Classes and Workshops to Help You Start Your Business or Side Hustle in 2024
Why start the year off with another resolution about going to the gym? Make 2024 the year you finally start your business. KCSourceLink’s Resource Partners can help make it happen.
Kansas City’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem offers a wide variety of free or low-cost information sessions, classes and workshops designed for people just starting out. Whether you have a spark of an idea or a detailed business plan, people and programs in the Kansas City metro are ready to help you take the next step.
In the coming months, you’ll find opportunities to learn about financial statements, investors, marketing and more. Take the leap and make 2024 your year!
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 in-person at 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 CoLAB | 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
VetBiz | Activate
Who’s it for? People who have an idea for a small business.
What is it? Jump-start your entrepreneurial journey with this virtual cohort. Weekly sessions offer formal instruction from industry leaders and guidance from guest speakers. Topics include cultivating a business mindset, understanding your target customer and small business financial management.
When: Thursdays, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Square One | Biz Action Plan Workshop
Who’s it for? People who want to see where their business idea might go.
What is it? This five-week, activity-based workshop will help you assess your business idea. Over the course of the class, you’ll put together a simple, actionable business plan. At the end, you’ll meet one-on-one with the instructor to discuss the next steps to reaching your goals.
When: Thursdays, Jan. 18 – Feb. 15, 4 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Online and Mid-Continent Public Library, South Independence Branch, Independence, Missouri
Cost: Free
Square One | What You Need to Get Funding for Your Small Business
Who’s it for? Business owners who need to prepare to apply for a business loan.
What is it? This six-week series will help you gather the information and prepare the documents necessary to secure a loan for your small business. You’ll get hands-on experience with everything from identifying financial strengths to project revenues and balance sheets.
When: Saturdays, Jan. 20 – Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m. -12 p.m.
Where: Online and Mid-Continent Public Library Riverside Branch, Riverside, Missouri
Cost: Free
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 daylong 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: Wednesday, Jan. 24, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $75
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, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.
When: Thursday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m. – Noon
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Missouri SBDC at UMKC | ELEVATIONLAB™ TECH Venture
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs on the cusp of developing leading-edge technology or a science-based business.
What is it? This intensive nine-week course gives tech- and science-based entrepreneurs a proven framework and network to turn a great idea into a viable innovation. Business coaches and successful entrepreneurs share practical experience and facilitate group sessions. You’ll learn how to move forward and enhance your business.
When: Thursdays for nine weeks, starting Jan. 25, 3 – 6 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $649; $150 with scholarship
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: Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Where: Online
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: Saturday, Jan. 27, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Where: Online
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: Saturday, Jan. 27, 2 – 3:30 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 services from APEX (formerly Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers).
When: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Kansas SBDC at JCCC | Mapping Your Pathway to Success
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs and new business owners who want to know how to manage their business in the first one to two years.
What is it? This is the first of four sessions designed to cover all the new business basics. This workshop will cover the tools and resources needed to start a business. You’ll learn about the importance of business plans, as well as what they should include and how you can create a great one.
When: Thursday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. – Noon
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $24
VetBiz | Virtual Reboot
Who’s it for? Anyone interested in starting a small business.
What is it? Explore what it takes to be an entrepreneur. This workshop will discuss the difference between ideas and business opportunities and how to do market research. You’ll learn about the economics of small business, financing, business planning and more.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Missouri SBDC at UMKC | Winning Federal Research Grants: SBIR/STTR Workshop
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs interested in funding for their growing tech businesses.
What is it? This session will introduce the SBIR program for federal research and research development that has the potential for commercialization. You’ll learn about this highly competitive program and how your business could qualify.
When: Thursday, Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $49
Square One | Using AI to Build Your Business Plan
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need to create or revamp their business plans.
What is it? Learn how to gather and analyze data using artificial intelligence. A Square One business specialist will show you how to utilize AI technology to fit your business needs.
When: Friday, Feb. 16, 12 – 1 p.m.
Where: Online and Mid-Continent Public Library Red Bridge Branch, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Missouri SBDC at UMKC | Social Media Mindset: Build Relationships not Clicks!
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to connect with current and prospective customers.
What is it? Learn how to use social media channels to create content that’s more than a passing fancy. In this session, you’ll see how the right content can create not only sales, but also lifelong customers.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 20, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $49
Square One | Creating Your Brand
Who’s it for? Business owners who need to get specific about who their customers are.
What is it? This session will explore the relationship between business and customers. You’ll learn how to determine your business story and how to effectively communicate it to your customers. After this workshop, you’ll be able to state exactly who your brand is, what you do and why you do it.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Online and Mid-Continent Public Library South Independence Branch, Independence, Missouri
Cost: Free
Square One | Tracking Money for Your Small Business
Who’s it for? Small business owners who need to get or keep their finances organized.
What is it? This working session will get back to basics. It will cover how to avoid defaulting on payments, make sure you get what you’re owed, and stop unnecessary bank charges. You’ll also learn how to track daily spending and read monthly summary reports.
When: Thursday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Online and Mid-Continent Public Library Colbern Road Library Center, Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Cost: Free
Missouri SBDC at UMKC | Reading and Understanding Financial Statements
Who’s it for? Business owners, managers and consultants who need to know how to turn financial statements into useful management tools.
What is it? This course will show you how to identify key business information in the income statement and balance sheet. You’ll learn how to calculate ratios and understand what they mean in terms of business productivity and success.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 27, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $49
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: Thursday, Feb. 29, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $49
More resources for KC small businesses
The entrepreneurship community 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. Classes are free or very low cost; some offer scholarships.
- Personal Action Plan: Get a customized to-do list to help you research and start your venture or side hustle. 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.
