read about these companies?  Check out this article.  Although Startup Weekend Kansas City did not occur during Global Entrepreneurship Week, it was the perfect way to kick it off the weekend before.  Congratulate those who participated in Startup Weekend Kansas City during GEW!

3.  GEW Kickoff Event

This event is today--so get out there!  Kansas City is kicking off Global Entrepreneurship Week at Union Station with Curbside Consulting sessions for emerging entrepreneurs.  Join civic leaders and experienced entrepreneurs and learn why entrepreneurship is so important to Kansas City.  Learn more here.

4.  Kansas City Cradle of Entrepreneurs Series: Danny O'Neill

The Kansas City Public Library has been hosting the Cradle of Entrepreneurs for a few weeks now.  During Global Entrepreneurship Week, the series will feature Danny O'Neill of The Roasterie.  The event takes place on Tuesday, November 15th at 7:30 AM.

5.  Kauffman FastTrac Global Women's Summit

In conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week, Kauffman FastTrac is hosting the FastTrac Global Women's Summit targeted to aspiring and existing women in business.  The event will drive support for women owned businesses and foster the growth of the number of women entrepreneurs.  This event takes place on Wednesday, November 16th.  

A huge thanks to KCSourceLink for posting all of the events during Global Entrepreneurship Week in Kansas City!  


Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Startup Weekend Returns to Kansas City

It seems like only yesterday that bizperc's 6th floor was bustling with inspired entrepreneurs, wide-eyed visionaries, and energetic professionals during Startup Weekend Kansas City.  In April, Startup Weekend brought together over 80 Kansas City entrepreneurs and created three potential startup companies.  Two of these companies went on to officially launch.  Obviously, Kansas City's first Startup Weekend in 2011 was a huge success, so why not have another one?

Adam Coomes and Steven Chau, KC's Startup Weekend organizers, have announced that SUW KC will take place from November 11th-13th of 2011 at the Cerner Innovation Campus.  The event could not be scheduled at a more perfect time -- it will take place right in the middle of Global Entrepreneurship Week -- which is the best time for entrepreneurs to explore their ideas, dive head first into their businesses, and start up a new venture.

Details about ticket sales will be announced soon.  You can find more information on the Startup Weekend Kansas City site.

Not sure if Startup Weekend Kansas City is for you?  Check out our list of the Top 10 reasons to attend this stellar KC business event!

1.  You’re going to meet some awesome people.

Entrepreneurs.  Developers.  Designers.  Marketers.  Product managers.  Startup enthusiasts.  Tech guys.  They’re all at Startup Weekend and they’re all anxious to meet you!  Startup Weekend not only provides you with the opportunity to make your startup dream come true, but it also gives you the networking opportunity that you need in order to grow your rolodex of experts and learn what others have to offer. 

2.      It’s super quick.

Startup Weekend takes an idea and launches it in 54 hours.  That means no business plans that take months to develop, no lack of resources that take days to discover, and no time-consuming and ineffective business meetings.  Everything you need will be right at your fingertips, making Startup Weekend one of the only ways to bring your idea to life in one weekend. 

3.      You’re going to learn...a lot.

Startup Weekend is more than just a chance to launch a business—it’s a chance to expand your mind!  Startup Weekends are all about learning through the act of creating.  This event allows you to step outside of your comfort zone and work on a new platform, learn a new program, or just try something different.

4.      Food!!

That’s right, you get food at Startup Weekend!  Startup Weekend Kansas City costs $60 to get involved, but you get a lot of stuff with your ticket including meals, snacks, access to exclusive resources, global sponsors, and all of the coffee you can drink.

5.      You get some major face time.

Local tech and startup leaders participate in Startup Weekends as mentors and judges.  Get some one-on-one time with the movers and shakers in Kansas City at this event!

6.      You get to go co-founder dating.

Startup Weekend is about more than just an idea—it’s about the team behind it.  Startup Weekend is hands down the best way to find someone that you can actually launch a startup with.

7.      You’re joining a global force.

Startup Weekend is a global community with over 30,000 alumni, all on a mission to change the world. 

8.      It inspires, it motivates.

For entrepreneurs who just can’t seem to pull their idea together. For corporate businesspeople who are stuck in the rut of the 9-5.  For creative minds who can’t find an avenue.  For serial entrepreneurs looking for their next breakthrough.  Startup Weekend could be the answer to anybody’s need for a little inspiration and a little motivation. 

9.      You get to experience it in an amazing facility!

Startup Weekend Kansas City is taking place at Cerner's Innovation Campus.  If you haven't checked it out yet, this would be the perfect opportunity to do so...and use it!

10.   What else are you going to do…seriously?

Sit on the Lazy Boy and eat potato chips?  We don’t think so.  Take advantage of your November 11th-13th weekend and sign up for Startup Weekend Kansas City!

Written by Allison Way
@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

11 Reasons Why KC Innovation is Exploding in 2011

Wow.  What a year it's been for Kansas City innovation and entrepreneurship.  And the good news?  It's only May.  We are not even half way through the year and Kansas City has seen an explosion of innovation, startups, and entrepreneurial growth in 2011.

KCHub summarized it perfectly in their post, The Inertia of Innovation:

• Google Fiber announces its launch in KCK
• Think Big Partners opens bizperc accelerator
• Angel Capital Group creates partnership with Think Big - a nationwide funding network ready for KC startups
• Silicon Prairie News launches KC coverage
• KCITP surpasses 5,000 members
• KC Startup Weekend has a record turnout - startup rival those coming from NYC and other tech hubs
• KCNext grows IT events and rebrands the region
• Zaarly launches amid rave reviews at SXSW
• Kauffman Labs attracts entrepreneurs from around the globe to its KC headquarters
• K-State Olathe Innovation Campus opens; JoCo Research Triangle takes another step forward
• KU Med NCI bid - let's put it this way, you don't say "perfect game" during the 7th inning
• Etc., etc.

Look at what Kansas City has gone through in the past 5 months.  Pretty incredible, right?  We cannot wait to see what's in store for the city until December and for many innovative years to come.

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

Startup Weekend Kansas City Results

After eight teams fought for 54 hours to make their new business ideas become a successful reality at Startup Weekend Kansas City, the judges narrowed it down to the top 3 teams at the end of the day on Sunday.  The three new business developments were recognized yesterday:

CraftWig is a community for crafters, offering in-depth tutorials, shopping lists, price comparison and sharing.
Congrats to Craftwig, winner of Startup Weekend Kansas City 2011!

Call Me Meeting is an application that provides a new and convenient way to connect to conference calls. No more dialing in. Call Me Meeting will find you and call you. All you need to do is answer and accept. Call Me Meeting uses a simple web interface with the ability to organize, schedule, find and track participants.

Creates better cities by making it easier for individuals to be better citizens. Quickly report issues and save your city money.

A big congrats to all participants invoved in Startup Weekend Kansas City.  We were excited to see that it was a huge success at bizperc.  Also, a special thanks to SWKC's judges Al Doan, Scott Mize, Jonathon George and James Clarke, as well as SWKC organizers Adam Coomes and Steven Chau for making the event come to life!

Way to Think Big!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig