Kansas City, October 14, 2025
Social Balances
Social Balances is a community-oriented organization founded by Jessica Powell to foster a collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kansas City. The organization focuses on building strong relationships among local entrepreneurs through initiatives like Back2KC and New2KC, which promote community engagement and cooperation. Jessica Powell, a passionate advocate for regional economic growth, emphasizes breaking down silos within the business community and challenging the prevalent ‘Kansas City nice’ mindset to unlock the full potential of local founders. With a background rooted in startup leadership and community activism, Social Balances aims to support mutual success and economic development by empowering entrepreneurs and encouraging collective effort.
News Summary
Jessica Powell, founder of Social Balances, is transforming Kansas City’s startup culture through initiatives like Back2KC and New2KC, promoting collaboration among local entrepreneurs. Her mission is to break the ‘Kansas City nice’ mindset and foster a supportive environment for startup growth, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships in business. As a community advocate, Powell is dedicated to mutual success and expanding local funding opportunities, while also engaging in national efforts to enhance the entrepreneurial landscape.
Kansas City is witnessing a dynamic shift in its entrepreneurial landscape thanks to Jessica Powell, founder of Social Balances and a notable community advocate. Powell is spearheading local initiatives such as Back2KC and New2KC, which focus on fostering community and collaboration among entrepreneurs in the area. Her efforts aim to unite entrepreneurs and ignite a collaborative ecosystem that can significantly enhance the city’s startup culture.
Powell believes that the prevalent “Kansas City nice” mindset is a hindrance to the potential of local founders and the Greater Kansas City region at large. She is vocal about the need to break down silos within the entrepreneurial community to encourage teamwork and collaboration among startups. According to Powell, true success in business stems from personal relationships, emphasizing that people prefer conducting business with individuals they know and trust.
Characterizing herself as a “startup junkie,” Powell is not only passionate but dedicated to helping others succeed in their entrepreneurial ventures. Her background reveals a compelling journey; she didn’t consider entrepreneurship a viable career option during her upbringing or education at Shawnee Mission East. After graduating from the University of Kansas in 2000, her aspirations were primarily traditional, focusing on being a good wife and mother.
Her career took a pivotal turn when she joined a startup in Chicago and was unexpectedly promoted to COO, despite lacking prior experience in entrepreneurship. Powell eventually returned to Kansas City, motivated by encouragement from Darcy Howe, founder of KCRiseFund, to contribute to her hometown’s ecosystem.
Powell’s personal mission emphasizes a belief in mutual success, as she asserts that “I win when you win.” This philosophy reflects her commitment to creating an environment where collaboration thrives among local entrepreneurs. In addition to local initiatives, she is also actively involved in national efforts such as Right to Start, expanding her impact on the entrepreneurial community.
Her vision includes generating excitement about potential funding opportunities, such as a major foundation providing a substantial grant to support collaborative projects in Kansas City. This idea aligns with her view on using financial resources to promote community engagement and success.
Moreover, Powell’s interests extend beyond entrepreneurship. She has a unique taste in beer, favoring a “spicy” flavor profile she describes as bold and passionate. Kansas City’s mascot, KC Wolf, resonates with her as a representation of the region’s fun yet mature character. Influenced by notable figures such as Warren Buffett for his investment philosophies and human priorities, Powell aspires to connect with individuals who share a similar vision of entrepreneurial success.
In her leisure time, Powell indulges in reality TV shows, particularly The Real Housewives series from New Jersey, Atlanta, and Orange County, enjoying them as a guilty pleasure. She has a knack for discerning people’s true motivations, allowing her to excel in connecting individuals within the entrepreneurial space.
Ultimately, Jessica Powell’s dedication to fostering a nurturing and collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kansas City showcases the potential for local founders to thrive together and contribute to the region’s overall economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jessica Powell?
Jessica Powell is the founder of Social Balances and a community champion in Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What initiatives does Jessica Powell lead?
She leads local initiatives such as Back2KC and New2KC, focusing on building community and collaboration among entrepreneurs.
What mindset does Powell believe is limiting local founders?
Powell believes the “Kansas City nice” mindset is limiting the potential of local founders and the Greater Kansas City region.
What is Powell’s personal mission in her work?
Her personal mission includes a belief that success is mutually beneficial, saying, “I win when you win.”
Key Features of Jessica Powell’s Initiatives
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founder of Social Balances | Leads efforts to build community in Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. |
| Local Initiatives | Back2KC and New2KC focus on collaboration among local entrepreneurs. |
| Community Mindset | Challenges the “Kansas City nice” mindset to promote greater entrepreneurship. |
| Personal Philosophy | Believes in mutual success in business relationships. |
| National Efforts | Involved in initiatives such as Right to Start, expanding her impact. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Startland News: Jessica Powell & KCultivator
- Kansas City Star: KC Business Initiatives
- Fox4 KC: T-Shirt Business for Awareness
- KMBC: House of Kielbasa & Jason Kelce
- Startland News: EDC KC Entrepreneurship
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Google Search: Kansas City Entrepreneurship
- Google Scholar: Kansas City Business Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
- Google News: Kansas City Startups
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
