CoStarters Community Meet & Greet

Great Bend Economic Development (GBED) is excited to announce a Community Meet and Greet event featuring CO.STARTERS, a renowned company dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship. The event is scheduled for February 8th at Dry Lake Brewing, located at 1405 Main Street. CO.STARTERS representatives will be in town for facilitator training. CO.STARTERS is at the forefront of building vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems, empowering communities, and equipping starters of all kinds. Originating from grassroots efforts in Chattanooga, Tennessee, CO.STARTERS has evolved into a global entity, impacting thousands through its programs annually. This event serves as a platform for anyone curious about the upcoming programs through CO.STARTERS. Entrepreneurs, starters, and the community at large can learn more about the resources available to accelerate culture and empower communities. GBED recognizes the importance of entrepreneurship in rural Kansas and is committed to cultivating a thriving environment through initiatives like CO.STARTERS, the IGNITE Rural Business competition, as well as business development services. CO.STARTERS Impact on Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: CO.STARTERS plays a pivotal role in community development by connecting leaders, problem solvers, and starters to collaboratively solve challenges and identify solutions. This collaboration exponentially increases their effectiveness in fostering entrepreneurship. Additionally, CO.STARTERS connects communities with proven models and tools, curating the best resources from innovative leaders nationwide to address the specific needs of each community. In their commitment to filling gaps in entrepreneurial ecosystems, CO.STARTERS develops its own programs and tools. A foundational offering is their cohort-based program, empowering entrepreneurs with insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action. Community Meet and Greet Details: • Date: February 8th • Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. • Location: Dry Lake Brewing, 1405 Main Street, Great Bend The event will feature opportunities for networking, discussions on entrepreneurial growth, and a chance to learn more about CO.STARTERS and its impact globally. GBED's Commitment to Entrepreneurship: Great Bend Economic Development remains steadfast in its commitment to entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like the IGNITE Rural Business Competition and business development services, GBED aims to provide a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive. The IGNITE competition has been a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a platform to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures with the incentive of prize money, exposure for their business, and mentorship. GBED remains dedicated to empowering individuals to realize their business goals and contribute to the growth and vibrancy of Barton County. The deadline to compete in the IGNITE Competition is June 13, 2024. It is important to note that IGNITE contestants receive extra credit for the 1st round of competition for participating in CO.STARTERS classes offered by GBED. Join Us in Building a Thriving Entrepreneurial Community: Great Bend Economic Development invites the community to join the Community Meet and Greet with CO.STARTERS on February 8th at Dry Lake Brewing between 5 pm and 7 pm. This is an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the growth of entrepreneurship in rural Kansas. For more information on CO.STARTERS, IGNITE, or other business development services, please contact GBED Staff at 620-796-2407 or via email at info@gbedinc.com. About GBED (Great Bend Economic Development): Our goal is to sustain Barton County's long-term economic health and vitality through the retention, expansion, and attraction of businesses and development that enhance property values, increase personal income, and positively contribute to the citizens' quality of life of Barton County. For more information about GBED visit: www.gbedinc.com, call 620-796-2407, or email marketing@gbedinc.com. About CO.STARTERS the Company: CO.STARTERS helps individuals and communities thrive through entrepreneurship by equipping them with strategy, tools, and relationships. Building on initial grassroots efforts with small business starters in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the CO.STARTERS network now has an international reach with thousands participating in its programs annually. Since 2008, CO.STARTERS has equipped more than 690 local leaders across 200+ communities, helping more than 12,000 starters move forward with their ventures. The hallmarks of the CO.STARTERS approach to entrepreneur support are investment in the individual, peer learning in a community context, and simple and relatable tools. From the beginning, CO.STARTERS has pioneered a community-based approach to economic development and has played a leading national role in increasing small business success and growing entrepreneurial ecosystems.