UMKC Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Our Summer Scholars recently took their second field trip around Kansas City to learn about the entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations that have helped shape our region.

The group visited the Kauffman Foundation & One Million Cups. They also toured the Hallmark Visitors Center, where they learned how Hallmark grew from shoeboxes filled with picture postcards into a globally recognized company.

We wrapped up the day at Reconciliation Services and Thelma's Kitchen, where we explored how entrepreneurship can be used to serve communities and create meaningful impact.

Our scholars gained a deeper understanding of the many ways entrepreneurship influences our city.

Thank you to One Million Cups, Hallmark Visitors Center, and Thelma's Kitchen for sharing your time and experiences with our students.

Our 2026 Summer Scholars going on their first field trip!

This week, we visited Kansas City's River Market to learn more about entrepreneurship in action.

Students had the chance to hear real entrepreneurship stories from one of the business owners of Pigwich and learn how businesses grow and thrive in Kansas City. They also met with the Economic Development Corporation (EDCKC) to discuss entrepreneurship, economic development, and the resources available to support business owners.

Thank you to Pigwich and the EDC for welcoming our scholars and sharing your experiences with the next generation of entrepreneurs!

Startup World Cup is coming to Kansas City for the first time.

The 2026 Startup World Cup Kansas City Regional Tournament will take place at CPKC Stadium on September 22, 2026.

Tech-based and tech-enabled startups operating in Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas can apply now for the chance to pitch live in Kansas City. One regional winner will advance to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco to compete for a $1 million investment prize.

Applications are due August 6 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Not applying? Register as a free guest and come support the finalists.

Apply or register here: https://www.kcsourcelink.com/startup-world-cup/

The Regnier Institute is proud to help promote this opportunity for Kansas City and the surrounding region’s startup community.

Funding Opportunity for Kansas City's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

The Regnier Institute is excited to help share a new opportunity from KCSourceLink.

Forging the Future of Entrepreneurship in Kansas City will fund collaborative projects and pilot programs that strengthen the systems, organizations, and partnerships that support entrepreneurs across our region.

This opportunity is intended for organizations, founders, civic partners, and ecosystem leaders working together to address shared challenges and create lasting impact.

Application Dates:
Opens: June 1, 2026
Closes: July 5, 2026

Learn more and apply:
https://kcsourcelink.com/forging-the-future

We encourage our entrepreneurial community to explore this opportunity and consider how collaboration can help strengthen Kansas City's innovation ecosystem.

Congratulations to Our Community Entrepreneurship Program Graduates

We are excited to congratulate the graduates of the Community Entrepreneurship Program.

This celebration marked the completion of an important milestone and recognized the dedication, growth, and entrepreneurial spirit of each participant. We are grateful to everyone who joined us in supporting and celebrating our graduates.

Thank you to our graduates, families, mentors, and community members for making this program and celebration such a success.

We look forward to seeing the continued impact these entrepreneurs will make in our community.

Congratulations to all of the winners, participants, and entrepreneurs who made this semester at the Regnier Institute such a success!

This semester was filled with incredible ideas, inspiring pitches, and meaningful connections through our events, competitions, and entrepreneurial programs. We are proud of every student and community founder who stepped up to share their vision and take the next step in building their venture.

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, mentored, supported, and helped make this semester memorable. Your passion and innovation continue to strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit at UMKC and throughout Kansas City.

First Tuesday Founder Series – RVA Demo Day

We invite our Kansas City community, students, and entrepreneurs to join us for Regnier Venture Accelerator Demo Day: Founder Pitches Live , the last First Tuesday event of the spring semester.

This event features eight RVA students presenting their ventures to a panel of judges. It is a great opportunity to see how student founders develop ideas, build businesses, and share their ideas.

Event Details

Date: December 9, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Bloch Executive Hall 218, UMKC

Credits Available

FSE Credit
Launchpad Credit

Join us to close out the semester and support student innovation.

The Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is so excited to host the inaugural Bloch Talks event at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City on April 23rd, 2026, at 7 PM.



Join us for an evening of entrepreneurial insight, storytelling, and bold ideas from the following speakers:

Andrew Clark, Sonos
Bryan Shannon, TreviPay
Emily Brown, Attane Health
Tiffany Meesha Thompson, Petrichor projects
Wendy Doyle, United WE


Event Details:
Thursday, April 23, 2026
7:00 PM – Registration | 7:30 PM – Program
Learn more, and tickets are available BlochTalks.com

Students: Free (Promo Code: RooUp)
Alumni & Community: $15
Free parking available in the museum garage

First Tuesday Founder Series – April 7

We invite you to join us for an engaging session with Dr. Ashley McClellan, Founder and CEO of MedCurate.

Dr. McClellan brings more than 18 years of experience in healthcare leadership, having served as CEO and COO across multiple major organizations. She previously led The Woman’s Hospital of Texas and Research Medical Center.

In 2023, she launched MedCurate, a digital marketplace designed to improve how healthcare staffing works by connecting providers and organizations more effectively.

In addition to her professional work, she serves on several boards and teaches in a healthcare leadership program.

Event Details:
Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Bloch Executive Hall 218, UMKC
Cost: Free

Credits Available:
FSE Credit
Launchpad Credit

This event is open to students and the community.