Five Years of Success: The City Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program’s Milestone Celebration

The City Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) program at the Kauffman Foundation recently concluded its five-year run with a celebratory gathering in Kansas City, MO. Launched just before the pandemic, the program was initially known as the City Innovation Ecosystems program and was created to support cities in prioritizing the needs of entrepreneurs, particularly those from BIPOC and women backgrounds. Throughout its history, the CIE program provided direct support and funding to numerous small business owners and leaders from underrepresented communities.

The event served as both a celebration and a reflection on the educational content and participant experiences over the years. With over 240 cities participating in cohort-based peer learning networks since 2019, the program has supported over 300 local partners and allocated $300 million in resources to benefit entrepreneurs, small businesses, and municipal departments. The impact of entrepreneurship on communities was a central theme at the gathering, highlighting the vital role that entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth and job creation.

Entrepreneurship is not only a bipartisan issue but also a cornerstone of community vitality. Victor Hwang, CEO of Right to Start, emphasized the significant impact of entrepreneurship on poverty reduction, with a 1% increase in entrepreneurship correlating to a 2% decrease in poverty in a given region. City leaders have a unique opportunity to bolster their communities by actively supporting entrepreneurship and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive.

Local perspectives from Kansas City entrepreneurs shed light on the importance of city support for entrepreneurial initiatives. Marvin Carolina, Jr., led a panel discussion featuring Dr. LaTanya Goodloe and Racquel Rodriguez, who shared their experiences and highlighted resources like KC BizCare, Network Kansas Empowerment Loan Fund, and the Women’s Business Center. These resources play a crucial role in providing funding and education to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business.

As the CIE program concludes, the final year will serve as a “learning year” to assess the impact within communities and explore future opportunities for supporting economic development. Partner organizations, community leaders, and entrepreneurs are essential for driving economic growth in cities of all sizes. The collaborative efforts between cities and entrepreneurs pave the way for a bright future of vibrant economic development and thriving small businesses.

In conclusion, the City Inclusive Entrepreneurship program has been a catalyst for supporting entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth in communities across the country. As the program transitions into its next phase, the lessons learned and experiences shared will continue to shape the landscape of inclusive entrepreneurship and empower cities to create a supportive environment for businesses to flourish. The legacy of the CIE program will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem for years to come.