SourceLink, the KC-created builder of entrepreneurial networks, is earning international recognition for its work.

During a recent conference in Toronto, the International Economic Development Council presented SourceLink with a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award.

It won in the annual report category for “KCSourceLink Annual Report: We Create KC.” “We Create KC” is a regular series of updates on Kansas City’s progress as a hub of entrepreneurship.

“On behalf of the IEDC board of directors and Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee, congratulations to SourceLink at the UMKC Innovation Center,” said Michael Langley, the IEDC board chair.

“Not only did they work to provide a necessary service to their community, but also, their participation in the awards program sheds light on their stellar projects, which other communities can now use as a benchmark.”

SourceLink helps communities across the country build up their “entrepreneurial ecosystems.” It has created a suite to tools such as The Resource Navigator and Biz-Trakker.

Kansas City residents are probably familiar with KCSourceLink, which helps entrepreneurs connect with free business training and other resources, but SourceLink has affiliates in 20 other regions, including Puerto Rico’s Colmena 66, SourceLink Dallas and Iowa’s IASourceLink.

The “We Create KC” report received funding from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration, along with help from the Kauffman Foundation. (Kauffman was one of the original founders of SourceLink, along with the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the U.S. Small Business Administration.)

“The awards process is a thorough, nonbiased and multilayered process,” IEDC’s Langley said. “These are extraordinary accomplishments for all winners, and an overall great effort by all participants. We look forward to next year’s awards competition.”

Want to check out the recent “We Create KC” reports? Just visit this site!