Jeremy Hegle recognized for his role in creating and expanding KCSourceLink
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jeremy Hegle, project director at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Innovation Center, has been recognized as a 2012 Rising Star by KC Business magazine. The annual program honors outstanding Kansas City leaders under the age of 40 in both for-profit companies and not-for-profit organizations.
An independent panel of area business and civic leaders selected the exclusive group based on dedication, personal growth, hard work and community involvement. Hegle was one of just 34 to be honored. He is being recognized for his work in the creation of KCSourceLink and the expansion of the program across the country through U.S.SourceLink.
“Jeremy’s leadership helped to spread the KCSourceLink model across the country, making it easier for entrepreneurs to find the resources they need to grow,” said Maria Meyers, Director of the UMKC Innovation Center. “From Alaska to Florida, Jeremy manages a network of U.S.SourceLink affiliates that are helping create jobs for their communities.”
KCSourceLink was created in 2003 with the goal of creating an integrated system to provide entrepreneurs with a highly identifiable, reliable source that could efficiently link small business support organizations to people starting and growing businesses. Today, KCSourceLink connects a network of more than 170 resource providers in the Kansas City region that offer business-building services for small business success in the 18-county Kansas City region.
Serving the greater Kansas City metro area, KCSourceLink was the first implementation of the SourceLink model and served as the incubator for further network development. U.S.SourceLink evolved from the successful vision and implementation of KCSourceLink, when other areas began adopting the model in 2004. KCSourceLink founding partners are the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, UMKC and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
As project director, Hegle is responsible for the development and technological operations of U.S.SourceLink, providing customers hands-on assistance with software and counseling services. He assists customers with SourceLink implementation across the country including contract negotiation, implementing operating policies and technical specifications.
Rising Stars are profiled in the February 2012 issue of KC Business. They will also be recognized at an exclusive networking and cocktail reception on Feb. 16 at the Berg Loft in the Crossroads District.
“The Rising Star awards give us the opportunity to highlight Kansas City’s next generation of business and civic leaders,” said Julius Karash, executive editor of KC Business and Commercial Journal magazines. “This year’s program was particularly competitive. I was personally inspired by their accomplishments, commitment and philanthropic endeavors.”
About the UMKC Innovation Center
From whiteboard to boardroom, the UMKC Innovation Center partners with the university and the community to spark entrepreneurial efforts within our region and across the country. With a suite of high-impact programs, the center helps emerging and existing business owners hone their business basics, evaluate commercialization opportunities, and connect with the right resources at the right time. Innovation Center programs include the Small Business & Technology Development Center, U.S.SourceLink, KCSourceLink, KCArtistLink, KCVetLink and MOSourceLink.
About the University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.