Great Bend Post
Great Bend Economic Development held a question-and-answer session with Great Bend Chamber members Wednesday night. Executive Director Jason Kuilan will again answer questions from the public at Dry Lake Brewing in downtown Great Bend, from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 11. Kuilan provided the following questions and answers from Wednesday's session.
Q: How did the Innovation Center originate?
A: Great Bend Economic Development has built strong partnerships with the State of Kansas through two successful initiatives. The first is the Ignite program, a Shark Tank style competition supporting entrepreneurs across Barton County, awarding up to $95,000 in startup capital and earning statewide recognition and continued sponsorship from Network Kansas. The second is Bright Beginnings, our childcare center supported by the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, which reached near capacity in its first year and now maintains waitlists. Based on this success, the Kansas Children’s Cabinet Trust Fund invited GBED in late 2023 to apply for the Capital Projects Fund Accelerator Grant to develop a community center. Great Bend was selected as one of only 10 sites statewide. Given our entrepreneurial focus, the project evolved into what is now the Innovation Center.
Q: What is the purpose of the Innovation Center?
A: The Innovation Center is designed to support entrepreneurship and small business development while also providing healthcare, education, workforce development, and childcare-related programming. By working alongside partners such as healthcare providers, education institutions, childcare organizations, and local businesses, the Center will serve as a shared community resource that delivers lasting economic and social impact.
Q: What is the long-term vision for the Innovation Center?
A: The Center’s education and workforce programming is intentionally aligned with the industries that drive Barton County’s economy. These include agriculture, particularly water, soil, sustainability, and technology. Transportation (aviation, drones, automotive, and pipelines (energy) will also be a heavy focus for the center. Lastly, technology at all levels, from basic computer skills to advanced AI and machine learning will drive educational and workforce developmental opportunities for all ages. The goal is to create a space that supports learning, innovation, and workforce readiness for all ages.
Q: Why was construction paused?
A: The project began with a $4.3 million grant from the Kansas Children’s Cabinet Trust Fund, with a total construction budget of approximately $7 million. After securing an additional $1.2 million, GBED faced a decision: delay construction and risk losing awarded funds and potentially the entire project or proceed with the project while continuing to fundraise the remaining gap. The organization chose to move forward with a focused plan and line of sight to secure the additional funding needed. Shortly thereafter, staff turnover disrupted fundraising momentum. When I began as Executive Director approximately five months later, I announced the pause in construction to stabilize the project, clarify the vision, address misinformation, and rebuild community confidence. Since then, we have launched a new website, partnered with the Golden Belt Community Foundation on fundraising, met one-on-one with businesses, and have actively shared the project’s purpose through public events and the media.
Q: How will the remaining project funding be completed?
A: Since launching the fundraising campaign, we have secured approximately $400,000 in pledges and continue to engage businesses, individuals, and funding partners. We are confident this gap will continue to close, allowing construction to resume on time to meet all funding partner deadlines.
Q: How will the Innovation Center operate financially once complete?
A: Operations will be supported through multiple revenue streams, including rent-paying tenants, grants, state-sponsored programs, and private partnerships. We are also working with multiple partners that can provide operational capital. Continued fundraising will allow flexibility in allocating funds appropriately while honoring all grant restrictions. Fiscal responsibility and compliance with funding terms remain a top priority.
Q: How is Great Bend Economic Development structured and governed?
A: GBED operates with two full-time staff and is governed by a seven-member board of directors representing diverse community leadership. GBED also oversees Advancing Barton County Childcare and Great Bend Alive. Financial oversight is supported by the Golden Belt Community Foundation as fiscal sponsor, an independent accountant, legal counsel, payroll services, and multiple marketing partners, ensuring strong checks and balances.
Q: How will similar challenges be avoided in the future?
A: The Innovation Center highlighted the need for gap funding safeguards. Moving forward, GBED will work toward establishing an independent economic development investment fund that can provide financial guarantees for community projects. This structure would allow projects to proceed on time while ensuring a safety net to complete them responsibly.
Q: What are GBED’s current priorities?
A: Current priorities include completing Innovation Center funding, finalizing its operational plan, strengthening organizational subcommittees, continuing entrepreneurship programs such as ICE-House, Co.Starters, and Ignite, and supporting community events like Big Bend Bash and Fridays on Forest.
Q: What are the long-term priorities for Economic Development?
A: Long-term priorities focus on sustainable, data-driven growth. While job creation and quality-of-life investments remain important, addressing housing across income levels is critical to supporting population growth and economic stability. GBED is committed to working collaboratively to ensure Barton County continues moving forward responsibly and strategically.
Q: If someone is looking to help fund the Innovation Center what should they do?
A: Reach out and let us know! We are accepting donations that are being held at the Golden Belt Community Foundation. No funds will be released to resume construction until we have all the funds needed to complete the project. Additionally, we are offering sponsorship opportunities starting at $25K for spaces within the center and would love to discuss those opportunities on a 1on1 basis.