When Karl Pratt moved back to his hometown of Hoxie, Kansas, he was hopeful that he would be able to make a positive difference working in economic development for Sheridan County, then as the Executive Director and first employee of the Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF), an affiliate of Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation.
“I grew up here and went to Hays for school. I lived there for 12 years, and had a great experience. But when I moved back and got this position, this was a completely different place in a lot of positive ways. It was exciting to move home and see all the progress being made and the investment and the community, said Karl. “Getting involved with the Innovation Center has enhanced all of the efforts we were already undertaking and has given us a big boost toward progress.”
The Innovation Center provides economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses in rural Northwest Kansas. The private operating foundation serves 26 counties in the region with a variety of programs.
By working with existing businesses or entrepreneurs throughout the coverage area with targeted programs, Innovation Center strives to reverse the outflow of people and businesses from Northwest Kansas. Through its current and future initiatives that extend resources to these businesses and entrepreneurs, Innovation Center hopes to increase population and to foster economic innovation in Northwest Kansas.
“When (Innovation Center President and CEO) Scott Sproul reached out to set up a meeting, I knew about them, but didn’t realize all the ways we could partner with them to further our work. They’re a great partner, with amazing resources and expertise,” said Karl. “We were accepted into the workforce recruitment program, Make my Move, and Randy and Caden have been so helpful with housing. And Dana played a big role in helping us put together a business plan and access resources to open a new school-owned daycare.”
Karl is grateful for all the community and statewide resources that come together to help small towns like Hoxie thrive, especially one with a regional focus like the Innovation Center.
“It’s been really exciting working alongside them through our growth, as we’re starting to tackle some of these. They’ve really helped us network and connect us to other things, and it would have taken a lot longer without their help, juggling everything that needed to be done. They’re just an hour away from us in person, or just a phone call or text away. They’ve been a great partner, and I would recommend other organizations reach out to see how they can benefit from their services.”
Ready to see how the Innovation Center can help you? Contact us today at 785-874-5150 https://nwkeici.org/contact/.
