was awarded an unprecedented second i6 Challenge Grant from the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. The three-year, $500,000 grant is being matched by the, , the and for a total of $1,150,000. Additional corporate support provides key resources and connections for the young companies in the Sandbox.
Digital Sandbox KC’s mission is to help launch new businesses and assist them in securing add-on funding. Launched in February 2013, the highly successful proof-of-concept program has worked with more than 300 entrepreneurs and early-stage companies across the metro area. To date, Digital Sandbox companies have raised almost $18M in follow-on investment.
“Our success so far is a direct result of the quality entrepreneurs in Kansas City and the overwhelming corporate and community support we’ve received,” said Jeff Shackelford, director of Digital Sandbox KC. “We’ve found that the Sandbox fills a critical gap for early-stage companies in the funding landscape for Kansas City.”
The new funding will continue support for early-stage proof-of-concept projects and expand to create a community-wide network of product development and testing resources. This clearinghouse will encompass prototype equipment and resources available through higher education, corporate, government and nonprofit channels.
Reviewed 2015-03-31