Wichita-based entrepreneurial organization NXTUS Inc. will encompass startups from further afield in Kansas with its latest program.
The organization has announced that its Customer Traction Cohort will feature 21 young companies and founders from across the state in its first iteration in 2023.
But in addition to the more traditional entrepreneurial haunts of Wichita -and Kansas City-area, the group includes a strong contingent from southwestern Kansas.
It’s a push that Mary Beth Jarvis, executive director of NXTUS, says is an intentional move to help a historically underserved startup population — rural entrepreneurs.
Those founders will join the others selected for a program that aims to help early-stage companies move to revenue generation with scalable product offerings.
“This is the blocking and tackling that creates economic growth,” Jarvis said.
The participants in the program are made up of:
• Aligning Cosmos Boutique, founded by Mariah Magana and based in Garden City.
• Barr T Beef, founded by Brandon Turner and based in Elkhart.
• Body Contour by Bella, founded by Isabell Razo and based in Garden City.
• Bonfire Strategy, founded by Jordan Walker and based in Wichita.
• Grad Cap Remix, co-founded by Rashawnda Wright and based in Overland Park.
• Clara Biotech, co-founded by Jim West and based in Lawrence.
• Dexer, led by Lance Burditt, president, and based in Overland Park.
• Eclectic Bistro and Bakery, founded by Jeremy Mercado and based in Dodge City.
• Forge Podcast Co., founded by Bryan Steele and based in Maize.
• Good Company Inc., founded by Jennifer Gleason and based in Kinsley.
• HorseThief Reservoir, led by Audrey Rupp, district manager, and based near Jetmore.
• ICT Lifestyle Management, founded by Kristen Townsend and based in Wichita.
• Lovely Dots, founded by Nicole Wolf and based in Wichita.
• Nomad Laser Cleaning, co-founded by Britini and Cody Spencer and based in Wichita.
• Poshed On The Go, founded by Ruth Shrauner and based in Shawnee.
• Prairie Mermaid and Watercolor, (@PrarieMermaidArt on Instagram) founded by Karem Gallo and based in Liberal.
• Rusty Rose, founded by Sheri Roth and providing venue space and handmade items in a revitalized bank building in Jetmore.
• S&P Catering LLC, serving BBQ for everything from backyard parties to corporate events, founded by Phillip Parish and based in Jetmore.
• Sew Loved Quilt Shop, founded by Laura Martin and based in Elkhart.
• Yours Truly Gif Store and Flower Shoppe, led by operations manager Amy Habiger and located in Great Bend and Lyons.
• Wichita Cheesecake Co. LLC, founded by Mark Daniels and based in Wichita.
The program begins Thursday and runs through mid-March, including a mix of expert-led workshops and individual coaching that will have the training operating out of Wichita and a satellite location in Dodge City.
“We provide a community for them to hash out any problems that they’re having,” said Amber Dunn, program manager with NXTUS.
The program — which joins the organization’s NXTSTAGE pilot competitions and enterprise engagement series under the NXTUS portfolio — was launched last year with funding that was part of a U.S. Economic Development Administration “Build to Scale” grant.
The organization says additional funding from NetWork Kansas enabled the growth and increased focus on rural entrepreneurs.
