LaunchKC application window closes tonight

LaunchKC leaders and stakeholders gather on the rooftop of the Uber regional headquarters last week during Techweek Chicago.

The end is near. Tech entrepreneurs are running short on time to apply for $500,000 in LaunchKC grants.

LaunchKC, the global grants competition for tech startup business, will continue to accept applications until 11:59 p.m. today, Thursday, July 2. The application window opened on March 31.

LaunchKC is nonprofit, civic engine in the Kansas City tech scene. It is a grants competition for tech entrepreneurs to apply and compete for one of 10 (ten) $50,000 grants and a leg up in growing their business enterprises in Kansas City, Missouri.

“We are looking for the best and brightest to enter the grants competition and compete to bring their business models to Kansas City,” said Mike Hurd, chief marketing officer for LaunchKC and the Downtown Council.  “It’s not too late to begin or complete your application… but the time is now to get it done”

Each eventual grant recipient will receive a $50,000 grant and a network of support, including 12 months of free office space in Downtown; industry-specific mentor teams for each grant recipient; and opportunities to meet and learn from industry and entrepreneurial leaders in and around Kansas City – all designed to elevate their efforts to build high-growth, tech sector businesses and jobs in Downtown KCMO.

Following an extended application review process, the eventual grant recipients will be selected by a LaunchKC judging panel consisting of Kansas City business leaders and national venture capitalists at Techweek Kansas City on Sept. 18.

LaunchKC is fueled by visionary investments from the public, private and philanthropic communities – led by the Missouri Technology Corporation – and maintained by a broad base of collaborators in the entrepreneurial and technology space.

Investors and collaborators with LaunchKC, as of July 1, 2015 include:

• Missouri Technology Corporation; City of Kansas City, Missouri; William T. Kemper Foundation; Techweek;
• The Cordish Companies, DSI, Downtown Council of Kansas City; DSI, Economic Development Corporation; Husch Blackwell; Lead Bank; State of Missouri, Department of Economic Development; UMB Bank;
• E. Dunn Construction; Kansas City Power & Light Company; Polsinelli LLC
• American Airlines; CB Insights; Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce; Sprint; Sprint Accelerator; Sporting Innovations, Think Big Partners.

For more information, or to apply for the grants competition today, visit LaunchKC.org.