Forging the Future: Collaborating for a Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Join us as we continue the Forging the Future work launched earlier this year—our region-wide effort to shape a more connected, equitable, and effective entrepreneurial ecosystem.

While this day has historically been known as ESO Day, this year we’re inviting a broader group of collaborators—corporate partners, capital providers, civic leaders, higher education, service providers, entrepreneurs, and ESOs—to roll up their sleeves and shape what comes next.

Whether you’ve been engaged since the beginning or this is your first time joining us, your voice and perspective are critical.

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Why You Should Attend:
• Get Up to Speed: Learn about the 7 ecosystem imperatives developed through the Forging the Future process—including efforts around storytelling, capital, corporate engagement, talent, commercialization, barrier removal, and ESO support.
• Advance the Work: Meet in Action Teams to refine, prioritize, and help move forward the top strategies under each imperative.
• Make Connections: Collaborate across sectors and communities to break silos and build momentum.
• Shape What’s Next: Help set the tone for Kansas City’s next chapter of entrepreneurship-led economic development.

This session will be interactive and action-oriented—we need your insight, energy, and ideas to drive change.

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Whether you’re supporting entrepreneurs, funding them, regulating them, employing them, or growing one yourself—this day is for you.

Let’s forge the future, together.