The Enterprise Center in Johnson County (ECJC) is dedicated to demonstrating that the Kansas City metro area is still a place where small businesses can successfully grow and prosper, according to CEO Jeff Shackelford.
ECJC functions as a hub that connects entrepreneurs in both Kansas and Missouri to an extensive array of resources, including access to capital, consulting, education, mentoring, and networking. This essential support is provided through various programs such as the Women’s Business Center, the Mid-America Angels, the Women’s Capital Connection angel investment networks, the Growth Mentoring Service, and the LaunchU entrepreneurial programs.
According to Shackelford and Brande Stitt, executive director of the Women’s Business Center and director of entrepreneurship for ECJC, the organization has provided support to over 1,000 entrepreneurs in the past year. This support ranges from one-on-one counseling to securing grants and debt funding.
The ECJC also collaborates with other entrepreneurial support organizations, such as the Small Business Development Centers in Kansas and Missouri and AltCap, to foster innovation and economic growth in the local business community.
One of the key challenges for entrepreneurs at any stage is accessing capital. ECJC helps connect entrepreneurs to angel investors, venture capital firms, and loans, while also providing them with the training and support necessary to become “loan ready”.
In addition to capital access, ECJC offers several programs designed to support both entry-level and established business owners. For example, the Growth Mentoring Service pairs seasoned mentors with growth-stage founders, LaunchU is an eight-week program to help entrepreneurs assess their business concept’s viability, and Equipped for Equity is a five-week program to help small businesses develop their strategy for raising capital.
The Women’s Business Center and the Women’s Capital Connection provide specific resources for women entrepreneurs. According to Brandmeyer, the director of Brandmeyer Enterprises, there is a significant opportunity for women to participate and thrive in entrepreneurship.
Despite not being an entity of Johnson County, ECJC often partners with the county on grant funding. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization provided over $18 million in small business grants, benefiting over 1,600 businesses and 2,000 jobs. Additionally, ECJC has received grants from Johnson County to increase the availability of childcare spots, aiming to bridge the gap between the demand for childcare and available spots.
The efforts of ECJC have already resulted in significant success, including the reopening of a childcare facility in De Soto and the creation of a program to work with smaller childcare providers to expand their business.
The impact that ECJC has had in empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Kansas City metro area has been truly remarkable, and it continues to play a crucial role in shaping the local business community’s future.