Organization · Community
Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship
The Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship (KITE) is a non-profit organization based in Bakersfield, California, dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs through mentorship, educational programs, and resources.
Overview
What Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship does
What Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship is
The Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship (KITE) is a non-profit organization based in Bakersfield, California, dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs through mentorship, educational programs, and resources.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports community and event host and publisher capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Community
- Founded
- Founded in 2019
- Approximate age
- About 7 years
- Structured capabilities
- Community · Event host · Publisher
- Last reviewed
- April 5, 2026
Official channels
Find Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship as a community
Community overview
The Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship (KITE) is a project of the SeedCore Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Founded in 2019, KITE is based in Bakersfield, California, and aims to support entrepreneurs in Kern County by providing guidance and resources throughout their business journey.
Community focus
KITE focuses on fostering entrepreneurship by offering a network of professionals and resources. They provide educational training, mentorship, and access to tools that help entrepreneurs at various stages of their business development. Their initiatives are designed to support local business owners in Kern County.
Member value
Members benefit from mentorship programs, access to the Co.Starters Core program for business development, and the Startup Space App for resources and connections. KITE also offers a podcast and newsletter for ongoing support and insights.
Membership
- Pricing models
- free
Format and cadence
- Modality
- hybrid
- Schedule
- rolling-admissions
- Commitment
- light
Availability
- Membership state
- Accepting
Audience and fit
- Audience
- Founders · Students
- Benefits
- mentorship and network-access
- Program types
- community and bootcamp
- Selection criteria
- open
- Regions
- United States
Community activity
Events and activity
KITE organizes events such as Virtual Round Tables for discussions on business planning and growth strategies, as well as Pitch Seminars and Workshops to help entrepreneurs gain visibility and feedback from industry professionals.
Notable members
John Paul Lake - Co-Founder; Sherod Waite - Advisor, Moneywise; Don Bynum - Founder, Temblor Brewing Co.; Shannon LaBare - Branding, Design + Strategy, Purveyor Branding Co.
Capability profile
Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship as an event host
Event focus
KITE focuses on fostering entrepreneurship by offering a network of professionals and resources. They provide educational training, mentorship, and access to tools that help entrepreneurs at various stages of their business development. Their initiatives are designed to support local business owners in Kern County.
Format narrative
KITE organizes events such as virtual round tables and pitch seminars to facilitate networking and learning among entrepreneurs.
Participant value
KITE provides entrepreneurs with essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them succeed in their business ventures.
Format and cadence
- Event types
- meetup and workshop
- Modality
- online
- Startups can present
- Yes
Availability
- Registration state
- Not currently accepting
Audience and fit
- Selection criteria
- open
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Audience
- Founders
- Regions
- United States
Speakers and past editions
Speakers
Notable speakers include John Paul Lake, Co-Founder, and Sherod Waite, Advisor at Moneywise.
Past editions
KITE has hosted various events aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs, including mentorship programs and workshops.
Capability profile
Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship as a publisher
Editorial focus
The Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship (KITE) focuses on fostering entrepreneurship by offering a network of professionals and resources. They provide educational training, mentorship, and access to tools that help entrepreneurs at various stages of their business development. Their initiatives are designed to support local business owners in Kern County.
Audience value
KITE offers a comprehensive support system for entrepreneurs, including mentorship, educational programs, and networking opportunities, aimed at enhancing their business journey.
Format and cadence
- Content formats
- podcast and newsletter
- Primary platform
- Website
Availability
- Guest pitch state
- Not currently accepting
Audience and focus
- Audience
- Founders
- Regions
- United States
Flagship work and coverage
Flagship properties
KITE produces a podcast and a newsletter aimed at supporting entrepreneurs. The KITE Podcast shares insights and tips for entrepreneurs, while the KITE Newsletter provides updates and resources.
Common questions
What to know about Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship
Upseed classifies Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship under the Community organization type. Its current public profile includes community, event host, and publisher capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
April 5, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.