Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship
Douglas County supports local entrepreneurs through various programs and initiatives. We are committed to cultivating an equitable entrepreneurial environment in which anyone can reach their full potential by working with entrepreneur support organizations across Douglas County.
E-Community Program
The NetWork Kansas Entrepreneurship Community (E-Community) program is geared towards identifying and developing resources to assist local entrepreneurs in starting or growing a business.
Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
This annual competition consists of students preparing a written business plan or executive summary, a “trade show” booth, and an elevator pitch or presentation.
Culinary Commons
Culinary Commons is a community incubator kitchen that offers a clean, quiet atmosphere to create delicious recipes to launch your food business or innovate to perfect your dream product.
Kansas Ice House Entrepreneurship Program
Unlock your entrepreneurial potential with the Kansas Ice House Entrepreneurship Program, an engaging 8-week certificate program designed to cultivate the mindset and skills needed for success.
Inspired by the life story of Pulitzer Prize nominee Clifton Taulbert, this transformative program—developed by the Kauffman Foundation—immerses participants in the core principles of entrepreneurship. Through interactive learning, real-world case studies, and hands-on activities, you’ll develop critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and other essential skills to turn ideas into action.
Program Details
Location: Lawrence Public Library
Schedule: Wednesdays, June 4 – July 23, 2025, 3:00–5:00 PM
Time Commitment: Expect to spend 2 hours outside of class each week for reading and classwork
Who Can Join: Open to individuals 14 years and older
Cost: Free to attend, but participants must purchase the required book
Requirements: Must commit to attending at least 6 out of 8 sessions (Max participants: 20)
Instructor: Carrie Poe, MBA, Business Advisor with the KU SBDC and a certified Ice House Facilitator
Don’t miss this opportunity to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and bring your ideas to life! Registration will be available on the Lawrence Public Library website soon!
Food Entrepreneur Resources
Douglas County’s Food Policy Council offers several resources for aspiring or existing entrepreneurs in the food service industry, including a food vendor’s guide to establishing a mobile food business in Douglas County, Foodpreneur Bootcamp, and Mobile Food Vending Permitting and Policies in Douglas County.
