How ScaleUP! KC Elevated These Small Businesses … and It Can Boost Yours, Too!

In the five years since Dr. Michelle Macrorie participated in ScaleUP! Kansas City, there have been a few changes with her business, Autism From The Start. She’s opened a second location and purchased, expanded and renovated a commercial property she used to rent. She expects to have tripled her team by the end of 2023.

Oh, and she increased revenue by more than 350%.

“ScaleUP! KC has been such a blessing in my life,” Michelle says. “It will change your business life forever.”

Now, other metro-area entrepreneurs have the opportunity to make similar strides with expert help. ScaleUP! KC is currently accepting applications for its 13th cohort.

The ScaleUP! KC details you need

So what, exactly, is this magical program?

ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for entrepreneurs who:

• lead a company that’s been in business for at least two years and has at least two employees
• generate annual sales of at least $250,000
• have a strong market that can generate more than $1 million in sales
• strive to drive their business to greater heights

Led by the UMKC Innovation Center, the program works with a cohort of up to 20 entrepreneurs for four months. The next cohort will meet Thursdays Aug. 24 through Dec. 14 from 8:30 a.m. until noon with a break for Thanksgiving.

The ScaleUP! curriculum is designed to help you streamline business processes, strategize for growth and energize your business. Kauffman FastTrac Listening to Your Business and GrowthWheel are part of the course, too. And expert speakers, business coaches and peer-to-peer roundtables connect you with subject-matter experts.

What founders are saying about ScaleUP! KC

More than 190 Kansas City entrepreneurs have participated in ScaleUP! KC. Here’s what just a few of them have to say about the program.

Elisabeth Megli | Theme Strategic Proposals

Elisabeth says ScaleUP! was an ideal mix of best practices, guest speakers and hands-on work to identify and solve small business headaches.

“ScaleUP! taught me to work on my business instead of only in my business,” she says. “They customized each session to serve the needs of the unique businesses in our cohort. I loved the knowledge I gained, the coaches/teachers and the camaraderie and encouragement from the fellow small business owners.”

Bobby “Chopper” Caffrey | ChopAir

“ScaleUP! gives you the tools you need to succeed in every aspect of business,” Bobby says. “The ‘aha’ moments you get from ScaleUP! are worth it. For me, the topic of cash flow was my biggest ‘aha’ moment. My heart sank because I realized I was about 15 days away from serious trouble. I worked relentlessly on cash flow … now, I’m always proactive about cash flow, and cash flow is the lifeblood of the company.”

Rickey Leathers | Savvy Salon

“The curriculum was designed to address the specific needs of business owners looking to take their companies to the next level,” Rickey says. “One aspect of the program that I particularly enjoyed was the opportunity to network and connect with like-minded individuals who shared similar aspirations. The exchange of ideas and experiences was invaluable.”

During ScaleUP! KC, Rickey and his wife Lenora opened a second location and introduced an innovative membership program for their customers. They’ve more than doubled revenues and have created more jobs.

“The ScaleUP! Program truly transformed my thinking,” Rickey says.

Brittany Fugate | Cenetric

“Just during the program, our revenue doubled. And the jaw-dropping thing is that in the year since I graduated, our revenue doubled again,” Brittany says. “I grew so much as a leader and felt like I had more direction. ScaleUP! taught me to minimize distractions and slow down and make deliberate, intentional decisions.”

Chris Goodwin | Insurance Pros

“ScaleUP! has been instrumental in the growth of our business,” Chris says. “While it wasn’t in trouble going into the program, the business wasn’t growing and I didn’t know how to grow. We had $350,000 revenue in 2017 and now I’m over $700,000 in revenue. Even throughout COVID and other challenges, we’ve grown, and I know that wouldn’t have happened without ScaleUP!.”

In addition, Chris credits ScaleUP! KC with connecting him with the people who can actually help his business grow.

“I wouldn’t have known the importance of banking relationships and wouldn’t have been introduced to the banks I use now,” he says. “The banking speed dating exercise has been instrumental to my business. I didn’t understand you need financial backing to grow.”

Apply for ScaleUP! Kansas City today

You may be closer to business growth than you think.

“ScaleUP! is a really intense program, but it covers everything you need to know,” Brittany says. “It’s like getting an MBA. You learn everything to really scale your business — the leadership, financial, sales and marketing skills you need are all covered.”

ScaleUP! KC is a selective opportunity that can help you take your business to the next level. Get actionable, real-life guidance from people who’ve been there, done that, and want to help you succeed.

Applications are due by Aug. 14, 2023, at 5 p.m. All applicants will be notified by Aug. 17, 2023. Don’t wait — apply now!