KC Embraces Fiber, Launches Startup Support

Leaders in Kansas City, Mo., are taking advantage of Google Fiber and leveraging a new program in an effort to promote local tech startups. The new program, called Launch KC, is a collaboration between government and local businesses in Kansas City interested in finding the best way to foster local growth. The city's support of tech startups is a big part of why Google chose Kansas City for its fiber project in the first place.

“The development of Google Fiber is exciting for Kansas City because it is opening doors for new tech businesses,” Austin Brown, chief marketing officer of local social media marketer Hurrdat, told Forbes.com. “Community leaders and start-up entrepreneurs are all taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Launch KC is intended to reduce costs for new tech companies. Local entrepreneurs will provide a support network and offer resources to promising new companies by offering office space and mentorship through the program. The city is also looking into purchasing a data center and a wireless district downtown.

Also in the works is a $2 million “tech laboratory," which will be a space for entrepreneurs to turn ideas into reality. The laboratory is being spearheaded by the University of Missouri-Kansas City based on their “Whiteboard to Boardroom” program.