Eudora Schools Foundation School Supply Drive
The Eudora Schools Foundation is having its annual School Supply Drive, and this year, they aim to fill over 210 backpacks for Eudora students in need.
DGCO/Lawrence World Cup Planning Team
In support of the Douglas County/ Lawrence World Cup Planning Team, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is partnering with our colleague and friend of the E-Community, Kira Cheree Cobb to host Ready! Set! Score! on Thursday, July 17th from 8:30 am -5:00 pm at KU Innovation Park.
This event is for business owners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs to prepare local businesses for the opportunities surrounding the 2026 World Cup. Lawrence’s Rock Chalk Park is one of three sites in the region being considered to serve as a Base Camp for one of the country’s competing in the World Cup next summer.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please share!!!
Douglas County E-Community can support individuals with scholarships that may not be able to cover the admission fee. Please contact me or Nicole Rials directly for scholarship requests.
Kansas Department of Agriculture - Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting grant applications for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program. Nearly $6.46 million was awarded to the agency through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service for this program.
The purpose of the RFSI program is to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain by awarding competitive grants for projects to expand capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural products. This program is intended to support food system crops and products meant for human consumption excluding meat and poultry products, which are funded through other USDA programs.
Grants will be awarded to Kansas food and farm businesses and other eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, local government entities, Tribal governments, and institutions such as schools and hospitals.
A second round of Simplified Equipment-Only Grants is now available, and awards will range in value from a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 and do not require cost sharing or matching. The Simplified Equipment-Only Grant is a fixed price grant, meaning it will fund only equipment purchases and the amount awarded will be equal to the cost of the equipment up to $50,000. The Simplified Equipment-Only Grant will operate on an accelerated timeline and all equipment purchases must be made by December 31, 2025.
Applications will be evaluated through a competitive review process in cooperation with the USDA–AMS. Applications will be ranked based on their project’s need, proposed outcomes, and feasibility as well as the impact they will have on the local food supply chain and their communities.
Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. CT on July 18, 2025. For more information, please download and carefully read the Request for Applications from the KDA website: agriculture.ks.gov/RFSI.
Food Biz Con
2025 Food Business Conference
Whether you are currently growing a food business or have an amazing idea for one, you’ll find something valuable at the 4th annual Food Business Conference.
This free, two-day conference offers topics related to mobile food businesses, manufacturing, restaurants, and agriculture. It also will connect food entrepreneurs with support organizations, coaches and information. A variety of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities will equip you with the tools to strengthen your business.
Whether you are currently open for business or still have a food business dream, we have what you need to learn, launch, and level up your food business!
For more information please contact, Tyler Lindquist, Chair, Douglas County Food Policy Council
Youth Entrepreneurship Training
Youth Entrepreneurship Training - Open to students in grades 6-12 who reside in Douglas County. Brings students together to gain hands-on business experience.
Rural Grocery Peer Groups
🌾 Calling All Rural Grocery Store Owners & Managers! 🛒
Running a rural grocery store can feel isolating at times, but you’re not alone. We’ve got a great opportunity to help you connect with others who understand your challenges and share valuable insights!
Introducing Rural Grocery Peer Groups, hosted by RGI. These monthly Zoom meetings will allow you to:
🤝 Connect with fellow rural grocers
💡 Share advice and best practices
🎓 Learn directly from industry experts
🌱 Support each other to thrive in a tough industry
Who’s Invited?
Owners and managers of independent rural grocery stores in NE, IA, MO, KS, OK, AR.
What’s the Format?
Groups of 12 non-competing grocers meeting once a month for an hour.
When?
February through October 2025 (dates and times TBD)
Where?
Zoom (it’s easy and convenient!)
Cost?
Absolutely FREE!
How to Join:
Simply complete a brief online application by January 17, 2025. (Spots are limited, so don’t wait!)
👉 Complete your application here
Have questions? Reach out to Erica Blair at elblair@ksu.edu.
Let’s work together to create a stronger, more connected rural grocery community! 🌾💪
The Entrepreneurial Educator Innovation Lab
🎓 An Amazing Opportunity for Educators! 📚
Are you an educator passionate about bringing real-world learning into the classroom? 🌟 Don’t miss this free 3-day professional development workshop on Design Thinking and entrepreneurial education, hosted by Startland in collaboration with KU!
📅 Event Details:
🗓 Dates: January 15-17, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Capitol Federal Hall, University of Kansas
1654 Naismith Dr, Lawrence, KS
During this hands-on workshop, educators will:
✨ Take part in a Design Thinking innovation challenge.
🛠 Learn practical tools for curriculum integration.
🚀 Gain strategies to bring innovative teaching to life.
🔗 Registration is FREE, but spots are limited—deadline to register: December 18, 2024!
👉 Click HERE to register DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 18, 2024
For questions, contact Julie (julie.leonhardt@startland.org) or Christina (christina@startland.org).
Not near Lawrence? Startland plans to host two additional events in Central and Western Kansas in 2025—stay tuned! 🗺
Let’s empower educators to create dynamic and innovative classrooms! 🙌
Event One
Indianpreneurship Training - A Native Journey into Business - FREE 2-Day Event!