Recognizing the need for a consistent message on entrepreneurship and in providing resources to startups and small businesses in the area, the Lee’s Summit City Council approved a measure making a financial commitment to Velocity Lee’s Summit.
Velocity Lee’s Summit was formed in 2015 to create economic growth through innovation by providing resources, education and a place to foster continued entrepreneurship and joins other city partners in Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council and the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce.
Following previous presentations to council committees, the Lee’s Summit City Council voted July 26 to provide $145,000 in funding to Velocity Lee’s Summit over two years.
“The City’s investment validates Velocity’s passionate efforts over the last few years to cultivate a collaborative mindset within our start-up business community,” Velocity Past Chair Chuck Cooper said.
Cooper and current board chair, Jon Cundiff, said work will start immediately to zero in the focus to economic growth and new business opportunities, while continuing to put programming, resources and events into place that bring together business owners, entrepreneurs and start-ups.
“Velocity has vetted the region’s entrepreneurial landscape. We understand our mission, strong suits, place, position and potential to support the Lee’s Summit start-up business community,” Cundiff said. “We have been leveraging strong relationships with key KC-metro players in the entrepreneurial support and resource groups space.”
Velocity Lee’s Summit’s board of directors includes Chip Moxley, Rosalie Newkirk, Rick Viar, Matt Baird, Jeff Danley, Rick McDowell, Donnie Rodgers, DJ Good, Tim Denker, Julia Hampton, Steve Marsh, Grant Gooding and Joe Mullins.
“Velocity now has the ability to scale up our resources and truly foster a habitat of innovation in Lee’s Summit,” Cooper said. “Aligning our supportive efforts, such as mentorship programs, with rapidly growing businesses, Velocity facilitates a local fertile environment for our entrepreneurs to succeed.”
Lee’s Summit Mayor Bill Baird said the funding signals a pledge to work hand-in-hand with Velocity.
“We are passionate about nurturing and growing the tremendous talent we have in Lee’s Summit,” Baird said. “Velocity will be our secret ingredient in creating the most productive environment to help our start-up businesses and entrepreneurs grow and succeed. Funding Velocity shows our city council’s commitment to economic strategic planning with an identifiable return on investment, measurable in increases in our employment and tax base.”
For more information on Velocity Lee’s Summit, visit www.velocityleessummit.org.
