IVLP visitors share insights during the “Global Perspectives on Entrepreneurship” panel at 1 Million Cups, hosted by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Photo by Haines Eason.
From July 15 to 18, Global Ties KC was proud to host a delegation of international visitors participating in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The program, themed “Advancing Economic Prosperity: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development,” brought together 15 entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the globe, including Angola, China, Germany, Hungary, Iraq, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.
During their time in Kansas City, these global leaders connected with local organizations that embody the region’s spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. They took part in the Kauffman FastTrac program, gaining critical skills to launch, manage, and grow their ventures both at home and internationally. They also met with representatives from the Kansas Small Business Development Center, the Small Business Administration in Kansas City, and SCORE during a panel discussion focused on federal resources for small businesses in the Midwest. A visit to the Social Venture Studio introduced them to local efforts to train the next generation of social entrepreneurs.
In addition to these remarkable visits and conversations, the visitors were given the opportunity to speak in front of audiences twice throughout their program in Kansas City.
First, they attended the July 16th 1 Million Cups, event at the Kauffman Conference Center. At this signature networking event, the visitors connected with Kansas City entrepreneurs, students, and creatives. After a local entrepreneur pitched his business, the program transitioned to a special panel discussion featuring several IVLP participants. Moderated by Emmah Muema, 1 Million Cups Program Manager, the panel explored themes of startup acceleration, business scaling, funding, and global entrepreneurship. The speakers compared startup ecosystems in Kansas City and their home countries, reflecting on the similarities, challenges, and innovations they’ve encountered during their IVLP Program in the United States. They also took a few questions from the audience, leading to a lively discussion and opportunity for mutual exchange.
IVLP visitors share insights during the “Global Perspectives on Entrepreneurship” panel at 1 Million Cups, hosted by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Photo by Haines Eason.
These visitors also had the opportunity to attend and speak at the Keystone Innovation Sessions, housed at the Keystone Innovation District. After a tour and overview of Keystone’s offerings, the group listened to sessions focused on Missouri’s energy materials ecosystem and a Town Hall from Black Excellence KC. Next, it was time for the IVLP Visitors to take the stage. Moderated by Keven McGinnis, CEO of Keystone Innovation District, four visitors participated in a panel focused on Global Perspectives on Entrepreneurship, giving the visitors a chance to give powerful insights into building startup ecosystems. They discussed their work in their home countries, business development around the world, the importance of visibility, and how businesses are supported globally.
IVLP visitors speak during a Global Entrepreneurship panel at Keystone Innovation District.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the local resources who met with visitors to make this program possible: the Kauffman Foundation, Keystone Innovation District, Kansas Small Business Development Center, SCORE, Small Business Administration in Kansas City, and the Social Venture Studio. Local support allows Global Ties KC to deliver meaningful and impactful programming that connects Kansas City to the world.
