Idaho’s Allies… Nationally

I won’t be at Kickstand tonight next week (bummer) but tonight (Nov 1) I am in KC as invited guest of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (woohoo), the single largest funder of entrepreneurship research and single largest funder of entrepreneurship education and training. While this is a research-oriented conference, I will be hanging with the top aides to the head guy. These are people who already expressed interest in possibly funding cool initiatives in Idaho. (I will also be seeing other allies, both academic & federal - e.g., NSF is usually there.) Great chance to schmooze!

Rather than bias you with what I’ve already discussed (but I’m happy to share that) drop me an email, if you have any bright ideas. Here’s what they ARE interested in:

1) youth (K-12) - there’s a huge coming opportunity for Idaho to connect on a global basis

2) multi-institution, cross-campus programs (I think this is our best shot, but it will have to happen at the statewide level, given our track record.)

3) community colleges - fast becoming the #1 vehicle for entrepreneurial development, not just workforce development! Check out Springfield Technical Community College, www.stcc.edu, for a model we could copy…

Fortunately, these are the same themes that seem to resonate in high places here, so ideas are welcome.

Moreover, there will be people at meetings like this who would love to visit Idaho & lend a hand, as a speaker or whatever. The best & brightest out there WANT TO HELP IDAHO! So, any specific expertise that would be especially useful? Where do we need the imprimatur of an Official Big Name?

Wish me luck! nk

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