Kansas City entrepreneurs

The Top 15 KCSourceLink Blogs of 2023 Will Help Your Business, Side Hustle

Did you know that we here at KCSourceLink reach out to experts and entrepreneurs to uncover the best tips, tricks and content to help you as you start or grow that side hustle or small business? In fact, that’s our M.O. It’s our jam. It’s what we do.

And if you found some help in these top KCSourceLink blogs of 2023 (below), know the assistance doesn’t end there.

KCSourceLink is part of a network of 230 business-building nonprofits that are led by experts who want to see you succeed. And we know all of them and can connect you to their services for free. Just call us at 816-235-6500 or tell us what you need online, and we’ll draft up your customized plan of next steps. Super easy! And as your needs change as you move forward, you can reach out to us as many times as you need along the way for more help.

But enough yapping. Here are the best KCSourceLink blogs of 2023 that are filled with tips, tricks and inspiration to help you conquer that first or next hurdle.

Dr. Shelley Cooper of Diversity Telehealth, Brandy Archie of AskSAMIE and Jackie Nguyen Cafe Cà Phê display their awards at funding competitions.
Clockwise from top: Dr. Shelley Cooper of Diversity Telehealth, Brandy Archie of AskSAMIE and Jackie Nguyen Cafe Cà Phê display their awards at funding competitions.

15. 15 Top Business Pitch Tips from KC Entrepreneurs Who Got Funded

Crafting the perfect business pitch is an art that demands finesse and authenticity. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, mastering the art of pitching can determine your success. Dive into our blog post where experienced entrepreneurs Jackie Nguyen, Shelley Cooper and Brandy Archie share invaluable insights on creating compelling business pitches that leave a lasting impression. Learn from their experiences and discover key components of a successful pitch, common mistakes to avoid and how to strike the balance between detail and conciseness.

 

14. These Reputable Brokers Can Help You Sell Your Kansas City Area Business

Sooner or later, every business owner has to transfer ownership, sell, liquidate or merge with another venture. After all, you can’t take it with you. Whether you’re ready to get out or just know you need a plan, working with a business broker can make the process easier and more profitable. Learn how partnering with a reputable broker can help you save time, get a realistic valuation and keep your highly sensitive info confidential. Plus, see which brokers in Kansas City can help you sell your business.

 

13. How Any Kansas City Entrepreneur Can Build a Successful E-commerce Business, Step by Step

Every day, millions of consumers around the world purchase goods, services and courses online. With nearly limitless options, a wealth of potential customers and a lower barrier to entry than in brick-and-mortar enterprises, it’s no wonder why e-commerce is an attractive business model for many entrepreneurs. In this blog, Joseph Maxwell, founder and director of e-commerce agency SwiftOtter, shares his strategies for starting and growing a web-based business.

 

Kansas City influencers and social media content creators12. Boost Your Marketing and Branding with 4 Tips from Successful Influencers and Social Media Experts

Need help with effectively telling your brand story, reaching your target customers and making meaningful connections? Read this blog to explore how you can use the same winning tactics Kansas City-area social media content creators and influencers (who all have hundreds of thousands of followers across multiple platforms) are employing to enhance their brands and promote products and services.

 

Global Entrepreneurship Week - Kansas City 2023 panelists and attendees pose for a picture
Global Entrepreneurship Week – Kansas City 2023 panelists and attendees pose for a picture

11. See How You Can Keep the GEWKC Magic Going into 2023 and Beyond

So you had an amazing time at Global Entrepreneurship Week – KC 2023 meeting a bunch of great people (some of whom might have opened some big doors), learning a lot of really useful stuff and having a blast. Well, we love to break it to you because this kinda stuff goes on all year in Kansas City. Learn how you can keep learning, networking and moving your business or side hustle forward with the help of KC’s top-notch and well-connected entrepreneurial community.

 

A man holds an empty wallet10. 7 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Small Business during an Economic Downturn

Now is the time to take steps to protect your business. There’s no one magic way to ensure your venture stays healthy, but there are ways to make it more resilient. See what experts at the Small Business Development Center and entrepreneurs who have been there themselves recommend. Small changes like watching cash flow and responding to changing customer needs can make a big impact long term.

 

Matt Decoursey and Matt Watson of the Startup Hustle podcast9. 9 Kansas City Entrepreneurship Podcasts to Help You Grow Your Business

Looking to level up your entrepreneurial game but short on time? Say hello to podcasts! Dive into the world of business wisdom with nine must-listen Kansas City podcasts tailored for entrepreneurs like you. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or a budding entrepreneur, these podcasts offer valuable insights and strategies to help you navigate the competitive landscape and achieve your goals.

 

Kansas City entrepreneurs with hiring expertise
Kansas City entrepreneurs with hiring expertise

8. How to Hire Good Employees and Boost Your Recruitment Strategy, According to 6 Kansas City Entrepreneurs

Are you looking to hire? It’s easier said than done. Avoid the headaches and follow in these six successful entrepreneurs’ footsteps as they reveal the secrets to hiring the best employees, retaining top workers, avoiding hiring mistakes and creating a winning culture that attracts the best applicants.

 

Coworking members work at Plexpod in Kansas City, Missouri.7. An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Every Coworking Space in Kansas City

Looking to boost your productivity and creativity? Explore the thriving world of coworking in Kansas City. Discover the top benefits of joining a coworking space and unlock a world of collaboration, comfort and community. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer or remote worker, our comprehensive guide has everything you need to know about coworking in KC – from pricing to perks. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your work experience: Read this comprehensive guide that unveils everything you need to know about coworking in KC.

 

A view of downtown Kansas City, Missouri.6. See which 6 KC Companies Rank among Inc’s List of Best Workplaces for 2023

Six outstanding companies from our vibrant community clinched a spot on Inc. 5000’s List of Best Workplaces for 2023, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication found right here in KC. From innovative tech solutions for churches to top-notch recruiting services in finance, these companies exemplify what it means to prioritize employee satisfaction and foster an exceptional workplace culture. Congratulations to all the winners!

Explore the blog to learn more about these trailblazing Kansas City companies and how they’re creating exceptional work environments.

 

5. 8 Kansas City Latino Entrepreneur Stories to Inspire You During Hispanic Heritage Month

KC is home to many different cultures. But all of our communities are inspired by doers, dreamers and makers. Check out these Hispanic entrepreneurs who turned their passions into action. Whether it’s sustainable crops, art, yerba mate or even one of Fortune magazine’s 100 fastest-growing inner-city businesses in the country, these Kansas Citians have done it all. It doesn’t have to be Hispanic Heritage Month to get a healthy dose of inspiration from these small business owners.

 

4. Where to go in Kansas City to Invent, Build and Create

Makers, crafters, inventors, hackers, artists and scientists don’t have to toil away in seclusion. KC is home to a thriving network of brick-and-mortar makerspaces that can help you turn an idea into a prototype and a prototype into a successful business venture. Whether you need a 3D printer, commercial kitchen space, metalworking equipment or component analysis, there are people and places that can help. Check out our list of makerspaces and the tools and services they offer.

 

3. 2 KC Entrepreneurs Show You How to Run a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign

Do you need money to launch or scale your business? A growing number of entrepreneurs are raising capital for their projects or ventures through crowdfunding and online campaigns where large groups of people can donate or invest small amounts that can potentially add up to significant support.

Read this blog to discover how the founder and CEO of Bryght Labs, an Overland Park, Kansas, connected gaming startup, raised $1.7 million on Kickstarter and another $222,000 on Indiegogo to develop ChessUp, an AI-enabled smart chess board. You’ll also learn how the founder and CEO of Interplay raised $11,047 in 35 days on Kickstarter to advance her pet tech startup.

 

A woman shoots confetti into the air2. 7 Steps to Prep Your Business or Side Hustle for the New Year

It’s always a good time to take a step back and take stock of your business. An honest look at what’s working, what isn’t and how you want to grow in the coming months can help you exceed your goals. When’s the last time you took a hard look at your IT situation or your finances? Learn how reviewing seven building blocks of your business can sharpen your focus and make you more effective.

 

Kansas City Black Entrepreneur Success Stories1. 11 of the Best Black KC Entrepreneur Stories to Inspire You during Black Business Month and Beyond

Kansas City is home to a thriving community of Black founders and entrepreneurs — and they aren’t alone. The U.S. Census reports that in 2020, there were more than 140,000 Black- or African-American-owned businesses in the U.S., boasting combined annual sales of $141.1 billion! Check out some of the local Black business owners that we’ve featured. Whether they started a business in elementary school, focused on the community-building opportunities of entrepreneurship or became social media superstars, these founders have information and inspiration to share.

> > > Inspired to take the first or next step on your business journey? Looking for more help? Just reach out to the helpful, friendly folks at KCSourceLink who can craft your next steps and connect you with the resources in Kansas City that can help. Call 816-235-6500 or tell us what you need here and get your free plan of what to do and whom to contact so you can move your business or business idea forward.

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