Network Kansas

We're excited to be part of Launch Week 2026 (formerly Wichita Startup Week)!

Our very own Sophia Drouhard welcomed entrepreneurs to the week for Startup Grind Wichita's Kickoff Mixer.

We remember and honor lives tragically lost and the resilience of our nation to carry us forward.

Wichita's Launch Week kicks off next week! We're excited to attend, participate and sponsor this amazing event for entrepreneurs, small businesses and startups in Kansas.

Don't miss our session at 10 a.m. Friday, September 18! We'll be diving into the full range of services we offer, including our funding and educational programs.

Register Here: https://bit.ly/4guF6Xq

Build your flight plan! ✈️

Launch Week is FREE and designed for Kansas business owners and anyone thinking about turning a business idea into reality.

Choose your sessions—from networking and hands-on workshops to live panels and the pitch competition—and create a week that works for you.

September 14–18 | Wichita, Kansas

Register free and map out your Launch Week! itslaunchweek.com

Network Kansas is out of the office today for Labor Day, but we know there are small businesses across Kansas who are still hustling this holiday.

Stop in, say hi and shop small today!

Congratulations to the 10 Kansas City companies competing in Startup World Cup’s Kansas City regional tournament!

Read more: https://bit.ly/4x6rZRe

Million-dollar prize: Meet 10 KC companies vying for Startup World Cup, attention of global investors KCSourceLink on Wednesday revealed the 10 companies advancing to the Startup World Cup’s Kansas City regional tournament, where selected entrepreneurs will compete for a shot at the global pitch event’s $1 million investment prize.

Check out Verizon's free virtual small business events for September: https://bit.ly/4qSqXqs!

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a free program with resources like:

→ Expert-led workshops
From small-group working sessions to larger Q&As, join experts for live events on different topics.

→ Peer networking
Meet other business owners to share knowledge and work through challenges.

→ Self-paced courses
Enroll in courses on subjects like finance, digital marketing and more, taught by real experts.

→ $10,000 grants
Be among the first to know about $10,000 grant opportunities throughout the year.

Are you ready for Launch Week?

We're excited to spend another year celebrating Kansas's entrepreneurial spirit in Wichita with the small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs that make Kansas strong.

See the Schedule: https://bit.ly/4wXo60U

The 2026 Launch Week schedule is officially LIVE!

From September 14–18, entrepreneurs from across Kansas will come together in Wichita for five days of learning, connection and opportunities to move their businesses forward.

With sessions covering everything from marketing and sales to funding, AI, technology, branding and growth, there’s something for every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.

📍 Wichita, Kansas
📅 September 14–18, 2026

Explore the full schedule and register for the sessions that fit your business:
itslaunchweek.com/events

Come for a session. Stay for the connections. Leave with something you can put to work!

Way to go, Kansas! The Sunflower State is climbing Midwest Startups' rankings 🌻

See the rankings:

Startup City Rankings Discover the top Midwest cities for startups in our 2026 Best of the Midwest: Startup City Rankings. Our annual rankings analyze startup activity, capital access and business climate across 50+ cities using 25 data-driven metrics. See which ecosystems are rising, holding or falling.

What are eCommunities?

Kansas counties, districts or regions that have made entrepreneurship a central part of their economic development strategy. Through our eCommunity Partnership Program, we work hand-in-hand with local leaders to build these five key components:

1️⃣ Local Leadership Team
2️⃣ Financial Review Board
3️⃣ Local Revolving Loan Fund
4️⃣ eProgramming
5️⃣ Technical Assistance

Today, 82 community partnerships span the state, each one working to strengthen local entrepreneurship.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gg0jnX