NXTUS program looks to bridge gaps between startups, established enterprise

NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series
The inaugural cohort of the NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series, a program produced by NXTUS, that bridges the gaps between early-stage companies and established businesses and organizations they want to work with.
Fernando Salazar
Shelby Kellerman
By Shelby Kellerman – Managing Editor, Wichita Business Journal

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The next cohort is targeted for 10 startups from urban areas and 10 from rural or small-market areas.

Calling all local entrepreneurs looking to do business with large companies and organizations.

Applications opened Monday for the NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series, one of four programs produced by the Wichita-based NXTUS. This will be the program's second year to help bridge the gaps between early-stage companies and established enterprises they want to sell to.

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NXTUS plans to partner with NetWork Kansas this year with the goal of reaching more rural entrepreneurs, according to a news release.

The next cohort is targeted for 10 startups from urban areas and 10 from rural or small-market areas, NXTUS says.

"We are excited to build off the momentum of last year’s success and spread the support to more areas of Kansas," said Amber Dunn, program manager for NXTUS, in the news release. "The NXTSTAGE EES program is for early-stage Kansas companies with business-to-business sales as part of their growth strategies. It is ideal for participating companies to have products or services in the market and an existing stream of revenue."

Last year's cohort included a wide range of business owners, including 75% coming from traditionally underserved populations.

For the 2023 cohort, 11 Wichita companies have committed to engage with the startup founders throughout the program:

  • Berry Companies
  • Cargill
  • City of Wichita
  • Evergy
  • Lange Companies
  • Professional Engineering Consultants
  • Sedgwick County
  • Spirit AeroSystems
  • Star Lumber
  • Technology Group Solutions
  • Wichita Public Schools

The partners are expected to present at workshops, meet individually with cohort members and provide a "playbook" for how to do business with organizations like theirs.

NXTUS said a number of local, state and federal organizations, including the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, NetWork Kansas, as well as a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, have provided support for the program, which is at no cost to participants.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 18. The next cohort will be announced in August, with weekly workshops beginning in September and culminating with a summit event recognizing cohort members and partners on Nov. 15 during Wichita Startup Week.

Visit nxtus.io/enterpriseseries to apply and for more information.

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