Your Chamber at Work - July 14, 2025

FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO

The KC Chamber believes in the power of small businesses to drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen the heart of our regional economy. And we know that when entrepreneurs have the right support and access to capital, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. That’s why I’m eager to share the launch of our new Access to Capital Dashboard, a powerful, easy-to-use tool designed to help entrepreneurs, lenders, and support organizations connect, collaborate, and grow.

This dashboard is more than just a resource. It’s a gateway to Kansas City’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you’re preparing to raise capital, helping clients get loan-ready, or guiding business owners through their next stage of growth, you’ll find:

A clear view of the region’s capital access landscape
Connections to trusted entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs)
Tools, resources, and expert partners to help businesses succeed

Our goal is to make the path to capital more accessible, more inclusive, and more effective because when our small businesses thrive, our entire region moves forward.

Special thanks to the Kauffman Foundation and MySidewalk for their partnership and support in making this dashboard possible. Their commitment to entrepreneurial success and data-driven solutions continues to make a lasting impact on our community.

I encourage you to explore the dashboard and share it widely as we all strive to build a KC where bold ideas, strong partnerships, and inclusive prosperity lead the way.

POWER OF DIVERSITY

Don’t miss one of Kansas City’s most impactful events: the POWER of Diversity Awards Luncheon, happening Friday, July 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center (2345 McGee St., KCMO). This powerful event celebrates the individuals and organizations shaping a more inclusive future for our region. This year’s keynote speaker is Jennifer Brown, bestselling author of How to Be an Inclusive Leader and one of the nation’s most sought-after voices on diversity and inclusion. She’ll share bold, actionable strategies for leading with authenticity and purpose, no matter your industry or starting point.

We’ll also honor the trailblazers making a difference:

ACE Awards – Celebrating rising leaders pushing boundaries and driving change.
Champion of Diversity Award – Recognizing organizations walking the walk on equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Register now and be part of the momentum for a stronger, more inclusive Kansas City.

MEMBER STANDUP

Sixty seconds. That’s all it takes to spark a new connection at the KC Chamber’s Member Standup, happening Tuesday, August 5, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Chamber Board Room at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). This fast-paced networking event gives members the mic to share who they are, what they do, and why it matters, all in a supportive, high-energy setting. Whether you’re looking to build visibility, meet potential partners, or simply connect with other professionals, this is your moment. No slides, no pressure—just real people, real stories, and real opportunity. Learn more and register now!

HEALTHY KC NETWORKING FORUM – WELLNESS PROGRAMS: ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL

What does wellness look like in your workplace? For some, it’s access to mental health resources. For others, it’s flexibility, fitness, or simply feeling seen and supported. But one thing is clear—wellness programs that succeed are those that reflect the people they serve. That’s the focus of the next Healthy KC Networking Forum, happening Wednesday, August 6, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (1400 Baltimore Ave., KCMO). Whether your team is remote, on-site, hybrid, hourly, or salaried, this forum offers practical solutions for tailoring wellness initiatives across different roles, schedules, and access levels. Learn how to get leadership buy-in, build a network of internal advocates, and communicate your programs in ways that resonate—no matter the medium. Plus, enjoy free breakfast and the chance to connect with others who care about creating healthier, more supportive workplaces. Register now!

CHILD CARE EXCHANGE

Affordable, reliable child care is one of the most pressing challenges facing working families, and it’s a workforce issue, too. On Wednesday, August 20, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., join us in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) for an important conversation about the Child Care Exchange, a new community-based, cost-sharing program designed to ease the burden on families while strengthening local businesses and providers. Backed by state funding in Missouri’s latest budget, the Child Care Exchange is built on a coordinated partnership between employers, employees, government, and local organizations. The goal? To expand access to quality, affordable care while helping employers attract and retain talent. You’ll hear about how the program works, and what it could mean for your organization. Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, nonprofit partner, or provider, your voice matters in shaping a program with real, lasting community impact. Register today and help build a stronger, more family-friendly region for all.

FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO

POWER OF DIVERSITY

MEMBER STANDUP

HEALTHY KC NETWORKING FORUM – WELLNESS PROGRAMS: ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL

CHILD CARE EXCHANGE

Become a KC Chamber Member