NXTUS Draws Regional, National Funding to Grow Staff, Programs
Expanded Services Will Boost Access to Capital, Connections, Customers for Innovators
Josh Oeding, CEO of NXTUS at the NXTUS office building.
Three new multi-year grants are enabling entrepreneurship support organization, NXTUS, Inc., to add to its staff and provide additional opportunities for local startups to grow their innovative young companies.
$350,000 (over three years) Capital Grant from U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to strengthen innovation and tech-based economic development. NXTUS will use these dollars to expand the region’s early-stage investor base and help diverse entrepreneurs build scalable companies.
$300,000 (over three years) Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation grant to help address systemic challenges that affect entrepreneurs’ ability to start and grow businesses in the Heartland. NXTUS will partner with other regional groups, such as the Greater Wichita Partnership and NetWork Kansas, to connect diverse entrepreneurs to customers and collaborators in NXTSTAGE Pilot Competitions.
NXTUS, as part of a regional team led by Wichita State University, will also benefit from $300,000 (over three years) of a previously announced Venture Grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), which will allow the organization to focus NXTSTAGE programming on entrepreneurs in the region who are working to connect with new customers and pilot partners.
“This is a phenomenal milestone for our region and the early-stage companies we support. We are thrilled with the Kauffman Foundation’s and EDA’s support that, combined with continued backing from the local community, will allow us to grow and diversify the investor base and startups we can serve. We will use this as rocket fuel to accelerate the growth of innovative startups in Kansas,” said Josh Oeding, President and CEO, NXTUS.
“If we’re going to build a Heartland that includes all communities and voices, we need to start with focusing on growing an inclusive economy that centers entrepreneurship and innovation. As difficult as that work will be, it will be made even more difficult if we try to do it alone and disconnected. Central Standards grantees are partnering and collaborating to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Heartland while also connecting the region to the most innovative practices from across the country,” said Chris Harris, Kauffman Foundation Senior Program Officer in Entrepreneurship.
These grant awards allow for the addition of two new staff members:
Amber Dunn (left), Program Manager focused on NXTSTAGE growth, is a Wichita native and graduate of Wichita State University. She began her career at RSM Marketing. Over the past year, Amber has worked with local startups and supports entrepreneurial-minded companies to help them gain traction in their business.
Ian Worrell (right), Program Manager dedicated to NXTUS capital programs, is a graduate of Kansas State University and comes from a 16-year career at INTRUST Bank. His finance background and passion for community service uniquely combine for this new role.
“Adding Amber and Ian to the NXTUS team will help us support more entrepreneurs and grow our region’s participation in the innovation economy,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, Executive Director, NXTUS. “This is a huge step for our organization, as we work to build the momentum that is propelling our community forward. We hope more local businesses and community leaders will join in this important work.”
For more information on NXTUS entrepreneur support options or about investing in local startups, contact hello@nxtus.io.