By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger was able to reveal more details on one of her largest projects during her career in Great Bend. The Ignite Innovation Center has been a dream for Arnberger, and with a $4.38 million state grant, the building will include areas for healthcare, education, childcare and entrepreneurship.
"Excited is the wrong word," said Arnberger. "This has been a dream for a long time. When we started this four years ago I remember talking if we could build an entrepreneurship center. It's becoming a reality. We're really thankful to bring this to the community."
The center will include high-tech learning and creating equipment, a community cooking space, start-up restaurant incubator space, two childcare rooms for after-hour and overnight care and areas for healthcare monitor services, workforce support services and community education opportunities.
Great Bend Economic Development has partnered with The University of Kansas Health System, Barton Community College and KansasWorks. Along with the state grant, Arnberger is looking for more partnerships for the $7 million project.
"It is a high-dollar project," said Arnberger. "We still have some more funds to raise but we have some good asks out."
Arnberger hopes to break ground on the Ignite Innovation Center this September at a location to be announced later.