Inaugural Omni Circle Gala To Celebrate Seven Years Of Entrepreneurial Support And Community Impact
Topeka-based nonprofit Omni Circle Group plans to commemorate seven years of empowering entrepreneurs and supporting the Topeka community during its inaugural Omni Circle Gala on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 5-8 p.m. at Topeka Social, 518 S.E. Adams St.
The black-tie benefit will bring together business leaders, civic champions, community builders, entrepreneurs and supporters for an evening celebrating the people and partnerships that have shaped Omni Circle’s journey. Omni will recognize individuals who helped lay the foundation for the organization’s success, while highlighting businesses and opportunities created through its work.
The evening will include an exclusive reception for sponsors, networking opportunities with leaders from across the region, meaningful programming, and a keynote address by Kaye Monk-Morgan, president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center. Serving as event emcee will be Alaia Martin, co-founder and chief operating officer of Cyphr, a Kansas City-based financial technology firm using artificial intelligence to power capital access for small businesses.
“We want to honor how far Omni Circle and the entrepreneurs we serve have come, as we reimagine Topeka’s future and our community’s potential,” said Michael Odupitan, Omni’s founder and CEO. “We believe Topeka and Shawnee County can become one of the best places in the nation to start and grow a business, no matter one’s background. Reaching that potential will take all of us choosing to intentionally invest in people who have the courage to build something special here.”
Since its founding, Omni Circle has served more than 250 entrepreneurs, supported the launch of more than 75 businesses, connected more than 10,000 community members to resources, and offered more than 200 educational opportunities.
Through various initiatives, including the Topeka Startup Community and business courses like Ignite and Emerge, Omni Circle helps aspiring and established entrepreneurs test ideas, develop practical business skills, build valuable relationships and access a variety of resources. Its programming addresses areas such as financial readiness, business operations, access to capital and long-term sustainability.
“The entrepreneurs in our community are already betting on themselves and on Topeka,” said Jessica Pauly, economic development director for Omni. “We want this inaugural gala to be a night when the broader community demonstrates it is willing to bet on their success, too. When entrepreneurs have the tools, relationships and opportunities they need to thrive, the impact reaches far beyond a single business. It changes the face of our communities.”
The gala will also reinforce Omni Circle’s vision and offer opportunities to support the organization’s work through event sponsorships and year-round partnerships. Community members, business leaders and those interested in learning more are invited to attend. Gala registration is available at Luma.com/OmniGala. For ways to sponsor and get involved, those interested may contact Bonnie Maize, Omni’s chief financial officer, at Bonnie.Maize@OmniCircle.org.
