16 Business Builders Chosen for Fifth-Annual Enterprise Engagement Series Cohort

Wichita, Kan. – July 14, 2026 – NXTUS, Inc. today launched the fifth-annual NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series with a cohort of 16 entrepreneurs from across five Midwest states ready to connect and learn how to do business with Kansas enterprises.

The 2026 program received record interest from regional entrepreneurs, with over 80 from seven states expressing interest. The selected companies represent a mix of technology, human resources, product, and service-based businesses.

"So many startups trying for this year's Enterprise Engagement Series cohort reinforces the growth ambitions of entrepreneurs across the Heartland and the strength of the collaborative network of regional organizations supporting business builders along their journeys,” said Amber Dunn, Program Director of NXTUS. “We're excited to welcome these outstanding entrepreneurs to this year's cohort and help them build meaningful relationships with enterprise partners that can open doors to new customers, new opportunities, and long-term growth."

Through weekly workshops, customized enterprise playbooks, and direct engagement with enterprise partners, the NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series continues to bridge the knowledge and access gaps between entrepreneurs and the medium and large enterprises they hope to partner with and sell to. Continuing in its fifth year, the program provides participants with the tools, insights, and connections needed to navigate enterprise sales, build meaningful customer relationships, and create lasting partnerships.

Since 2022, the NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series has graduated 80 startups representing 20 Kansas counties. Collectively, those companies have generated more than $71 million in lifetime revenue and created or retained 212 jobs.

“Having participated in the Enterprise Engagement Series, I can say it was one of the most impactful programs we've participated in. The connections we made and the insights we gained into the enterprise sales process changed the way we approached business development,” said Nic Wentling, Co-Founder of Moonbase Labs. “I'm excited for this group of entrepreneurs to experience the same opportunities and look forward to seeing the impact they create. Congratulations to this year's cohort.”

Beginning with the program's kickoff workshop held today at Evergy Connect, Jaime Gassmann, Co-Founder of Fluent, led the cohort through what to expect and how to thrive during the enterprise sales cycle. Utilizing the mental models learned today, the cohort will meet weekly with enterprise partners, building connections and receiving customized playbooks that outline strategies for doing business with each organization.

The program will culminate with live pitches on September 14 at Cargill Protein Headquarters during the Startup Enterprise Summit, the kickoff event of Launch Week.

2026 NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series Cohort:

·       AB&C Bilingual Resources (Wichita, KS)

·       Aptly (Oklahoma City, OK)

·       Avery Boardroom (Wichita, KS)

·       Culver-Turner Institute (Wichita, KS)

·       Demo Dogs (Wichita, KS)

·       EPIC Coaching (Wichita, KS)

·       Euphemystic Ventures (Lawrence, KS)

·      ExpressIt Messaging (Andover, KS)

·       GiftWellSoon (Kansas City, MO)

·       MobilityZ Health (Cypress, TX)

·       NurtureWell (Fort Smith, AR)

·       oneCOMMUNITY (Wichita, KS)

·       playhaus (Kansas City, MO)

·       Sales Coach Pro (Hutchinson, KS)

·       Smart Business Engines (Topeka, KS)

·       VisiPay (Olathe, KS)

The 2026 Enterprise Partners:

·       Berry Companies

·       Cargill

·       City of Wichita

·       Equity Bank

·       Evergy

·       Kansas Department of Commerce

·       Koch Supplier Strategies

·       LANGE Companies

·       IdeaTek

·       iSi Environmental

·       Sedgwick County

·       Textron Aviation

·       U.S.D. 259 Wichita Public Schools

The 2026 NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series is made possible through the generous support of these Enterprise Partners, as well as Network Kansas, the Greater Wichita Partnership through its Opportunity Wichita initiative, and INTRUST Bank.

For more information about the NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series or to view the 2026 participants, visit https://www.nxtus.io/enterpriseseries.