By Great Bend Economic Development, Inc.
GREAT BEND, Kan. — Great Bend Economic Development, Inc. (GBED) announces the upcoming session of the CO.STARTERS Core program, a ten-week, cohort-based initiative designed to equip entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to transform their business ideas into action. The next program will run from March 5th through May 14th.
Drawing from the experience of successful entrepreneurs and startup veterans worldwide, CO.STARTERS helps creative small business owners utilize lean, effective business modeling methods in an intuitive way while connecting them to a supportive community of peers and mentors. Participants focus on building and testing small models first rather than crafting detailed business plans. Through this process, they gain real-time customer feedback, adapt their models to meet customer needs, and avoid creating businesses based on incorrect assumptions.
The CO.STARTERS program is a global initiative, serving more than 200 communities across the United States, New Zealand, and Australia.
In Barton County, CO.STARTERS is led by GBED, which offers a comprehensive pathway to guide entrepreneurs through every stage of their business journey. This ten-week program will kick off on March 5th and meet weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6 pm to 9 pm. Valued at over $2,500, the program’s costs have been subsidized through sponsorships, allowing participants to enroll for just $300. GBED also offers a rebate: participants attending at least eight of the ten sessions will receive a $100 rebate. Class size is limited, so early application is encouraged.
The sessions will be facilitated by Regan Reif and Jeremy Elliott, both of whom bring extensive expertise and dedication to fostering entrepreneurship in the community. Their guidance will be instrumental in helping participants succeed.
Lee Ann June, Communications Director for GBED, expressed her enthusiasm: “CO.STARTERS Core is the heavy-hitting piece in our suite of resources for entrepreneurs. It helps ‘starters’ gain the tools they need to ensure their businesses are sustainable. The program’s focus on simplicity, community, and individual growth speaks directly to the creatives, dreamers, and makers in central Kansas. It fits seamlessly with our other initiatives, like creating entrepreneurial mindsets through ICE House and preparing for the IGNITE competition, where they can win grant funds.”
Through programs like IGNITE Rural Business—Barton County’s shark tank-style competition—GBED has identified a strong local base of entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs need support, education, and resources to sustain growth and contribute to the local economy. CO.STARTERS aims to fill that gap.
“Beyond Silicon Valley and New York, there are countless communities full of talented entrepreneurs who lack the organized support needed to thrive,” said Enoch Elwell, CO.STARTERS Founder. “CO.STARTERS provides these communities with a framework to achieve their economic growth goals and foster stronger connections.”
For more information on CO.STARTERS, visit costarters.co. To learn more about the Barton County program or to apply, visit www.gbedinc.com/costarters.
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 in Barton County. For more information about GBED visit: www.gbedinc.com, call 620-796-2407, or email [email protected].
About CO.STARTERS
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.
