Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center at Tabor College

04/25/2025

Podcast · City of Hillsboro, KS · Stay updated and caffeinated in Hillsboro, Kansas with Mayor Lou Thurston and City Administrator Matt Stiles!

04/23/2025

We’ve got an exciting new episode lined up this month! Join Mayor Lou Thurston and City Administrator Matt Stiles as they sit down with Jeremy Ensey and Gracie Kidd from Tabor College to talk all things entrepreneurship in Hillsboro. 🚀

Learn about the Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center at Tabor College , discover local opportunities to start your own business, and get real advice on how to turn your ideas into action right here in our community this Friday, April 25 on our YouTube channel – don’t miss it!

Also, big news: Coffee With The Mayor is now on Spotify! Catch this new episode, plus all past conversations, anytime on the City of Hillsboro KS Spotify channel:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1yDAiKmvPHsbidMbVja03b

👉 Whether you're a current/future business owner or just love keeping up with what's happening in Hillsboro, this one's for you!

04/22/2025

A Big Thank You to James Franko!

Last night, the Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center at Tabor College had the privilege of hosting James Franko, President of the Kansas Policy Institute.

With a background in Capitol Hill and policy leadership, and as a proud Kansas State graduate, James brought a wealth of experience and offered thoughtful, engaging insights into the current landscape of school policy—touching on both student and teacher perspectives.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and appreciate the meaningful conversation he sparked.

Thank you, James, for spending the evening with us and sharing your expertise!

04/21/2025

HAPPENING TODAY!

Join us for an evening with James Franko, President of the Kansas Policy Institute!

Date: April 21st
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Franz Family Heritage Lobby, Tabor College

James Franko brings a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights you won’t want to miss. Come be part of the conversation. We hope to see you there!

Mark your calendar & spread the word!

04/18/2025

This morning, CKEC hosted the annual Entrepreneurship Challenge and they did not disappoint! We had a fantastic turnout and an incredible lineup of competitors, each bringing unique ideas and energy to the table.

Congratulations to our winners:

1st Place: Melinda Rangel with Optimus Depot
2nd Place: Clemente and Nacho with C&A Sports Agency
3rd Place: Abe Friesen with Rugged Spray
4th Place: Kekoa and Aiden with Vincent’s 3D Prints
5th Place: Terry and Joni Ens with Twisted Fudge

Every business represented today showcased the heart of entrepreneurship—innovation, drive, and a vision for the future. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success, from competitors to judges to supporters!

Network Kansas

04/17/2025

The wait is over — the Entrepreneurship Challenge is happening Friday, April 18, and we can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on!

Here’s the schedule:
• Tradeshow kicks off at 9:00 AM — come dressed and ready to showcase your business!
• Formal Presentations will follow, with each team having up to 6 minutes to pitch.

Competitors:
Make sure you’re dressed professionally, bring your tri-fold display, and be ready to impress the judges!

Everyone else:
Students, professors, community members - you’re invited to stop by and check out the incredible creativity and innovation our teams are bringing to the table!

04/15/2025

Join us for an evening with James Franko, President of the Kansas Policy Institute!

Date: April 21st
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Franz Family Heritage Lobby, Tabor College

James Franko brings a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights you won’t want to miss. Come be part of the conversation. We hope to see you there!

Mark your calendar & spread the word!

04/11/2025

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE COMPETITORS!

The countdown is on for the Entrepreneurship Challenge happening Friday, April 18! Here's what you need to know:

Event Date:
Friday, April 18 — kicking off at 9:00 AM with the Tradeshow

Executive Summary Deadline:
Submit to [email protected] by Thursday, April 17 at 8:00 AM
(Judges will begin reviewing executive summaries that day!)

Trade show Display:
Bring a tri-fold display board (science fair style) to showcase your business.
There are boards available at Dollar General if you need one!

🗣 Formal Presentations:

Max 6 minutes

You may use handouts or visual aids to support your pitch

Register by Email:
Email [email protected] to confirm your spot in the challenge.

More Info + Rubrics:
👉 Check this folder for full event details and judging rubrics:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16okjfI5ghXmxiGAXIGRxpKOdoBoCx0Ih?usp=sharing

We’re so excited to hear your big ideas and see your creativity in action! 💡

03/28/2025

📢 SAVE THE DATE! 📢

Join us for an evening with James Franko, President of the Kansas Policy Institute!

Date: April 21st
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Franz Family Heritage Lobby, Tabor College

James Franko brings a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights you won’t want to miss. Come be part of the conversation. We hope to see you there!

Mark your calendar & spread the word!

03/13/2025

🚨 HAPPENING TODAY! 🚨

Discover how to leverage artificial intelligence for maximum efficiency.

Unable to attend? No worries—register now and we’ll send you the replay!

Link below 👇

https://d4vfgz04.na1.hubspotlinks.com/Ctc/RL+113/d4VFGz04/VXcxTF3h79VCW55z8Zy1_DS9SW6J3_6X5t5dgnN5r_RRg3m2ndW7lCdLW6lZ3lBW13VpYv2jVdXYW2KhCR77pTNcqW4yh4xT1Q1H0rW5YZVjF4zSq8sVK0K4r5BLzRRW6ZyFnK7qLjRFW12DR-W5pQ8tZW57sP5L5qpCCLW2306V-3gHnNYVxctQC173C9SVdrJgC7Yj6qvW7fYR_r74csLFW5vzv0j87hhj-N4hN9Lg9fGQbW2mwGwn7_C9Z-W7B7KMY34_g3bW6ymRdz1yWRP6W2kvWRW5r0gBWW2TZkW87tZLHgW9bSs_G2Hz1J_W3Qzslm2K1nNjW37LbV45mg_HcW6-DdxM4JkCFqW4S4Y5Q2wjNZdf3TM3Q204

03/12/2025

A huge thank you to Brandy Willett, Regional Director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University, for joining us at the Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center! Her insights into building a cohesive digital presence for businesses were invaluable.

From website fundamentals and SEO strategies to social media tips and digital advertising, Brandy shared a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly help local entrepreneurs grow and succeed in today’s digital world.

We appreciate her dedication to supporting small businesses in Kansas and are grateful for the time and expertise she shared with our community.

Thank you again, Brandy, for being an inspiring advocate for small business growth!

03/10/2025

HAPPENING TONIGHT!

The Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center is pleased to host Brandy Willett, Regional Director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University, for an informative presentation on creating a cohesive digital presence to build your brand and business. Brandy Willett has been a strong advocate for small businesses in Kansas, bringing years of experience in supporting entrepreneurs.

Event Details:
Date: March 10
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Tabor College Heritage Lobby

For more information, contact Jeremy Ensey
[email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there!