Network Kansas-backed collaborators ignite new entrepreneur training in Douglas County

TOPEKA — A northeast Kansas entrepreneur training program aimed at exploring and validating new business ideas is expanding into Lawrence and Douglas County — deepening equitable opportunities and boosting regional resources, said Michael Odupitan.

Organizers are widening access to the Ignite: New Venture Discovery program, through a new collaboration between the Shawnee Startups eCommunity — housed at the Topeka-based Omni Circle Group— and Douglas County eCommunity, representing the first time two Network Kansas eCommunity partners have collaborated in this way. 

Ignite has already helped more than 65 people in the Topeka area develop their business ideas into viable concepts, said Odupitan, CEO of Omni, which facilitates the Ignite programing and provides pathways for underserved Kansans to grow personally and professionally and create economic impact through entrepreneurship.

“We’re excited to reach an even greater number of potential entrepreneurs by bringing this program to the Lawrence/Douglas County area,” he continued. “Omni has always been committed to serving the entrepreneurs who need us most. From the start, we’ve believed geography shouldn’t determine access, and that’s exactly why expanding the reach of our program is the right move. We’re working to help more Kansas entrepreneurs succeed, because we know the power of entrepreneurship is greater than a zip code.”

Omni’s Ignite program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, and open to everyone. The 8-week course incorporates Kauffman FastTrac’s Learning Management System, uses a workbook unique to Ignite, and includes coaching strategy that further elevates the participant experience.

Participants receive guidance on identifying opportunities, assessing market potential and developing a foundation for their venture. They can expect to come into the program with an idea, dream or vision, and leave with a strong market concept and business plan, Odupitan said.

Click here for more information on Ignite.

Dr. Kevin Kelley, CEO of Peaslee Tech, leads Omni staff on a tour in late January at the tech center where Ignite sessions will be organized; courtesy photo

Programming is expected to launch March 23 in Lawrence, with sessions organized at The Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center. Informational sessions about the program are planned in the coming weeks, starting Feb. 16.

“The collaborative nature of this cross-county eCommunity partnership represents the type of support network we want to create for entrepreneurs across Kansas,” said Erik Pedersen, president and COO of Network Kansas. “This is a win-win-win scenario that empowers our eCommunity partners and ESOs to do what they do best to ensure bright, motivated entrepreneurs come out on top.”

This story is made possible by Network Kansas.

 Network Kansas promotes an entrepreneurial environment by connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners with the expertise, education and economic resources they need to succeed.

The post Network Kansas-backed collaborators ignite new entrepreneur training in Douglas County appeared first on Startland News.