Summary:
GBED founded in 2020 to drive regional growth.
Secured over $12 million in funding for community projects.
Discontinuation of Barton County funding effective January 2025.
Supported 45+ entrepreneurs with business planning services.
Facilitated the creation of 32 downtown housing units and revitalized commercial properties.
The Evolution of Great Bend Economic Development
Founded in 2020 by a dedicated group of local citizens and city council members, Great Bend Economic Development (GBED) has evolved into a dynamic force for progress in our community. Initially focused solely on the City of Great Bend, GBED’s mission expanded in 2022 to support the broader Barton County region, thanks to a partnership with the Barton County government.
A Pivotal Change
As of January 1, 2025, the Barton County Commissioners decided to discontinue their role as a funding partner for GBED. This transition marks a pivotal moment in our journey, but our commitment to driving economic growth and opportunity remains strong.
Funding Achievements
Over the past five years, GBED has successfully accessed over $12 million in funding for projects and operations, fueling our efforts to catalyze regional growth. Contributions from the City of Great Bend and Barton County, mainly from competitive grants (62%) and private donations (24%), have strategically invested in initiatives that generated a substantial return on investment for our community.
Key Initiatives
Our dedication to fostering economic development is demonstrated by several successful initiatives:
- Supporting 45+ Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Providing comprehensive business planning services to empower new entrepreneurs.
- Business Loans: Partnering in over $1 million in loans to support the growth of new and existing small businesses.
- Building an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Creating a dynamic, education-focused environment that nurtures the next generation of innovators through programs like ICE House, CO.STARTERS Core, and the IGNITE Innovation Center.
- Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge: Engaging youth through our annual competition, ensuring a bright future for our region.
- Launching the IGNITE Competition: Providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase and develop their groundbreaking business ideas.
- Childcare Center Initiatives: Successfully launching a childcare center in Great Bend, with a second location to be announced soon.
- Downtown Housing Development: Facilitating the creation of 32 new downtown housing units currently under construction through our loft grant program.
- Revitalizing Commercial Properties: Removing blighted properties to make way for new businesses, including hotels and restaurants.
- Leading a Regional STAR Bond Project: Spearheading a multi-million-dollar project designed to drive economic impact across the region.
- Enhancing Downtown Amenities: Investing in quality-of-life projects supported by the community, such as Fridays on Forest events, Snowball Drop, and a community tour app.
These accomplishments are a testament to the collective efforts of our community, donors, and partners. We extend our gratitude to the Barton County Commissioners for their critical partnership over the past three years.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, GBED remains committed to driving economic growth and creating opportunities. Our continued partnership with the City of Great Bend will help us build on our momentum and ensure a prosperous future for our community. We look forward to fostering positive change and working with all stakeholders to unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity in the years ahead.
Comments