Thanks to a generous donation from Commerce Bank, three community non-profits focused on entrepreneurship will make the Commerce Bank Building at 21st and Grove their home in 2019.
In October, the company announced plans to close the branch, after 21 years of operation.
The three organizations that will be operating in the former bank building are the Create Campaign, Inc., Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce and Camp Destination Innovation, Inc.
Create Campaign, Inc. was formed in 2015 as a partnership with the Entrepreneurship Task Force. Under the direction of Christina Long, it has grown into a standalone organization operating in Wichita and Kansas City, KS, focused on helping urban entrepreneurs in Kansas launch, innovate and excel.
The Heartland Chamber of Commerce – Wichita, is focused on the growth and development of African American-owned businesses through education, advocacy, empowerment, networking and technical assistance. The Chamber is comprised of small business owners, corporate representatives and associates from various non-profit organizations.
Camp Destination Innovation, Inc. was formed by community educator Marquetta Atkins, who brought her passion for working with youth, as well as her creative energy, to the development of this program designed to expose young people to a variety of career options and entrepreneurship. She founded the program in 2015 under the umbrella of the Urban League of Kansas, but spun the organization off into an independent non-profit.
Together, the three groups will provide a centralized place for young people, entrepreneurs and established business leaders to come together to make Wichita a great place to develop and grow businesses.
The facility will be called Founder’s Grove, which will be a partnership of all three organizations, offering a comprehensive stepping stone approach to development and progression. Camp Destination Innovation, Inc. mentors youth interested in business, science and technology. Create Campaign, Inc. helps entrepreneurs navigate through start-up plans and logistics. Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce is a good source to help provide real-world business mentors to youth and entrepreneurs. Altogether, the organizations currently serve approximately 400 people in the Wichita community.
“At the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to grooming leaders by providing guidance, training and sustaining companies so they can succeed,” said Greg Cole, president of the Wichita Chapter of the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce. “Our partnership with Create Campaign and Camp Destination Innovation will provide our chamber membership with opportunities to learn new technologies and collaborate with new generations of the workforce.”
Commerce Bank executives collaborated with City Council members Brandon Johnson on the vision for the building.
“These are three amazing organizations that are focusing on the tough work of growing and supporting entrepreneurs and small business in our City,” said Johnson. “In their own right, they are making a real impact, but being under one roof to become a one-stop shop to make an individual’s American dream become reality is life changing.”
The final day for Commerce Bank to occupy the building is Fri., Dec. 28. The full-service ATM will remain in place, but will be relocated to the drive thru area to ensure customer accessibility. Commerce Bank’s employees at the Northeast Branch will be reassigned to other locations in Wichita.