In this episode, TCF President Marsha Pope is joined by Dr. David Price, Professor of Business Marketing at Washburn University, and Emily Harmon, 2025 winner of the Brenneman School of Business Community Innovation Challenge. The Topeka Community Foundation partnered with the business school to establish the challenge in 2023, providing students with an opportunity to pitch business ideas that focus on solving social issues facing our community, region, and world. With prize money at stake, students are encouraged to think of new ways to create profitable and sustainable businesses that provide a social good. Dr. Price shares how the challenge has grown and impacted our community and students. Emily Harmon, 2025 winner, reflects on the experience and where her business stands today.

What you'll learn:
-How the Topeka Community Foundation partnered with the Brenneman School of Business to establish the Community Innovation Challenge at Washburn University.
-All about social entrepreneurship.
-Where to get a Trumpet Fidget!

To learn more about the Community Innovation Challenge, visit https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/business/Community-Innovation-Challenge.html

To view the Trumpet Fidget, visit https://pocket-keys.com/ .

Foundation President Marsha Pope is joined by Jamie Jalil, Executive Director of Be Filled of South Topeka, to discuss the role of one nonprofit in one unique neighborhood. Jalil emphasizes the importance of building partnerships and capitalizing on the strengths of the people and organizations that call South Topeka home.

What you'll learn:
-All about Be Filled of South Topeka
-How grants help nonprofits build capacity and sustainability
-What makes South Topeka a unique community

Interested in Topeka Community Foundation grants? Visit https://topekacommunityfoundation.org/2026-grant-opportunities.