Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc.

🚀 We're Hiring! Business Services Specialist 🚀 Are you passionate about supporting small businesses and driving economic innovation? We are looking for a Business Services Specialist to join our team! This full-time, hybrid role will focus on providing business support services across our 26-county region. If you have a strong background in business management, entrepreneurship, or a related field—and you're excited to collaborate with local businesses to help them grow—this could be the perfect opportunity for you! 📍 Location: Hybrid (remote, in-office in Norton or Hays, and on-the-road) 🗓 Full-Time, 12-Month Position 💼 Benefits Package Key Responsibilities: - Support clients with business plans and other assistance through the KSBDC portal -Collaborate with community leaders, business owners, and resource partners - Track and report progress and metrics in the KSBDC portal - Travel within our service area to meet clients and attend events Qualifications: - College degree in Finance, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, or related field (preferred) - 5+ years of relevant experience (preferred) - Strong communication skills, leadership, and the ability to manage time effectively - Must reside in the 26-county service area and have access to reliable transportation Ready to make a difference in your community? Apply today and join our team in driving innovation and success for small businesses! 🌟 Apply now: https://lnkd.in/gpjxrUBe or send resume and cover letter to office@nwkeici.org.

"ConnectNWK helps people plant their roots in Northwest Kansas, where there’s plenty of space to spread your wings and fly. With a range of vibrant businesses, industries and agriculture to keep the economy humming, we’re working to draw in professionals who want to chase their dreams, finding the perfect balance of career and convenience on the High Plains. 💼 Connect with us today to find your ideal candidate at connectnwk.org/!

We're tackling the critical housing shortage in Northwest Kansas with a multi-step approach, the first of which is the Kansas Housing Cooperative Program. This initiative encourages new home construction and offers forgivable loans in communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer. This will help expand the tax base, and create thriving, desirable communities. 
🏡 💡 Learn more! https://lnkd.in/gmUz62-q

Great news! 🎉 We're proud to announce the first new construction home to benefit from our Kansas Housing Cooperative Program, a transformative initiative designed to expand rural housing opportunities in Northwest Kansas. Brenden and Alexis Ibarra, lifelong residents of Ellis County, became the inaugural participants in this program, achieving their dream of building their first home. 🏡 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/giSWRPCt

From Bird City to Salina, Republic to Sharon Springs and everywhere in-between, The Innovation Center, is here to empower businesses and communities across Northwest Kansas! Our programs are designed to meet vital regional needs, including: ✅ Workforce Development ✅ Cybersecurity ✅ Google Career Certificates ✅ Housing ✅ Childcare ✅ Business Services Each initiative provides essential resources to help local entrepreneurs and businesses succeed, making a real impact across our 26-county region. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for Northwest Kansas! Discover more about our programs at www.nwkeici.org

How is the Innovation Center empowering business growth in Northwest Kansas? 
📈 We equip entrepreneurs and businesses in Northwest Kansas with the tools to thrive. Through a partnership with the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC), tailored consulting, and a robust finance program, we support startups, business expansion, and local growth. From creating plans and projections to addressing challenges and bridging financial gaps, we are here to help empower businesses to maximize potential and seize new opportunities. 
 
Learn more today! https://lnkd.in/g_9xtsmK

🌟 At the Innovation Center, we’re here to empower businesses and communities across Northwest Kansas! Our programs are designed to meet vital regional needs, including: ✅ Workforce Development ✅ Cybersecurity ✅ Google Career Certificates ✅ Housing ✅ Childcare ✅ Business Services Each initiative provides essential resources to help local entrepreneurs and businesses succeed, making a real impact across our 26-county region. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for Northwest Kansas! Discover more about our programs at www.nwkeici.org

Did you know? The Innovation Center provides economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses in rural Northwest Kansas. We serve 26 counties in the region with a variety of programs, including: 🧑💼 Workforce 🏠 Housing 🛡️ Cybersecurity 📜 Google Career Certificates 🍼 Childcare 💼 Business Services ➕ And more! Contact us today to learn more about how the Innovation Center can help you achieve your goals: https://lnkd.in/gurAZaAW

When Karl Pratt, Executive Director of Sheridan County Community Foundation, moved back to his hometown of Hoxie, big things were already happening. But his partnership with the Innovation Center has helped them get to the next level 🚀 “When (Innovation Center President and CEO) Scott Sproul reached out to set up a meeting, I knew about them, but didn’t realize all the ways we could partner with them to further our work. They’re a great partner, with amazing resources and expertise,” said Karl. “We were accepted into the workforce recruitment program, Make my Move, and Randy and Caden have been so helpful with housing. And Dana played a big role in helping us put together a business plan and access resources to open a new school-owned daycare.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gNPQrCKT

At the Innovation Center, we know that quality early childhood education is crucial to the success of our communities and the future of our children. Without enough childcare options, families face challenges, businesses struggle to recruit, and our communities miss out on growth opportunities. That's why we’re committed to providing resources, support, and tools to help childcare providers thrive and give our kids the best start possible. We help communities address their childcare needs through: - Informative childcare presentations, - Childcare coalition facilitation - Community childcare needs assessments - Childcare grant-writing services We provide direct support to childcare providers (working at both centers and home facilities) through: -Childcare substitute recruitment -Fingerprint services -Lending library -Professional development opportunities -Grant opportunities for staff longevity and equipment All services provided are free of charge to communities and childcare providers. Visit nwkeici.org/childcare to find out how we’re working to create a brighter future for our children, businesses, and communities.