The KU Entrepreneurship Works for KS Initiative is a joint project by the KU Center for Entrepreneurship in the School of Business and the Institute for Policy & Social Research at the University of Kansas. It is funded by a University Center Program grant from the Economic Development Administration with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the KU University Center (UC) is to enhance economic conditions and drive employment in Kansas and the Midwest through unique and pragmatic programs in entrepreneurship, the biosciences, and technology. The KU UC leverages the university’s unique assets - faculty and staff expertise, student manpower, and informational resources, including GIS - to capitalize on economic enhancement opportunities.

The KU UC is available to work with both the private and public sectors to 1) identify new industries and businesses that can leverage the strengths of their region; 2) identify expansion opportunities for existing businesses; 3) provide technical assistance to help existing businesses accelerate growth; and 4) support local economic development organizations through sophisticated research, analytical business development tools, and strategic planning.

Activities

Specifically, the KU UC focuses on business and entrepreneurial development activities including: direct assistance to businesses and entrepreneurs, category and industry analysis, feasibility studies, market analysis for private sector investments, and business plan development. Technical assistance is delivered through UC staff and Jayhawk Consulting.

The UC also conducts applied research, which focuses on studies that benefit economic and entrepreneurial development, capacity, and planning. Through IPSR, the UC has the capacity to look for ways to visualize data, utilizing GIS and open source mapping, to improve understanding and decision-making. IPSR offers data training about where to find and how to use economic and demographic data.

The UC also supports the development of RedTire, LCC, which is a new business venture to keep small businesses from shuttering in Kansas. An Entrepreneurship Certificate Program has been developed with expansion plans for all KU students and to the northeast Kansas region.

Contact Information

Wallace W. Meyer, Jr. Director of Entrepreneurship Programs School of Business 312 Summerfield Hall Lawrence, Kansas 66044 (785) 864-7583 wmeyerjr@ku.edu

Genna Hurd Research Associate Institute for Policy & Social Research 1541 Lilac Lane, 607 Blake Hall Lawrence, Kansas 66044-3177 (785) 864-4618 ghurd@ku.edu