Grow Your Business with These Kansas City Classes and Workshops
Spring is a time of growth — and if it’s time for your small business to expand, you’re in luck. Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem offers lots of opportunities to learn the skills you need to scale your business.
Need to step up your marketing? Or are you ready to jump into government contracts? There’s a KCSourceLink Resource Partner that can help. Here’s a list of upcoming events, classes and workshops where local experts share best practices, teach business-changing skills and provide the guidance that can help your business grow.
SCORE KC | Developing Your Online Presence
Who’s it for? Business owners who need to create or improve the online presence of their venture.
What is it? Get step-by-step direction on how to make your business’s online presence the best it can be. This session covers how to connect with customers online, how to start or improve a website, search engine optimization (SEO), social media and more.
When: Thursday, March 14, 9 a.m. – Noon
Where: Online
Cost: Free
1 Million Cups Kansas City
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to connect with other business owners and gain insight on how to improve their ventures.
What is it? Local entrepreneurs give short presentations about their startups to potential partners, mentors and investors. Then, there’s a discussion with feedback and questions. The people presenting and those listening learn about what it takes to build a successful business.
When: Every Tuesday, 9 a.m.
Where: Online and Plexpod Westport Commons, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
1 Million Cups of Lawrence, Kansas | THE CRUNCH
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to connect with other people in the business community and learn how to improve their ventures.
What is it? Network, enjoy coffee and hear local entrepreneurs give short presentations about their businesses. Discussion, feedback and questions follow. Presenters and those listening all learn about the entrepreneurial ecosystem and what it takes to build a successful business.
When: Every Wednesday, 9 – 10 a.m.
Where: Peaslee Tech, Lawrence, Kansas
Cost: Free
Keystone Innovation District | Keystone Sessions
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and community members interested in new ideas.
What is it? Network and learn from three 45-minute sessions on unique topics. Formats range from expert panels to dynamic speakers. This casual environment is designed to inspire and help people connect across industries, interests and talents.
When: Every Wednesday, 4 – 8 p.m.
Where: Keystone CoLAB, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Square One Small Business Services | Hey Google: Getting Started with a Google Business Profile
Who’s it for? People who want their business to get noticed online.
What is it? If you don’t have a Google Business Profile set up, you could be missing out on sales. This workshop covers how to register with Google, the tools that make your business stand out and how to use Google’s search engine optimization tool.
When: Wednesday, March 27, 3 – 4 p.m.
Where: Mid-Continent Public Library, South Independence Branch, Independence, Missouri
Cost: Free
Pathway Financial Education | Managing Debt Workshop
Who’s it for? People who need to learn about debt management.
What is it? This monthly workshop is designed to give participants the tools and know-how they need to take control of personal debt. Because an entrepreneur’s personal financial situation can have a big impact on his or her business, this is news every business owner can use.
When: Third Thursday of each month, Noon – 1 p.m. or 6 – 7 p.m.
Where: Online and Pathway Financial Education, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Business Financial Literacy
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to learn what financial management is and why every business needs it.
What is it? In this high-level workshop, you’ll learn how to determine if your business is making a profit, if it has enough cash and if it’s building wealth. The session will cover financial terms and statements and the tools you can use to improve your business’s financial outlook.
When: Thursday, March 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Square One Small Business Services | Using Meta Business Suite for Your Business
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to stay competitive.
What is it? Meta Business Suite is an essential social media platform for business owners. Learn how to utilize these tools to market your business, build brand awareness and engage with customers.
When: Thursday, March 28, 5 – 6 p.m.
Where: Online and Mid-Continent Public Library, Woodneath Library Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Square One Small Business Services | Intro to Multimedia Content Creation
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to amp up their customer engagement.
What is it? Content creation is an essential part of marketing and branding. This four-week course will teach you how to create engaging and effective content across various platforms. You’ll develop a content strategy, create content and analyze effectiveness.
When: Thursdays in April, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Mid-Continent Public Library, Lee’s Summit Branch, Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Diverse Business Certifications
Who’s it for? Business owners interested in doing business with corporations or government entities.
What is it? Being a certified woman-owned, minority, veteran or LGBT business enterprise can bring visibility to your company and help you meet your goals. This webinar will explore how certifications can impact your business, requirements for certification and more.
When: Tuesday, April 2, Noon – 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
APEX Accelerators of Missouri – Kansas City | Government Contracting 101
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs interested in working with the government.
What is it? This session will cover the first steps to winning government contracts. Learn how to get started with federal, state and local government registrations and certifications. After attending this seminar, a business is eligible for free services from the APEX Accelerators of Missouri.
When: Wednesday, April 3, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Springboard Enterprises | Dolphin Tank: Heartland Women in Tech
Who’s it for? People interested in women-led tech companies.
What is it? This pitch event showcases women-led tech businesses and provides the opportunity to make connections, find capital and gain insight. Investors, advisors and industry leaders will be on hand for this energetic, interactive event.
When: Wednesday, April 3, 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Polsinelli, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Social Media 102: Paid Sources of Social Media
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to start using paid social marketing or who want to use it better.
What is it? This workshop covers how paid social media marketing works. You’ll learn about targeting, retargeting, bidding, budgets and the technology required to make it all work. Participants will leave understanding how to make social marketing generate revenue and growth for their businesses.
When: Friday, April 5, 9 a.m. – Noon
Where: Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Queen Aza Enterprises | Become a Camera Confident CEO
Who’s it for? Leaders who want to amplify their message and make their mark.
What is it? This Speak & Grow Rich Masterclass will help participants build their speaking muscles and learn how to get their message across. The goal of the class is to ensure what you have to say is heard far and wide.
When: Saturday, April 6, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Kansas City Women’s Business Center | The Deal from Both Sides
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs thinking about raising capital and investors wanting to invest in early-stage companies.
What is it? This is the fourth in the Equity Series of workshops, which explore the angel investment process. Investors will learn to make more well-examined decisions and entrepreneurs will learn to negotiate with confidence. In this session, an investor and a founder will discuss how they define success.
When: Tuesday, April 9, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Polsinelli, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $29
Square One Small Business Services | Canva Lab
Who’s it for? People who want to get started with this easy graphic design tool.
What is it? Canva is the graphic design platform for people who aren’t graphic designers. Take your marketing to the next level with the basics of this program. This class explores the tools within Canva, how to create new or edit existing designs and what design tricks can save you time.
When: Wednesday, April 10, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mid-Continent Public Library, North Independence Branch, Independence, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Upgrade Your Website for Better Business Results
Who’s it for? Business owners who need an effective website.
What is it? This session covers the basics of websites, domains, search engines and more. Participants will learn how consumers use their sites. And they’ll explore how to determine whether they want to create the website themselves or hire a pro.
When: Thursday, April 11, 9 a.m. – Noon
Where: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Square One Small Business Services | AI and Email Marketing Campaigns
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to build an effective email campaign.
What is it? Learn how AI technology can help you reach and engage your target audience. This session will walk you through the databases and resources needed to make it happen.
When: Thursday, April 11, 12 – 1 p.m.
Where: Online and Mid-Continent Public Library, Red Bridge Branch, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Square One Small Business Services | Create Your 30-Day Social Media Calendar
Who’s it for? Business owners who need help with content creation and scheduling.
What is it? Learn how to brainstorm, create and schedule social media for your business. This class will explore the difference between content that provides value and content that has a call to action. You’ll brainstorm content ideas and organize and plan a content calendar.
When: Thursday, April 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: March 20: Mid-Continent Public Library, Gladstone Branch, Gladstone, Missouri; April 18: Mid-Continent Public Library, Parkville Branch, Parkville Missouri
Cost: Free
Kansas SBDC at JCCC | Digital Marketing Strategies for Small Business
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to find and connect with their audience online.
What is it? This two-day class covers everything from search engine optimization to email campaigns. You’ll learn how to get your business on Google Maps, navigate the legal issues of doing business online and use social media to build relationships with potential and current customers.
When: Tuesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 18, 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $75
SCORE KC | Financial Statement Basics
Who’s it for? Small business owners who want to learn about key financial concepts.
What is it? Use plain language to explore financial concepts. This workshop will discuss profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and how they work together. You’ll also learn about software like QuickBooks and how to track business finances.
When: Wednesday, April 17, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Sources of Funding
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to explore options for funding their businesses.
What is it? Learn about various sources of funding and the criteria for each. This session will cover traditional sources like bank loans and investors. It will also discuss nontraditional sources like equipment leasing, accounts receivable financing, crowdfunding and more.
When: Monday, April 18, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Financial Projections
Who’s it for? People who need to assess their business profitability and establish financial goals.
What is it? Financial projections can help you set goals and stay on track. This workshop will help you understand the process behind balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements. Learn how these documents fit into a business plan and how they can help if you’re seeking funding.
When: Monday, April 18, 7:30 – 8:45 p.m.
Where: Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Square One Small Business Services | Creating Your Brand
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to effectively communicate with current and potential customers.
What is it? Understand the relationship between businesses and customers. This session will help you refine your brand values and identify your brand’s personality. You’ll get a clearer view of who your brand is, what you do and why you do it.
When: Wednesday, April 24, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Mid-Continent Public Library, Colbern Road Library Center, Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Perfect Launch: Sell More with Amazon
Who’s it for? Brand owners who are new to Amazon.
What is it? Learn the five programs that you can use in your first 90 days on Amazon to build healthy growth. This session will cover automated pricing, enhancing product listings, advertising campaigns, intellectual property and more.
When: Thursday, April 25, Noon – 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Square One | Maximize Your Facebook Reach
Who’s it for? Business owners who are ready to see an uptick in Facebook engagements.
What is it? There are ways to increase your followers, content likes, video views and more. In this session, you’ll learn how to increase your follower count affordably, align your social strategy with your target audience and analyze the benefits and drawbacks of quick growth.
When: Thursday, April 25, 3 – 4 p.m.
Where: Online and Mid-Continent Public Library Woodneath Library Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Grow more with KCSourceLink
Let Kansas City’s experts help you scale your venture. Check out KCSourceLink’s complete guidebook to the area’s entrepreneurial landscape:
- Classes & Events Calendar: This ever-expanding list includes all the area happenings for KC entrepreneurs.
- Personal Action Plan: Get a customized list of the experts and organizations that can help you grow your venture. Our Network Navigators will create this priceless resource for you — for free.
- Resource Navigator: This tool lists hundreds of organizations that can help you meet the people, gain the skills and get the funding your business needs.
Blog image by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash.
