Heat Up Your Business or Business Idea This Summer with These Entrepreneur Classes and Workshops
New business owners often learn by trial and error. But there is an easier way.
KCSourceLink’s Resource Partners offer a wide variety of free or low-cost information sessions, classes and workshops. Whether you want to see if your idea resonates or you’re wondering how to get the word out, there’s a class for you.
This summer, you’ll find opportunities to learn about business plans, legal business entities, financial statements and more. Read on to discover the classes that answer your questions and fit your needs.
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
APEX Accelerators | 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 services from APEX (formerly Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers).
When: Wednesday, Aug. 2, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Simple Steps for Starting Your Business – Basics
Who’s it for? Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to explore business ownership.
What is it? This workshop will provide an overview of the skills and tools you need to start a business. You’ll learn the advantages and disadvantages of owning a business, as well as the most profitable form for your business. The session will also cover organization, marketing, cash flow and funding sources.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 2, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: July 8: SCORE KC, Kansas City, Missouri; Aug. 2: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Financial Statement Basics
Who’s it for? Small business owners who want to learn about basic 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: Tuesday, Aug. 8, 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 different 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: Wednesday, Aug. 9, 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: Wednesday, Aug. 9, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Where: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Social Media 101: Unpaid Sources of Social Media
Who’s it for? Small business owners who need to reach existing and new customers.
What is it? Social media changes quickly, so even if you think you know what you’re doing, there’s always more to learn. This session will show you how to integrate social media into your business. You’ll learn the basics and how to engage customers on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
When: Thursday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Missouri SBDC at UMKC | Myth Busters: Entrepreneurial Edition
Who’s it for? Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to explore business ownership.
What is it? This session will answer pressing questions like “Are grants real?” and “Do I need a business plan?” Learn how to put your next steps in order. You’ll leave this class with an action plan to continue your journey to business ownership.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Missouri SBDC at UMKC | Pitching to Investors
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need to prepare for meeting investors.
What is it? In this workshop, you’ll learn what investors need to know and want to see before providing capital to a business.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 16, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $49
Kansas SBDC at JCCC | Business Basics in a Day – How to Start a Business
Who’s it for? Potential entrepreneurs who want to learn how to get started.
What is it? This day-long workshop will cover starting a business from A to Z. Learn how to determine the feasibility of your idea, create a lean canvas and choose a legal entity. The hands-on session will also discuss financial projections, marketing and bookkeeping and include guidance from expert presenters.
When: Thursday, Aug. 17, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $75
SCORE KC | Legal Basics for Small Business
Who’s it for? Small business owners who need to comply with the law and reduce risk.
What is it? This session will focus on topics that are key for small business. This includes governing documents, employer law, employee issues, insurance and leasing property. You’ll also learn about doing business in other states and over the internet as well as the basics of intellectual property.
When: Thursday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Branding for Small Business
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need to ensure their businesses are unique and relevant.
What is it? This workshop will help you identify and articulate your brand’s purpose and develop a succinct positioning statement. You’ll leave with a toolkit of templates and know how to build a brand strategy that integrates into your marketing plan.
When: Friday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
More resources for KC small businesses
The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kansas City is awesome. Mentors, events and organizations are here to help you meet your business goals. And you can find them all at KCSourceLink. Discover all the tools and know-how you need, right here:
- Classes & Events Calendar: This ever-expanding list includes all the area happenings for KC entrepreneurs.
- Personal Action Plan: Get a customized to-do list to help you research and open your venture. Our Network Navigators will create this priceless resource for you — for free.
Resource Navigator: This tool includes 230+ organizations that can help you meet the people, gain the skills and get the funding your business needs.
