Events

Right to Start

Author:

John Simba

Aug 25, 2025

RIGHT TO START

Reconnect with fellow Kansas Citians at Back2KC, where innovation and opportunity converge. Celebrate KC’s growth with updates on regional initiatives, strategic networking opportunities, and a warm welcome for ex-pats considering a return to their hometown or simply wanting to get plugged back in.

Date: Friday, September 11, 2025

Learn more: HERE

Entrepreneurship powers economic growth, job creation, and opportunity. Yet we all know too often, the needs of new and aspiring business owners are overlooked in policy conversations. That’s because they need to better know what entrepreneurs need!

That’s why Right to Start, a national nonprofit championing entrepreneurial opportunity, is launching the Missouri Starters Coalition—a statewide initiative to make entrepreneurship a civic and economic priority. We’ve been watching and cheering on Victor Hwang since his Kauffman days and are so grateful to have this meaningful organization coming alongside to advocate for policy reform.

This kickoff event brings together founders, policymakers, entrepreneur support organizations, and community leaders from across Missouri to spotlight what’s possible when we center the needs of starters in our public discourse.

Why It Matters

Research shows that a 1% increase in entrepreneurship correlates with a 2% drop in poverty rates. Entrepreneurship is not just a business issue—it’s a civic imperative.

The Missouri Starters Coalition will work to:

Advance entrepreneurship as a public priority in Missouri
Identify and remove barriers to starting a business
Elevate the voices of historically excluded communities
Engage policymakers and citizens in solutions that support new and small businesses

Program Agenda

9:30 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
• Victor Hwang, Founder & CEO, Right to Start
• Jim Malle, Missouri Coalition Manager, Right to Start

9:50 AM – Panel Discussion – FIFA World Cup & Small Businesses

10:20 AM – Closing Remarks & Call to Action

10:30 AM – Networking Reception
Connect with founders, civic leaders, and ecosystem partners

Who Should Attend

Entrepreneurs & startup founders
Local & state policymakers
Ecosystem builders & ESOs
Civic leaders & community advocates
Economic development professionals

What You’ll Walk Away With

New connections to like-minded champions of entrepreneurship
• A deeper understanding of how Missouri can lead the way
• Deeper understanding of why you should join the coalition and take action in your community

Be Part of the Movement

Missouri has the talent, ideas, and spirit to lead the nation in startup growth. Now, more than ever your voice and perspective is vital to building the civic infrastructure to match.