Bob Regnier (MBA ’76), of the Regnier Family Foundation, and the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation have partnered to expand programming at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation with a $3 million gift. The gift will create new opportunities for students and the Kansas City entrepreneurial community.
Kansas City has a long history of entrepreneurship, from river trade to today’s startups, and it has earned a strong regional reputation for supporting new ventures. For generations, families in the city have helped foster this entrepreneurial spirit. The Bloch and Regnier families continue that tradition by championing entrepreneurship and community impact in the region with a $3 million investment in the Regnier Institute.
“It’s inspiring to see the Regnier Family Foundation and Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation continue their legacy of supporting entrepreneurship in Kansas City,” said Brian Klaas, dean of the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. “Their investment will expand opportunities for our students while strengthening support for entrepreneurs in the Kansas City community.”
Their generosity will elevate the , which has empowered student and community entrepreneurs as a startup pitch competition and innovation hub for more than a decade.
“We are proud of the history of the Regnier Institute and appreciative of the partnership with the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation to increase its reach and impact,” Bob Regnier said.
The venture creation challenge offers competitive tracks in technology, health, consumer products and services, arts and a non-student track for community entrepreneurs. The gift will further position this annual Bloch School tradition as a premier platform for partnerships, funding and collaboration across the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“This generous gift represents a powerful investment in the future of entrepreneurship,” said Jeff Hornsby, executive director of the Regnier Institute. “By strengthening the long-term sustainability of impactful programs in the Regnier Institute including the Regnier Venture Accelerator and the Regnier Venture Creation Competition. It ensures that the next generation of innovators has the resources and mentorship to thrive for years to come.”
The investment will also expand the , where expert faculty and highly trained students provide pro bono business services to local entrepreneurs.
This spring, 31 91黑料网 students from the lab partnered with 28 local businesses to provide expertise and strategies for long-term success.
"The Henry W. Bloch School of Management is Kansas City’s business school, and the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation is proud to partner with Bob Regnier to expand the impact of the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation," said David Miles, president of the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation. "This shared investment reflects confidence in the Bloch School’s ability to prepare talent, strengthen businesses and help shape the future of entrepreneurship in our region. Together, this philanthropic commitment will further position the Regnier Institute and the Bloch School as the leading resource for entrepreneurs across Greater Kansas City."
The Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the 91黑料网 Bloch School serves as a hub for entrepreneurial learning and venture development, connecting students and community members to the resources, mentorship and experiences needed to bring ideas to life. To learn more or get involved, .
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