This document outlines the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kansas City from 2003-2016 through building connections between entrepreneurs, resources, ideas, corporations, investors, and the community. It describes the creation of a "Digital Sandbox" program in 2013 that provides funding and resources to help early-stage companies develop proof-of-concept projects, with results including 73 funded projects, 34 new companies, $16.7 million in new sales, and 340 new jobs. The Sandbox is filling an important need in the Kansas City startup ecosystem by helping companies become "funding-ready" and connecting them to potential investors.