The ribbon cutting of the Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center at Tabor College was celebrated on Friday, Jan. 13. Joined by government officials and representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the CKEC’s home was commemorated ahead of its Jan. 16 grand opening.
Tabor will provide the staff to operate the facility, located at the corner of Lincoln and D streets. A minimum of 10 office hours will be available for walk-ins, appointments, and business mentorship. The CKEC will have daily office hours, including 3:15-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 1:15-4:30 on Tuesday and Thursday.
“We are thrilled to recognize and thank the people and organizations that made the Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center possible,” President David Janzen, Ph.D., said. “This facility will play an integral role in helping support the dreams and visions of our students and the local business owners that help our community thrive.”
In conjunction with a $90,000 Rural Business Development Grant from the USDA and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City of Hillsboro, the facility will be a significant catalyst for business and entrepreneurial development and growth in the region.
Hillsboro Mayor Lou Thurston said the ribbon cutting serves as a recognition of what the city and college can do to better one another and strengthen the economy.
“Given our vision and values, it’s only fitting that we’ve created this partnership with Tabor College that fully embraces who we are as a community.”