Great Bend Economic Development (GBED) Director Jason Kuilan outlined the future of the Ignite Innovation Center during a recent meeting with members of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. Although construction on the center was paused in November 2023 due to funding challenges, Kuilan expressed optimism about securing additional financial resources to resume the project this year.
At the meeting held on January 31, 2024, at Dry Lake Brewing, Kuilan stated, “This project is going to be a positive impact for the city.” He emphasized GBED’s commitment to completing the center, located on 10th Street, and noted a public meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2024, from 17:00 to 19:00 at the same venue, welcoming the community to learn more about the initiative.
One of the notable successes attributed to GBED is the Bright Beginnings childcare center, situated in the Farmer Plaza behind the future Innovation Center. Supported by the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, the center has reached full capacity within a year of opening. Kuilan highlighted the national challenges faced by childcare facilities, stating, “We’re not one of them. We’re doing great things in the childcare space.”
In late 2023, the Kansas Children’s Cabinet Trust Fund invited GBED to apply for federal funding aimed at building community centers. The fund plans to establish ten such centers across the state, focusing on innovative infrastructure that positively impacts local communities. Great Bend has labeled its future facility as an innovation center to emphasize its focus on entrepreneurship.
Originally, GBED secured $4.3 million for the innovation center, but Kuilan indicated that the total cost is estimated at $7 million. He explained that the organization is actively working to bridge this funding gap, which currently stands between $1.6 million and $2 million. The board, along with former executive director Sara Arnberger and Impact Manager Nicci Henderson, is determined to secure the necessary funds, as losing the initial grant would mean losing a significant investment for the community.
Kuilan elaborated on the four foundational pillars of the Ignite Center:
1. **Childcare**: The center will not only provide standard childcare services but also after-hours care.
2. **Health Care**: While GBED will not act as a healthcare provider, it aims to facilitate health education and access through partnerships with local providers. Kuilan mentioned plans for community health initiatives, including blood drives and health screenings.
3. **Education**: This pillar includes after-school and summer programming, as well as adult education in areas like coding and computer literacy. GBED is collaborating with various organizations to offer training in cybersecurity and fraud protection for the elderly.
4. **Workforce and Entrepreneurship**: The center will provide resources and tools to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. Kuilan stated that partnerships with institutions like Barton Community College will enhance educational offerings, benefiting not just students but the broader community.
Kuilan addressed potential concerns regarding overlap with existing services provided by Barton Community College, clarifying that GBED aims to complement rather than compete with their offerings. “We’re an adjacent organization that’s going to elevate what they’re able to offer for the whole community,” he said.
As Great Bend pursues the completion of the Ignite Innovation Center, the community awaits the realization of this ambitious project, which promises to foster economic growth, educational advancement, and improved quality of life for its residents.
