Kansas Department of Commerce is the state's lead economic development agency, and strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Under the leadership of Secretary of Commerce Pat George, the department comprises a variety of programs and services that create jobs, attract new investment, provide workforce training, encourage community development and promote the state as a wonderful place to live, work and play. This is accomplished through the department's four divisions Business Development, Rural Development, Trade Development and Workforce Services.

The Kansas Bioscience Authority (KBA) is the state’s largest-ever commitment to expanding Kansas’ research capabilities and promoting innovation and company formation that will create high-paying jobs for generations to come. This $581 million initiative is designed to: build world-class research capacity; foster the formation and growth of bioscience startups; support expansion of the state’s bioscience clusters; and facilitate industrial expansion and attraction.

With more than 540 attorneys, Polsinelli Shughart PC is a national law firm that is a recognized leader in the areas of business law, financial services, real estate and business litigation. Serving corporate, institutional and individual clients, Polsinelli Shughart is redefining the business of law by sharing ideas, goals and outcomes with its clients. The firm builds enduring relationships by creating value through our legal services - with passion, ingenuity and a sense of urgency. The firm has offices in 16 cities, stretching from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.

360ideas is a Wichita web design, web development and advertising agency dedicated to helping organizations establish a brand and grow their business. Our unique mix of creativity and technical expertise allows us to address all aspects of marketing and advertising from concept to deployment. Our services include: logo design, brand development, web design, advertising campaigns, pay-per-click advertising management, search engine optimization (SEO), content management, internet marketing, graphic design, e-commerce, print design, photography and more. We are smarter marketing.

The Center for Entrepreneurship at Wichita State University is housed in the W. Frank Barton School of Business and was founded in 1977. The Center has over 34 years’ experience in educating future entrepreneurs through formal curriculum programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Center is also actively involved in a number of community outreach activities and programs to strengthen the entrepreneurial climate of South-Central Kansas. The Center for Entrepreneurship has a mission that encourages entrepreneurial thinking and activities through quality education, research, and community involvement. The Center has developed a strong relationship with alumni, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members who participate in the many outreach programs and networking events with students. These individuals lend their expertise in programs such as judging for the Shocker Business Plan Competition, participating as Forum Series panel members, guest lecturing, and mentoring, among others.

City of Wichita Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and is considered the economic engine of the state. Wichita is home to some of the finest high-tech companies in the world, especially in the Wichita aerospace and advanced materials sectors. With a population of over 500,000 in the metro area, Wichita offers superb, family-friendly recreational, educational and cultural amenities and a world class workforce of well-educated and highly motivated citizens.

Wichita State University is the only urban-serving research university in Kansas. This offers WSU and Wichita some distinct advantages. WSU expertise is closely integrated throughout the community. Our 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students have access to on-the-job learning opportunities not available in typical college towns. Plus WSU is a research magnet for South Central Kansas, attracting globally-significant research in areas like composites and computer networking. We’re committed to continuing our 111-year history of developing “Thinkers, Doers, Movers, and Shockers.”

Wichita Technology Corporation provides business assistance through consulting services to entrepreneurs who are starting and growing technology businesses in Kansas. Its affiliate, Wichita Technology Ventures is a private venture investment firm that invests equity capital in start-up, early stage emerging growth companies. Our mission is to select, support and facilitate the success of tomorrow’s most innovative technology firms.

Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition is the regional public/private partnership charged with executing the region’s economic development master plan. Founded in 2003, the coalition is led by a Steering Council comprised of elected officials from Sedgwick County, the City of Wichita, Regional Economic Area Partnership, Wichita Chamber of Commerce and business leaders elected from the private-sector Board of Investors.

Hovey Williams LLP, located in Overland Park, Kan., has been preserving the unique ideas of inventors and creative minds alike for more than 80 years. As a specialized intellectual property law firm, Hovey Williams offers a full range of IP services including assistance with patents, trademarks, copyrights, and IP litigation.

Armstrong|Shank is a 27 year old marketing, advertising, public relations and interactive firm. We serve clients in a variety of different industries including education, health care, business-to-business, financial, agri-business, retail and manufacturing. We work with clients to craft marketing messages and programs that get noticed and get results.

Our official visitors guide will help you create the perfect trip to Wichita. You'll find information about attractions, restaurants and shopping districts organized by area of town to simplify your planning. Wichita's vibrant downtown is the city's cultural and entertainment center. If you'd rather reach out to the north, south, east or west, you'll find a dynamic city full of hidden gems with friendly people who are ready to make you feel welcome. The great part about Wichita is accessibility - you're no more than a 20-minute drive from wherever you want to go. Visit us at www.gowichita.com

At INTRUST Bank, our business banking professionals are dedicated to the needs of our clients, putting the resources and financial strength of a 134-year-old institution with $3.7 billion in assets behind each one. We get to know our customers, and by discovering what makes their business diverse, we can help them achieve their maximum potential. INTRUST's experienced commercial bankers understand how businesses work and use that knowledge to structure financial solutions tailored to each customer's unique situation. With a comprehensive line of deposit, treasury management, lending, merchant, and retirement plan services, INTRUST offers virtually every financial resource a business needs to succeed and makes every effort to bring the most advanced technology available to our customers.

KansasBio is a unified voice representing the biosciences in Kansas. Across the human, plant, animal and industrial biosciences, KansasBio is focused on enhancing the business and research climate and working with leaders across the state to attract and retain bioscience talent, companies and funding. KansasBio was founded in 2004 by the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation and the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute, who recognized the need to unify Kansas’ bioscience industry, academic research institutions and economic development organizations.

At Kennedy and Coe, we are ranked as one of the Top 100 largest accounting and consulting firms in the U.S. Clients tell us we’re different because we are genuine people, generating creative ideas and delivering valuable results. Our mission is to enhance the well-being of our people and the clients we serve. We hope to have the opportunity to be of service to you.

PIPELINE is the nation's premier technology entrepreneur fellowship program. PIPELINE is designed to systematically identify high potential technology entrepreneurs and match them with best-in-class training, resources and mentors to facilitate their dynamic growth.

THE SOFTWARE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION OF KANSAS, OR SITAKS, is a membership based resource that is designed to lead, serve, educate and advocate for the Kansas software and information technology sector. Its membership includes a community of technology executives working to strengthen and expand the sector through advocacy, workforce development, capital formation, education and networking. Visit www.sitaks.com for more information.