LaunchKC is teaming up with two other local entrepreneurship organizations, both based at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Experts from the UMKC Small Business & Technology Development Center and the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation will provide mentoring and other help to LaunchKC startups.

“The SBTDC and Regnier Institute’s partnership with LaunchKC will focus on identifying mentors to provide critical advice, expertise and value creation, as well as curriculum programming and connections for the growth of the grant recipients and the greater LaunchKC community,” said Carmen DeHart, who heads up the SBTDC.

“Fostering meaningful mentor relationships and partnering with LaunchKC sponsors to deliver expert programming, will further develop the rich network of support for early-stage technology businesses in Kansas City.”

LaunchKC, a project of the Downtown Council and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, awarded $50,000 grants to 10 startups during the just-concluded Techweek Kansas City. The winners also get free office space and other help for a year.

There’s also potential for the UMKC groups to assist LaunchKC finalists that didn’t end up winning a grant.

“This agreement represents our desire to elevate the professional mentoring support of our grant recipients and applicants, as they work to make their business dreams come true in Downtown Kansas City,” said Mike Hurd, marketing officer for LaunchKC and the Downtown Council.