ABOUT
The Ennovation Center, a nonprofit business incubator located in Independence, Missouri, has a compelling community story. Previously known as the Independence Regional Ennovation Center, the building was formerly the site of the Independence Regional Hospital, serving the region for over a century. Situated in the heart of Independence, merely six blocks from the historic downtown square, the facility played a significant role in the community.
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When the hospital's closure was announced in 2007, the Independence Economic Development Council, the Independence School District, the City of Independence, and community leaders came together to envision a new purpose for the building. After extensive renovation, the Ennovation Center opened its doors in October 2010, becoming a hub for startup and small businesses.
Since its inception, the Ennovation Center has incubated over 500 businesses, which our current clients generate over 200 jobs. Since 2010, our clients have generated over $38 million in tax revenue for the state of Missouri and over $12 million for the City of Independence. The Ennovation Center serves the KC Region, and its graduates have gone on to create their own spaces, contributing to not only Independence's economy, but the regional economy.
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Starting and growing a business is challenging, and often involves a significant amount of risk and hard work. At the Ennovation Center, their aim is to provide a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and their ideas to thrive. They are committed to offering every possible opportunity for businesses to succeed, enabling entrepreneurs to develop their businesses to the best of their abilities.
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STAFF and RESOURCES
Danielle DuPree
Executive Director
ddupree@ennovationcenter.com
Meet Danielle DuPree, the Executive Director of the Ennovation Center. Danielle's passion for helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses comes from her deep roots in the Independence community, where she was born and raised. She is a proud graduate of William Chrisman High School, Penn Valley College, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where she was also a scholar athlete.
With over ten years of experience as a technology business consultant, Danielle specializes in digital transformation, business start-ups, and business retention and expansion. Danielle's expertise includes developing IT strategies, implementing virtual reality and XR solutions, leveraging artificial intelligence, enhancing workflows, improving security, and utilizing ECM solutions. Additionally, she has experience in commercial printing and packaging, social media and marketing, and developing business partnerships.
When she's not helping clients improve and build their businesses, Danielle enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three children. She loves hiking, community volunteerism, playing sports and coaching or watching her children's sports teams, and cheering on the Kansas City Royals, Mavericks, and Chiefs.
With Danielle's knowledge and experience, the Ennovation Center can provide entrepreneurs with the support and resources they need to succeed in their business ventures. Contact the Ennovation Center today to learn how Danielle and the team can help you achieve your business goals.
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Danielle proudly serves on the following Steering Committees: Global Entrepreneurship Week KC, Food Biz Con, Juneteenth Independence, Mayor's Prayer Breakfast and Re:Art Fest.
Entrepreneurship Enabler
Meet David, the Administrative Assistant at the Ennovation Center. David has a long, diverse history of experience in fast food, retail, nonprofits, records management, retirement benefits, the public sector, transportation, corporate revenue management, and gardening.
Born and raised in Texas, David has lived in four US states and has been a resident of Raytown, Missouri since 2009. He graduated from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and subsequently graduated from Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City with a Master of Divinity. Having served in pastoral ministry, with other nonprofits, the corporate sector, and school bus driving, David comes with a unique and wide variety of skills.
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​David has studied and put into practice aspects of market gardening on a small scale and has sold a variety of raw home grown produce. He loves the idea of being able to work with one’s own hands to produce something of value to the community. He is eager to assist the owners of small and new start businesses reach their fullest potential in the Ennovation Center.
David Pennington
Administrative Assistant
dpennington@ennovationcenter.com
Entrepreneurship Support
Network Resources
City of Independence, MO - Co-founder of the Ennovation Center
Independence Economic Development Council – Co-founder of the Ennovation Center
Independence School District – Co-founder of the Ennovation Center
KC Sourelink - One stop entrepreneur and business informational shop
Startland News- Learn about the KC area's start-up community ecosystem
Digital Sandbox - Early-stage tech idea funding
Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) – Business development, specialty services
MidContinent Library – Business classes and research support
City of Independence - Business friendly environment in which to place new start up and grow business
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation - Exploring education and entrepreneurship
Independence Chamber of Commerce - Represents a partnership of more than 717 member businesses and professionals committed to making a difference in the Independence community.
Englewood Arts - Assists the community through development of residential and commercial incentives, public art, art events, art programs, philanthropy and community outreach solutions, which result in a thriving community with engagement and pride.
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Lets Talk!
201 N Forest Avenue
Suite 120
Independence, Missouri 64050