Great Bend Alive announces its participation in the inaugural cohort of the K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative, a program designed to support entrepreneurship and small business development through community-driven projects.

The initiative, developed by Kansas State University and Network Kansas, brings together local partners to foster economic growth and innovation in communities across Kansas. Great Bend’s selected project, the IGNITE Innovation Center, highlights Great Bend and Barton County’s commitment to nurturing local entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for small business success.

The IGNITE Innovation Center in Great Bend aims to provide resources and support for local entrepreneurs, helping them turn ideas into viable businesses. The initiative builds on partnerships between K-State Research and Extension, Network Kansas, and community organizations to leverage resources and drive economic development in Barton County.

“For nearly 20 years, we’ve had the privilege of seeing how innovative Kansas communities can be,” said Erik Pedersen, president and chief operating officer of Network Kansas. “The applicants in the Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative have raised the bar, proving once again that Kansas is a leader in creativity and forward thinking.

The K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen communities across Kansas through education, resources, and innovation. Great Bend is honored to be among the 11 projects selected for this impactful program.

For more information about the IGNITE Innovation Center or other local economic development efforts, visit Great Bend Alive’s website at www.gbedinc.com/mainstreet. To learn more about the K-State 105 initiative, visit k-state.edu/105.