Community Entrepreneurship Program
Entrepreneurship Rooted in Community, Powered by Possibility.
The UMKC Community Entrepreneurship Program is designed to help aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs transform ideas into sustainable businesses that create lasting impact in their communities.
Recognizing the diverse talent and entrepreneurial potential that exists throughout Kansas City, the UMKC Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in partnership with the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative at Notre Dame, is launching the second cohort of the Community Entrepreneurship Program in Fall 2026.
Through a combination of entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and consulting support by UMKC students, participants will gain the knowledge, resources, and support needed to start, strengthen, and grow their ideas.
Our goal is to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses that create opportunities, strengthen communities, and contribute to Kansas City’s growth.
Who Should Apply?
Whether you have a new business idea, are building a side hustle, or are already operating a small business and looking to grow, we encourage you to apply.
You should be prepared to make a nine-month commitment and actively engage in all three phases of the program:
- Entrepreneurial Bootcamp
- Mentorship Program
- Consulting Support by UMKC Students
Workshops begin in September 2026.
Program Timeline
Entrepreneur Bootcamp
September 19 – October 24, 2026
Six weekly sessions | Saturdays, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
You will build a strong entrepreneurial foundation through workshops covering:
- September 19: Business Model & Vision
- September 26: Marketing & Branding
- October 3: Sales Strategy
- October 10: Financial Foundations
- October 17: Operations & Technology
- October 24: Growth Planning
Mentor Program
November–December 2026
You will be matched with experienced mentors who will provide guidance, accountability, and support as you continue developing your venture.
- November 7 & 14: Mentor Matching and Onboarding Sessions
- November–December: Monthly mentoring sessions begin
Bloch Consulting Lab Experience
January 2027
UMKC students will provide consulting support for your venture to address key business challenges and opportunities. By the conclusion of the consulting experience, you will leave with:
- A refined Business Model Canvas
- A social media and marketing strategy
- A pricing strategy and recommendations for future growth
Meet the Program Director
Marvin Carolina, Jr. is a dynamic entrepreneur, speaker,
author, and educator with more than 30 years of experience in business
development and leadership. As a business coach, he empowers professionals and
entrepreneurs through strategic planning and competitive growth strategies. As
a UMKC professor, he inspires innovation, inclusion, and excellence in business
and entrepreneurship.
Apply Today
Ready to turn your idea into impact?
Apply to the UMKC Community Entrepreneurship Program