Great Bend Economic Development announced today that after completing phase one of construction on the Great Bend Innovation Center, further construction will temporarily pause as the organization works to close the remaining funding gap to finish phase two.
The multi-million project, designed to serve as a hub for entrepreneurship, workforce development, and innovation in central Kansas, has been funded through a combination of state and federal grants, private contributions, and local private investment. While several expected grant sources did not materialize due to changes in federal policy earlier in 2025 that redirected or reduced available funding opportunities, this challenge was further compounded by the recent government shutdown, which closed remaining federal grant programs for the year. The organization has already taken significant steps to reduce costs and preserve progress while maintaining the core vision of the center.
“We’ve been diligent in scaling back and implementing cost-saving measures to stretch every dollar,” said Jason Kuilan, Executive Director of Great Bend Economic Development. “We modified building designs, reduced equipment investments in the innovation kitchen, and adjusted the fabrication lab’s initial investment requirements. Unfortunately, those savings are not enough to fully offset the funding shortfall caused by unexpected federal program cuts, private contributions falling through, and unexpected tariffs that led to on-going increased construction costs.”
Despite the temporary construction pause, Great Bend Economic Development remains financially stable and continues to operate at full capacity. While a portion of our day-to-day operational funding is provided through support from the City of Great Bend, projects such as the Innovation Center are funded entirely through external sources including state and federal grants, private foundations, and other investment partners. Our immediate focus is securing the remaining funding through these same trusted channels to ensure the project’s completion without creating a burden on the City or local taxpayers.
Kuilan emphasized that multiple funding pipelines are already in progress, including significant proceeds from the real estate sale adjacent to the event’s center and a sizable grant that has already been awarded. The Great Bend Innovation Center remains a cornerstone investment in the region’s future, expected to drive entrepreneurship, job creation, and skills training for decades to come. Once completed, it will serve as a collaborative space where innovators, businesses, and educators can work together to strengthen the local economy and expand opportunities across Barton County.
“We’re confident construction will resume once additional funding has been secured,” said Kuilan. “Our community’s vision for innovation and opportunity hasn’t changed. We’re simply ensuring we do it the right way, responsibly and sustainably.”
“This project represents the very best of Great Bend’s spirit, collaboration, innovation, and perseverance,” Kuilan added. “We’re grateful for the continued support of our partners and community members who share our belief that the Innovation Center will be a lasting catalyst for growth in our region.”
About Great Bend Economic Development
Great Bend Economic Development’s mission is to foster long-term economic health and quality of life for the working families of the community. We do this by creating jobs through retention, recruitment and expansion of businesses; strengthening workforce through recruitment, education, and training; improving and increasing the number of living wage jobs; and expanding the tax base through increased capital investments.
