Civil Municipal - June 2024

online and 200 in-person attendees. Winners included 10-39 Cafe, Hatchet Action, and a major event center slated to open in 2025. “That project is coming back again, we’ll do that annually,” she conveys. “Last year there were 28 businesses that started with us. And then we narrow that down as we continue to help them and support them through their process until we get to the top five most viable businesses that we feel like we can award grant funding to.” guiding them through a four-month process that includes business plan development and mentorship. “As a rural community, we know and we see statistics every day that show that entrepreneurship is going to be the growth path,” emphasizes Arnberger. “So, we’ve done everything we can to support and encourage entrepreneurs that are already here or are coming here.” Last year, the competition drew over 1,800 viewers 67 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06 GREAT BEND, KS