Summary:
Construction paused on the Great Bend Innovation Center due to a funding gap after phase one completion
Setbacks include federal policy changes and a government shutdown reducing grant availability
Cost-saving measures implemented, but not enough to cover shortfalls from cuts and increased costs
Organization remains financially stable and is pursuing multiple funding pipelines for completion
Project aims to boost entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth in central Kansas
Construction Paused on Great Bend Innovation Center
Great Bend Economic Development has announced a temporary pause in construction on the Great Bend Innovation Center after completing phase one. The organization is actively working to close the remaining funding gap to finish phase two.
This multi-million dollar project aims to serve as a central hub for entrepreneurship, workforce development, and innovation in central Kansas. Funding has been sourced from a mix of state and federal grants, private contributions, and local investments. However, the project faced setbacks when several expected grant sources did not materialize due to federal policy changes in early 2025, which redirected or reduced available funding. These challenges were worsened by a recent government shutdown that closed remaining federal grant programs for the year.
In response, the organization has implemented significant cost-saving measures to preserve progress. Jason Kuilan, Executive Director of Great Bend Economic Development, stated, "We've been diligent in scaling back and implementing cost-saving measures to stretch every dollar." This included modifying building designs, reducing equipment investments in the innovation kitchen, and adjusting the fabrication lab's initial investment requirements. Despite these efforts, savings were insufficient to offset the funding shortfall caused by unexpected federal program cuts, private contributions falling through, and increased construction costs from tariffs.
Despite the pause, Great Bend Economic Development remains financially stable and operates at full capacity. Day-to-day operations are partially supported by the City of Great Bend, but the Innovation Center is funded entirely through external sources like grants and private investments. The immediate focus is on securing additional funding through trusted channels to avoid burdening local taxpayers.
Kuilan highlighted that multiple funding pipelines are in progress, including proceeds from a real estate sale and a sizable grant that has already been awarded. The Innovation Center is seen as a cornerstone investment for the region, expected to drive job creation, skills training, and economic growth for decades. Once completed, it will provide a collaborative space for innovators, businesses, and educators to strengthen the local economy in Barton County.
Kuilan expressed confidence that construction will resume once funding is secured, emphasizing the community's unwavering vision for innovation and opportunity. He added, "This project represents the very best of Great Bend's spirit, collaboration, innovation, and perseverance."
About Great Bend Economic Development
Great Bend Economic Development is dedicated to fostering long-term economic health and quality of life for the community's working families. Their efforts focus on job creation through business retention, recruitment, and expansion; workforce strengthening via recruitment, education, and training; improving living wage jobs; and expanding the tax base through increased capital investments.
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