Fourth Annual Customer Traction Cohort Launches To Empower Kansas Startups
Photo courtesy of NXTUS.
NXTUS, Inc. today, kicked off the 2025 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort program, serving 19 early-stage Kansas entrepreneurs representing a diverse range of industries. With continued support from Network Kansas and the addition of INTRUST Bank’s Wichita Entrepreneur Scholarship, the program is able to expand its reach to rural and urban areas often underserved by startup initiatives.
Now in its fourth year, the program has graduated 50 startups and continues its momentum by fostering customized learning spaces that help early-stage Kansas companies overcome barriers, generate revenue, and identify scalable offerings.
"Network Kansas has sponsored this program in partnership with NXTUS since 2022, and we have found the workshop curriculum and one-on-one coaching to be incredibly impactful for entrepreneurs across Kansas—both urban and rural,” said Amara Kniep, Director at Network Kansas. “We are excited to continue playing a part in NXTUS' commitment to innovation and inclusion. Programs like CTC go a long way in fostering a brighter future for entrepreneurs in our state."
Throughout the program, the participants will receive in-depth, personalized, 1:1 coaching provided by a national coaching partner, focusing on product-market fit and customer acquisition strategies. Additionally, entrepreneurs will build valuable connections and a sense of community with other founders through in-person workshops while benefiting from ongoing professional pitch coaching and mentorship.
“This program has always been about meeting Kansas startups exactly where they are, and providing them with the tools, resources, and connections they need to grow and thrive,” said Amber Dunn, Program Manager at NXTUS. “We're excited for another year of helping entrepreneurs build meaningful relationships to accelerate their success during this year's Customer Traction Cohort.”
The year’s cohort showcases the breadth of entrepreneurial innovators in our state. From tech-driven solutions in talent recruitment, healthcare, finance, and logistics, to scalable spins on upskilling in workforce experiences like team building, DJing, and sustainable retail, these companies represent the spirit of innovation in Kansas.
New to the program in 2025, the cohort will have the opportunity to participate in Gamechangers and Champions 2025: A Bracket Bash for Innovators and Angels. This high-energy event, aligned with the excitement of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Wichita, will bring together startups, angel investors, and innovation stakeholders from across Kansas for a day of activation, networking, education, and competition. Program participants and statewide startups are encouraged to apply to pitch live in the bracket-style competition, engage in the day’s activities, and network with seasoned angel investors and community leaders.
The 2025 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort Members:
Biomedica Search (Manhattan)
Breese Organizational Wellness (Topeka)
Connection And Synergy (Oskaloosa)
Exemplify Leadership (Wichita)
Good Works Talent (Wichita)
Jardín (Lawrence)
LRG Commercial Contracting (Wyandotte)
MD Matchup (Olathe)
Midland Railroad Hotel (Wilson)
NPWR Training (Wichita)
Phy-Cy.X Security Group (Wichita)
POURPIS (Wichita)
Reliant Merchant Services (Wichita)
Scholarnetics360 (Prairie Village)
Seedfolk Partners (Wyandotte)
Sundown AgriSupply (Hoisington)
Top Gun Concrete Lifting (Ottawa)
Van-Go! Transport Services (Wichita)
Winding Creek Soap and Supply(Ellsworth)
In addition to Network Kansas and INTRUST Bank, the program is supported by K-State 105, Capitol Federal, Evergy, and the Greater Wichita Partnership’s Opportunity Wichita affiliate.
For more information about this program or to view program participant details, go to: https://www.nxtus.io/nxtstage-customer-traction-cohort.
To learn more about the Gamechangers and Champions 2025: A Bracket Bash for Innovators and Angels, visit nxtus.io/gc25.