March 05, 2007

Power & Light District Announces Fund to Cultivate Local Entrepreneurs

KANSAS CITY, MO – The burgeoning Power & Light District in downtown Kansas City today revealed its plan to fund a multi-million dollar Power & Light Incubator Program dedicated to the cultivation of local Kansas City entrepreneurs in the retail and hospitality industries.  The Power & Light Incubator Program will provide retail businesses and restaurants with financial aid to help enable their expansion into the Power & Light District. 

“The Power & Light District is committed to bringing not only the leading national concepts, but also outstanding regional and local entrepreneurs, to downtown Kansas City,” said Blake Cordish, Vice President of The Cordish Company.  “We have succeeded in landing highly esteemed local companies such as Cosentino’s Downtown Gourmet Market, Bristol Seafood Grill and AMC’s MainStreet and Midland Theatres.  The Power & Light Incubator Program will ensure that this momentum continues and that the local entrepreneur is well represented in the District.”

“The City of Kansas City applauds The Cordish Company’s financial commitment to Kansas City entrepreneurs – many of whom are the very best in the country,” said Mayor Kay Barnes. 

The Power & Light Incubator Program offers financial assistance to owners of an existing retail store(s) or restaurant(s), located in the metropolitan Kansas City area, to help enable their expansion into the downtown Kansas City market.  Successful operating experience and a strong business model are key requirements for selection. 

Local Kansas City entrepreneurs interested in applying for the Power & Light Incubator Program should print out an application from the Power & Light Working website (www.powerandlightworking.com).  Finished applications can be faxed to (816) 842-1047; emailed to incubator@powerandlightworking.com; or mailed to:
Power & Light District
Attn:  Incubator Program
1100 Walnut St., Ste. 3000
Kansas City, MO  64105

Questions regarding the application process should be emailed to incubator@powerandlightworking.com or call (816) 842-1045.

About the Power & Light District
The Power & Light District will create a vibrant, new eight block neighborhood in downtown Kansas City which will redefine the City from its skyline to its sidewalks.  The District will link together the renovated Bartle Hall Convention Center, the new Sprint Center, offices, hotels, entertainment, cultural destinations and residential developments.  Developed in partnership with the City of Kansas City and the State of Missouri, the $850 million mixed-use District will anchor $2 billion of complimentary development efforts in downtown Kansas City, such as the new H&R Block world-wide headquarters.  The combination of entertainment, retail, nightlife and residential with imaginative and innovative design will create a unique and vibrant neighborhood.  The retail and entertainment portion of the Power & Light District will feature the country’s premier concepts.  Gordon Biersch, Mosaic, Famous Dave’s Barbecue, Jos. A. Bank, and Chipotle will join previously announced tenants such as the Bristol Seafood Grill, ChinaBAR, Vinino, Cosentino’s Downtown Gourmet Market, AMC’s flagship arts movie theater in the revitalized Empire Theater, and a 3,000 capacity live music venue in the Midland Theater.  The Power & Light District will feature vibrant lighting and landscaping, outdoor seating for restaurants, and a permanent performance stage to provide live entertainment.

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