Wow, we’ve already had one full quarter of 2024 – and what a quarter it’s been!
Read on for updates in the innovation space with the launch of McKinney’s Plug and Play Tech Center, the highly anticipated Notes Live Amphitheater, where we rate in terms of business friendliness, and how the McKinney Education Foundation is enhancing the education landscape, plus much more!
How McKinney’s New ‘Plug And Play’ Solution Will Help Drive More Tech Investment In The Texas City
Plug and Play has tremendous experience in supporting startups through funding, technology development, hiring employees and conquering regulatory hurdles. We have begun to create an ecosystem in McKinney for early-stage technology startups, and Plug and Play will leverage our existing work, add in some of their magic and raise the chances of any startup in our region succeeding.
The official launch kicked off on March 26th at The Cotton Mill in McKinney, followed by another launch event in partnership with Frisco later that day
“Plug and Play Texas will serve as a catalyst for growth for the entire state, a connective tissue between otherwise disparate parties in the innovation value chain. Our mission is to serve as a key statewide economic driver by attracting new business, advancing technology innovation, and becoming one of the most active venture capital investors in Texas companies.”
Kevin Parakkattu
Partner, Plug and Play
Read the BisNow article on Plug and Play and the Innovation Fund here.
Notes Live - Sunset Amphitheater
The City of McKinney has reached an agreement with Notes Live for the development of a 20,000-seat open-air amphitheater located on 46 acres at the northeast corner of U.S. 75 and S.H. 121. This project – called the Sunset Amphitheater – represents a potential investment in the community in excess of $220 million. It is estimated to bring over 1,300 direct and indirect jobs to the community and an economic impact of roughly $3 billion to the area over the first ten years. Bringing this world-class venue to McKinney was a joint effort by the city, the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, and the McKinney Community Development Corporation.
The Sunset Amphitheater will serve as the flagship music venue for Notes Live and represents the largest venue among its locations. The venue will be designed to host major touring artists, focusing on creating an exceptional fan experience through upscale hospitality, crystal-clear sound quality, and spectacular outdoor views. The amphitheater will include over 300 luxury fire pit suites, a reserved seating area, and a landscaped grass berm, all under an iconic roof structure. Construction is projected to begin in late 2024, and Notes Live anticipates the project will be complete for the 2026 touring season.
For information on Notes Live, or investment opportunities, please visit SunsetTexas.com.
Scout's Report, Top Cities for Business!
McKinney, TX – McKinney has once again proven itself as a beacon for business in Texas, securing a spot in Scout’s “Top Cities in Texas for Business” ranking. Scout’s report titled, “Top Cities in Texas for Business, According to Employers” is based on more than 2,000 data points across 169 verified reviews from employers in Texas.
Emerging at the forefront in the “Likelihood to Recommend” category, McKinney is celebrated as the Most Endorsed City by Employers and proudly stands as the #3 overall city in Texas for business. This distinction is a testament to McKinney’s pursuit of excellence in fostering a business-friendly ecosystem.
As McKinney continues to invest in its future, it remains a shining example of how innovation, support, and community engagement can create an ideal landscape for businesses.
About Scout:
Scout is an independent economic development platform where companies find the best cities for business through local data, incentive information, and verified reviews. Scout provides detailed city listings for more than 20,000 communities throughout the US. ran
McKinney Momentum: Focus on Education in our Community
This week, our President/CEO Michael Kowski Interviewed Sheila Due, the CEOt of the McKinney Education Foundation. Sheila masterfully unpacks how the MEF works, how many students they’ve helped, how it all started, and the ways that everyday McKinney residents can get involved and make a difference. Plus, we learn about a new hot spot for chicken fingers in McKinney! Learn more about the MEF: https://www.mckinneyef.org/ Subscribe on YouTube: 
/ @mckinneyedc For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com
