Topeka JEDO Board Summary
Week of September 10, 2026
Go Topeka clarifies no local incentives sought for proposed Compass Datacenters project
Residents raise conflict of interest concerns over Compass Datacenters project
Second quarter small business incentives spur $860,000 in investment
Economic mobility grants bolster local startups and job growth
City and builders association to host residential development forum
Link Innovation Labs inks first international tech tenant
Animal health accelerator welcomes 11th international cohort
First cohort begins Washburn Tech TopCity FAME manufacturing apprenticeship
Go Topeka vice president resigns for national manufacturing role
TopCity Interns program draws national talent to Shawnee County
Go Topeka clarifies no local incentives sought for proposed Compass Datacenters project
TOPEKA, Kan. — Go Topeka officials clarified that the proposed Compass Datacenters project is not seeking local financial incentives and is not an active project before the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO). Vice President of Business Development Ashley Lehman explained that the company submitted its application directly to Shawnee County rather than going through the traditional economic development pipeline. While JEDO is not considering any incentive packages for the multi-building development, Go Topeka remains in a supporting role to connect the company with community resources.
Residents raise conflict of interest concerns over Compass Datacenters project
TOPEKA, Kan. — Several Shawnee County residents used the public comment period to criticize the proposed Compass Datacenters project and question potential conflicts of interest within local economic development leadership. Citizens pointed out that public records show Go Topeka owns 40 acres on the proposed 600-acre development site, which was purchased using taxpayer funds. Residents also noted that Go Topeka board chair Joe Caldwell concurrently serves as the chief executive officer of Bartlett & West, the engineering firm that conducted site studies and submitted the conditional use permit application on behalf of Compass Datacenters.
Second quarter small business incentives spur $860,000 in investment
TOPEKA, Kan. — Go Topeka awarded approximately $163,000 across 20 small business incentive projects during the second quarter of 2026, generating an estimated $860,000 in private capital investment. The awarded funds supported 13 local companies, with some businesses receiving multiple grants for their expansions, equipment purchases and renovations. Notable projects included the opening of a new Smoothie King, rooftop renovations at a downtown building and a major facility expansion for Aspire Gymnastics Club.
Economic mobility grants bolster local startups and job growth
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Economic Mobility Funds program has awarded $317,448 so far this year to support local entrepreneurs, youth workforce development and redevelopment projects. Ulises Armendariz, owner of City Boys Moving and Delivery, highlighted the program's impact during the meeting, sharing that a 2025 grant funded a seven-month television advertising campaign. The increased exposure helped double his company's projected revenue to nearly $350,000 this year, allowing him to purchase new equipment and create local jobs.
City and builders association to host residential development forum
TOPEKA, Kan. — Go Topeka is partnering with the city of Topeka and the Topeka Area Builders Association to host a Residential Development Forum on Nov. 6. The initiative aims to educate local property flippers and small-scale developers on the municipal permitting process and the steps required to become licensed general contractors. Go Topeka will also present information on its redevelopment grant programs and small business incentives to encourage localized housing investments.
Link Innovation Labs inks first international tech tenant
TOPEKA, Kan. — Link Innovation Labs has officially signed its first tenant, Spore.Bio, a France-based artificial intelligence microbiology testing company. Stephanie Moran, senior vice president of innovation, announced that the startup utilizes AI technology to rapidly detect microorganisms in food, water and pharmaceuticals. The company moved into the shared lab space in July to establish its U.S. base, flying in staff monthly to utilize the facility's specialized equipment and connect with regional clients.
Animal health accelerator welcomes 11th international cohort
TOPEKA, Kan. — Go Topeka's Plug and Play animal health accelerator launched its 11th batch this month, featuring startups from Argentina, India, Singapore and the U.S. The diverse cohort includes pre-seed and Series B companies focused on alternative ingredients, diagnostics and bioactives. The startups will visit Topeka in late October for immersion programming and networking alongside corporate partners Hill's Pet Nutrition and Zoetis.
First cohort begins Washburn Tech TopCity FAME manufacturing apprenticeship
TOPEKA, Kan. — The TopCity FAME manufacturing apprenticeship program has officially launched its first cohort with 17 students and 10 local employer partners, including Hill's Pet Nutrition, Panasonic Energy and Amcor. The registered apprenticeship program, housed at Washburn Tech North, pairs high school students, graduates, and adult career-changers with local manufacturers to learn advanced manufacturing skills, equipment maintenance and professional soft skills. Students attend morning classes covering safety and hydraulics before working hands-on at their respective manufacturing jobs.
Go Topeka vice president resigns for national manufacturing role
TOPEKA, Kan. — Trina Goss, Go Topeka's vice president of business and talent initiatives, is stepping down after nearly seven years to take a position with the National Association of Manufacturers in Washington, D.C. Goss, who was instrumental in bringing the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) apprenticeship program to Topeka, will serve as the associate director of FAME chapter success. In her new role, she will travel the country helping other communities replicate the manufacturing apprenticeship model she established in Shawnee County.
TopCity Interns program draws national talent to Shawnee County
TOPEKA, Kan. — The TopCity Interns program hosted more than 200 interns from 34 local employers and 21 states this summer as part of a broader effort to attract and retain young professionals. Building on this momentum, Go Topeka announced it is partnering with Washburn University Career Services in October to offer a new training program for local employers looking to start or expand their own internship offerings. In addition, the Forge Young Talent organization reported a record 209 new member sign-ups so far this year.
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