What we can learn from the Kauffmann Foundation’s programs: Preparing for the EShip Summit
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Kansas City-based Kauffmann Foundation, a global thought-leader in entrepreneurship and education. My visit was part of a North American Innovation Tour where I explored different ecosystem models. My focus was on who was connecting entrepreneurial activity with the community outside their door. The Kauffmann Foundation epitomises this position.
I captured a brief interview below with one of the Foundation’s social entrepreneur leaders, Andy Stoll, along with other leaders in the Kansas City scene. Andy shared his Startup Community Alchemy model based on his experience growing South Dakota’s startup community.
Next week from 21 to 23 June I return to the Kauffman Foundation to attend the Eship Summit, a 3-day workshop with 400 other ecosystem builders. We will focus on what needs to happen in our communities to support entrepreneurs, build ecosystems, and change our economies.
Prior to heading over, I am preparing by researching how the Foundation’s vision and strategy are evidenced in their programs. Established in 1966 by entrepreneur Ewing Marion Kauffman, the Foundation has an asset base of over $2 billion and reported over $60 million in grants paid to organisations in 2014. I figure if there is a model of ecosystem development to learn from, this would be the place.
For reference, I have managed and grown local council-backed innovation hub Fire Station 101 over the past 18 months. The hub plays a central role in the innovation ecosystem due to the connection with local government, the regional aspect of the area, and the early-stage nature of the entrepreneurial community. While the source of funding is unique, the emphasis on entrepreneurial growth for community outcomes is one that is shared by regions across Queensland and Australia.
Mapping the programs: The infograph
With this in mind and for ongoing research into my PhD on community resilience, I mapped out the programs listed on the Kauffmann Foundation website to familiarise myself and see what could be applied to local regions. I am a visual person and find infographing stuff helps me make sense of things. Given the amount of content in the infograph, you may need to open the image in a new window or download it to see the detail.
I am most interested in where the Kauffmann Foundation has settled as far as a strategy after so many years of testing and learning what does and does not work. Two main strategic focus areas are “changing education” and “increasing entrepreneur success”. These strategies are supported by development and involvement in over 45 programs. The two strategies align and contribute towards a third strategy focusing on the liveability of their local hometown.
The programs within each strategy represent a holistic coverage of each strategic focus. The education programs for example have a specialist focus across the age ranges of birth to university-aged students, and address the institution of the school, the leadership across schools, and driving disruption within the education sector. Entrepreneurial programs support education, funding, networking, policy, research, and community across the ecosystem of investors, government, corporations, and entrepreneurs.
I further analysed the programs to determine their focus. Like any categorisation, this is based on my interpretation and is open for discussion.
Mentoring and skills development is a large focus, building capability in young people and teachers in the education area and in entrepreneurs and investors in the entrepreneur strategy. Research and policy programs support long-term development in both education and entrepreneurship. Networking programs support entrepreneurial activity, and specialist accelerators drive innovation in the education sector.
Please give me your questions
The intent of my review is to identify existing actors and gaps in local regions, tested against the Kauffman Foundation as a standard. What programs or organisations focus on the life-span of education? What free market, education, and government collaborations are researching and contributing towards entrepreneurial policy and infrastructure changes? How can we learn from what the Foundation decides to support versus equipping other market programs? Is there coverage of mentoring, skill development, funding, networking, and accelerator programs for the different actors in the ecosystem?
These questions are top of mind, and I expect many more questions will emerge before I leave. I am very much looking forward to spending two days joining other leaders as we immerse ourselves in topics around entrepreneurship for local community impact. My goal is to enter the conversation without answers, contributing where I might add value, and bring back as much as I can to benefit local regional innovation.
My goal is also to help as many as possible as much as I can. In the interest of having as many people as possible benefit from my experience, please contribute your questions and perspectives in the comments below and I will add them to the conversations while I am over next week.
The challenges and opportunities before us are greater than any one person can address. I look forward to sharing and collaborating with you to make the world an even better place for more people.