1. Business Summary

Grow Leavenworth County (GLC) operates as an e-Community board focused on supporting small business development and entrepreneurship across Leavenworth County. The board coordinates youth entrepreneurship programming, gap financing education, sponsorship-driven events, and long-term incubation concepts while balancing governance requirements tied to mayoral appointments and regional representation.

2. Needs & Pain Points

• Low early registration and engagement for the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC).
• Unclear public understanding of GLC’s purpose due to lack of a clear logo message or tagline.
• Board seat designation complexity tied to mayoral and geographic requirements.
• Limited structured pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs prior to business launch.
• Need for repeatable, scalable entrepreneurial programming beyond single events.

3. Improvement Blueprint

GLC will stabilize core operations by completing YEC execution, clarifying branding, and launching a structured, multi-event entrepreneurship series. Efforts will focus on increasing visibility, improving early-stage entrepreneur education, and aligning board governance with bylaws while leveraging partnerships across banks, Main Street, Network Kansas, and local business leaders.

4. Actionable Roadmap

Immediate Fixes (0–7 Days)

• Confirm YEC event logistics, sponsorship coverage, and judge participation.
• Resend Venture Dash invitations to prior-year participants.
• Verify board member contact information and appointment designations.

Short-Term (1–4 Weeks)

• Finalize logo direction or confirm interim use of current logo.
• Complete YEC event execution on February 4 and document outcomes.
• Prepare required YEC summary submission for Network Kansas by April 1.

Medium-Term (1–3 Months)

• Launch first Entrepreneurship Networking & Idea Exchange event (target: April 9).
• Secure venue and confirm nonprofit pricing or donated space.
• Develop event promotion targeting aspiring entrepreneurs and home-based businesses.

Long-Term (3–12 Months)

• Expand entrepreneurship series into a three-event progression model.
• Evaluate pop-up or transitional business space opportunities in partnership with Main Street.
• Refine branding and tagline to clearly communicate GLC’s mission.

Operational Enhancements

• Standardize event planning timelines and sponsor outreach processes.
• Create a shared rubric for entrepreneur intake and referrals.

Marketing & Visibility

• Increase targeted outreach using digital marketing and partner channels.
• Leverage prior participants and local business owners as ambassadors.

Financial & Partner Alignment

• Align sponsorship funds with event budgets and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with Network Kansas on allowable expense categories.

5. ThriveKS Action Plan

ThriveKS will provide execution structure between meetings, coordinate follow-through on event planning, maintain accountability for deadlines, and document outcomes to ensure continuity across board transitions.

6. Grants & Programs

• Network Kansas YEC grant funding supporting youth entrepreneurship events.
• Community loan and gap financing education tied to Network Kansas programs.

7. How ThriveKS Supports Grow Leavenworth County

ThriveKS supports Grow Leavenworth County by converting board discussions into structured action plans, managing execution timelines, coordinating partners, and ensuring strategic initiatives progress between monthly meetings.

8. Follow-Up Plan

• January meeting: confirm YEC readiness and logo direction.
• Post-YEC: compile results and submit Network Kansas reporting.
• Spring meeting: finalize entrepreneurship series structure and marketing.

9. Questions for Next Meeting

• Which logo direction and tagline best represents GLC’s mission?
• Which venue will host the April entrepreneurship event?
• What budget parameters should guide the three-event series?

10. How We Can Help Grow Leavenworth County

ThriveKS can assist by managing execution logistics, aligning partners, structuring repeatable entrepreneur pathways, and maintaining accountability so Grow Leavenworth County can focus on impact and long-term economic growth.