kauffman

5 things the world can learn from KC entrepreneurs

This post originally appeared in Startland News. This week, entrepreneurship is king in Kansas City. As we welcome the world to our burgeoning tech hub during Techweek, it’s tempting to think that Kansas City’s startup community is a new phenomenon. But in fact, the names of the city fathers (and mothers) — the Kauffmans, Kempers, Blochs and Helzbergs — that …

entrepreneur coworking space

Rick Vaughn: 7 roles your early stage board should be playing

This post originally appeared on Silicon Prairie News. I often get asked about the role of a board of directors by both entrepreneurs and angels. I believe good boards can significantly and positively impact the growth of an early stage company. The responsibility for that growth falls not just on the CEO and management team but the board as well.  In …

Guest Post: 4 Google Analytics Metrics Every Business Owner Should Monitor

This guest post is written by Kevin Pike of Rank Fuse Analytics, an ECJC workshop presenter. To get more of Kevin’s insights in-person, register to attend his workshop on September 24th.  Google Analytics can provide business owners with a lot of valuable information—but sometimes, it can feel like a little too much! Have you ever wondered what reports you should be …

Entrepreneur Resources and Entrepreneurship Education Brand

The difference between “brand decisions” and “business decisions”

Did you miss last week’s workshop on Brand Positioning with Grant Gooding? A local blogger recapped his experience and some interesting take-aways on DownHouseSoftware. Read more about what he thought was the most thought-provoking part of Grant’s presentation:

5 ways to find out if startup life is right for you (without quitting your day job)

Are you entrepreneur material? You don’t have to quit your job to find out. Taking the leap from a more structured environment to freedom and responsibility of entrepreneurship isn’t easy. When I think back to the day that I made the decision to quit my job and start a business, one of the things I most desperately wanted was a …

Phil Sinlgeton

Guest Post: 10 SEO Tips For Startup Companies

This guest blog post comes to us from Phil Singleton of Kansas City SEO, an ECJC workshop presenter. To hear more of Phil’s expertise, keep an eye on our upcoming classes for one of his SEO workshops!    Just because you’re a startup doesn’t mean you can ignore Google or search engine optimization. The right SEO strategy can propel your business to …

Mid-America Angels nominated for Silicon Prairie “Investor of the Year” Award

It’s that time of year–the time when entrepreneurs and supporters from across the Silicon Prairie gather to crown our greatest innovators and brightest stars. This year, the Mid-America Angels investment network is honored to be one of five groups nominated for the Silicon Prairie News “Investor of the Year” award. We’ve been a mainstay capital provider and leader of many Silicon Prairie …

In its 20th year, ECJC makes big changes–inside and out

New brand identity, website and office location will help non-profit enhance capability to serve Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community FAIRWAY, Kan. – (April 30, 2015) – The Enterprise Center in Johnson County (ECJC) revealed its new, updated brand identity and website this morning, following the organization’s relocation to 4220 Shawnee Mission Parkway. The ECJC is a non-profit organization, supported by funds …

Talking to Angels and Whales

How to win over the right kind of investors for your innovative startup. I often hear people say that raising money is hard. Frankly, it is intended to be. However, the process is harder than necessary when entrepreneurs aren’t well-versed in the capital markets and the mindsets of those who typically invest in early-stage businesses. In fact, seeking out investors …

Mid-America Angels investment network sets record pace in 2015

LENEXA, Kan. – (April 1, 2015) – The Mid-America Angels investment network (MAA) deployed over $870,000 in commercialization funding in Q1 of 2015. This puts MAA on pace to exceed the $2.3 million members of the network invested in six deals last year. MAA’s Q1 activity included a $696,000 investment in Olathe, Kan.-based TVAX Animal Health and a $178,000 investment, led by …