The Agurban from Boomtown Institute – NetWork Kansas – E-Community Program

NetWork Kansas http://www.networkkansas.com recently announced that it has selected six Kansas communities to participate in the new "E-Community" program designed to foster economic growth by creating a more entrepreneurial environment across the state.

The communities selected are Cowley County; Garnett (Anderson County); Great Bend (Barton County); Rawlins County; Sterling/Alden (Rice County); and Thomas County. These communities will partner with NetWork Kansas to achieve the following: 1) Establish a fund for entrepreneurs and small business owners that is administered by each E- Community; 2) Map all local, regional and state assets available to assist entrepreneurs and businesses in each E-Community; 3) Develop a long- term tracking and accountability system to measure business and economic growth; and 4) Form long- term partnerships with more than 400 NetWork Kansas partners statewide that assist entrepreneurs and small businesses in order to provide a positive impact on the Kansas economy.

"Becoming an entrepreneurial community is a process, not a project," said NetWork Kansas Director, Steve Radley.

NetWork Kansas was established as a component of the Kansas Economic Growth Act of 2004 to further entrepreneurship and small business growth as a priority for economic and community development in the State of Kansas. The program enables entrepreneurs and small business owners to be connected with the resources they need when they need them. NetWork Kansas is designed to help educate entrepreneurs about the public sector resources available who provide business building services to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the state of Kansas.

Entrepreneurship is, and will continue to be, a key factor in economic development in small rural communities. Look for other states to follow Kansas’ lead.

Network Kansas Homepage

The Blog Log
Visit my weblog to see where I’ve been and what I have learned along the way.

On the road again…
In addition to my travel blog I’ll list my upcoming engagements in each issue of The Agurban. Come see me when I’m in your neighborhood!

Jack’s Schedule

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

January 15, 2008 – Council Bluff, IA – Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce
January 17, 2008 – Chico, CA – Annual Economic Forecast Conference

Jack Schultz is the CEO of Boomtown Institute and Agracel Inc., an industrial development firm majoring in rural America, author of Boomtown USA, and speaker. Boomtown Institute serves as an economic development mentor to communities across the United States, leading communities to realize their full potential.

Visit the Boomtown Institute website at http://www.boomtowninstitute.com

Keep up with Jack as he tours the country on his blog!
To learn more about Agracel visit http://www.agracel.com.

email: [email protected]
phone: 217-342-3000
web: http://www.boomtowninstitute.com

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NetWork Kansas. Does your state have one as well? http://matr.net/article-26505.html

The Role of Small and Large Business in Economic Development. Home Grown is Best http://matr.net/article-24465.html