Starting a Business? These KC Classes and Workshops Have Everything You Need
No entrepreneur can go it alone. Fortunately, you don’t have to! There are tons of programs and classes designed to help Kansas Citians start their businesses.
Maybe you have a big idea but need to test feasibility. Or perhaps you could use some guidance on the nuts and bolts of business ownership. Or maybe you want to write a business plan, build a website, figure out business finances, develop your marketing strategy, get your legal questions answered, pick a business structure or just learn to think like an entrepreneur. No matter your need, there’s a class to show you the way.
Check out these upcoming programs and get ready to learn, grow and thrive!
1 Million Cups Kansas City
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to connect and network 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
Missouri SBDC at UMKC The First Steps to Starting a Business
Who’s it for? Anyone who’s ready to learn the basics of starting a new business.
What is it? Get an overview of what you need to do to start a business. You’ll learn how to assess your strengths and weaknesses in terms of business ownership. The course will also explore the importance of planning, meeting legal requirements and identifying funding.
When: Thursday, Feb. 17 or Thursday, March 17, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $49; scholarships may be available
Missouri SBDC at UMKC The Basics of Writing a Business Plan
Who’s it for? Business owners and managers who need to know how to create a business plan.
What is it? This course will teach you why business plans are important and what they should include. You’ll get tips on how to write and format your business plan and walk away with a better understanding of what your business plan should look like and say.
When: Thursday, Feb. 17 or Thursday, March 17, 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $49; scholarships may be available
Missouri SBDC at UMKC ELEVATIONLAB TECH Venture
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs on the cusp of a technology- or science-based business.
What is it? Get a proven framework and connections to help grow your idea into a viable innovation. This intensive nine-week class is all about hands-on learning. You’ll also gain insight from business coaches, peers and successful entrepreneurs.
When: Thursdays, Feb. 17 – April 21, 3 – 6 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $75 thanks to a generous scholarship
SCORE KC Developing a Web-Based Business
Who’s it for? New or experienced business owners who want to explore selling products or services online.
What is it? This session will give you the info you need to make smart decisions about launching an online business. You’ll learn how to choose an ecommerce site and what kind of site is best for you. SEO and payment options will be covered, too.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
JCCC/Kansas SBDC IRS Small Business Tax Workshop
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to learn the basics of tax regulations for their small businesses.
What is it? An experienced CPA and tax accountant will discuss business use of the home, self-employment tax, employees versus independent contractors, payroll taxes and more. You’ll learn about recordkeeping requirements and electronic filing, too.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 23 or Wednesday, March 16, 1 – 5 p.m.
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS
Cost: $45
Apply here for Feb 23. Apply here for March 16.
SCORE KC Business Planning Tools
Who’s it for? New entrepreneurs, business owners adding new products or services and leaders in industries that are undergoing significant change.
What is it? This session will explore the value proposition canvas and business model canvas. You’ll learn how to use these tools to define why you’re in business and what customer problems you’re trying to solve. The result will help you build a business plan for funding, marketing and more.
When: Thursday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Missouri SBDC at UMKC ELEVATIONLAB New Venture
Who’s it for? New and aspiring entrepreneurs
What is it? Do you dream of owning your own business? Are you ready for a realistic perspective on whether or not people really want to buy what you want to sell? This accelerated program helps aspiring and newer entrepreneurs look at all aspects of their business idea, explore the feasibility of their new venture and learn how to develop a viable business.
When: Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 1 – April 5
Where: UMKC Innovation Center, 4747 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $150 with scholarship
SCORE KC Business Concept
Who’s it for? Potential entrepreneurs who want to explore their business idea.
What is it? This session will teach you how to research your idea, market and competition. Topics include identifying target markets, describing products and collecting competitive information to support your feasibility plan.
When: Tuesday, March 8, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC Marketing Strategy/Social Media Marketing
Who’s it for? Business owners who could use an overview of marketing strategies.
What is it? This session will introduce the marketing tools that can help maximize your customer reach. By the end of the class, you’ll know how to outline your marketing strategy, test your marketing message and choose the right sales channel.
When: Wednesday, March 9, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
KC Prospect Business Association Business Basics Series
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to create or enhance their business operations.
What is it? This series of four classes will walk participants through legal, marketing, financials and an accounting deep dive. You’ll come away with an understanding of these functions and how they can increase your business’s productivity and success.
When: Mondays March 14, March 21 and April 11, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and either Tuesday, April 12, 1 – 3 p.m. or Tuesday, April 19, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: TBD
Cost: Free
SCORE KC Franchising: Start a Business – Keep Your Day Job
Who’s it for? People interested in semi-absentee franchise ownership.
What is it? Learn about semi-absentee franchise ownership and get examples of some of the different options. This course will teach you how to decide if franchising is right for you and how to research legitimate opportunities.
When: Monday, March 14, 9 – 11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC Developing Your Online Presence
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to learn how to create an online marketing presence.
What is it? This session will help you get your business in the most active marketplace around: the internet. You’ll learn how to connect with customers, build your inventory of online assets and get started on social media. SEO and email marketing will be covered, too.
When: Tuesday, March 15, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC Business Financial Literacy
Who’s it for? Business owners who need to learn about prices, costs and more.
What is it? Build a strong foundation for your venture. In this session, you’ll learn about financial statements and how they can help you make smart business decisions. Raising prices, reducing costs and increasing sales volume will be discussed, too.
When: Tuesday, March 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
JCCC/Kansas SBDC Trademark & Copyright Basics
Who’s it for? Small business owners who want to protect their business name, logo and creative works.
What is it? In this session, an attorney will go over trademarks and copyrights and how to avoid infringing upon the rights of others. You’ll learn about the patent process, too.
When: Wednesday, March 30, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $30
Missouri SBDC at UMKC Entrepreneurial Mindset Training
Who’s it for? People who have a business idea but don’t know where to start or want to learn how to be an entrepreneur.
What is it? This nine-week program combines classroom and online coursework to inspire and engage participants. You’ll learn the business canvas process, develop entrepreneurial skills and explore how to evaluate business opportunities. And you’ll hear from successful entrepreneurs, too.
When: Wednesdays, March 30 – May 25, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $649; scholarships may be available
Find other opportunities for your Kansas City business
Not finding the program that speaks to your needs? KCSourceLink has your back. Check out these resources:
· Classes & Events Calendar: This ever-expanding list includes all the area happenings for KC entrepreneurs.
· Personal Action Plan: Get a free, customized to-do list to help you reach your business goals. Our Network Navigators can make it happen.
· 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.
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