Tabor College, City of Hillsboro sign MOU to further vision of entrepreneurship

President David Janzen and Mayor Lou Thurston

HILLSBORO, Kan.— Tabor College and the City of Hillsboro signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide economic development services through an entrepreneurship center on campus. The agreement, signed through June 30, 2023, will allow the community to strengthen economic development and expand Tabor’s programming and student involvement in entrepreneurship. It’ll be eligible for renewal in one-year terms based on mutual, written consent from both parties.

The announcement furthers Tabor’s mission to increase business and entrepreneurial programming and strengthens its relationship with the city, providing information and advice for current and aspiring business owners.

The college will utilize its former Welcome Center, located at D and Lincoln streets, as an entrepreneurship incubator. Tabor will provide staff to operate the facility, offering a minimum of 10 office hours for walk-ins, appointments, and business mentorship. The city will fund initial start-up costs and payment for facility leadership.

Tabor will also partner with Hillsboro USD 410, strengthening business and entrepreneurship courses and opportunities for local students of all ages.

“This partnership around economic development results from our great relationship with the City of Hillsboro and their belief in our vision for entrepreneurship in the community,” President David Janzen said. “This agreement will increase what we can bring to current and future students while supporting the growth of our community and regional businesses.”

A shared vision excites the city for what the facility and programming will do for building local business.

“I am extremely excited about this opportunity to create a collaboration between the city and Tabor,” Hillsboro Mayor Lou Thurston said. “With the advent of Tabor’s entrepreneurship program, it makes total sense for us to cooperate in this arena, maximizing our economic development investment dollars. We see this as the first of several opportunities to invest in our relationship going forward. I can’t wait to see what will come.”