LaunchKC, Kansas City’s innovative funding program for entrepreneurs, was awarded a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award in the entrepreneurship category by the International Economic Development Council.

The award was given Oct. 2 during the IEDC’s annual conference in Atlanta.

As one of the largest organizations for economic development professionals, IEDC supports economic developers to create, retain and expand economic opportunities that encourage growth and a stable tax base within their communities.

The award of excellence from the IEDC highlights the value LaunchKC provides the greater metro community.

Created by the Economic Development Corp. of Kansas City, Mo., and managed in part by the Downtown Council of Kansas City, LaunchKC provided $1.5 million dollars in funding for 29 startups in its first two years. Since 2015, the program has awarded $500,000 in nondilutive grants to nine startups annually.

Organized as a grant competition, LaunchKC attracts tech entrepreneurs from Kansas City and around the world. Competitors are typically working in areas of animal health, cloud services, data analytics, agtech, edtech, fintech and other technologies.

“This year our judges reviewed some extraordinary projects that advanced both communities and businesses. We congratulate all the award winners,” said Craig Richard, 2018 IEDC Board Chair. “What we learn from each other helps us to grow and advance as a profession.”

This year’s LaunchKC pitch competition will take place Oct. 12 during Techweek KC.