Get Schooled and Boost Your Business with Fall 2024 KC Classes, Workshops
Autumn is a great time for new beginnings. It’s true for elementary students, and it’s true for entrepreneurs, too! This fall, KCSourceLink’s Kansas City Resource Partners are offering a ton of free or low-cost business classes and workshops designed to help you create the solid foundation your business or side hustle needs to thrive.
If you want to test your business concept, learn the basics of business credit or just get to know people in your field, there’s an event or class that will fit the bill. Learn business basics and get ready for success with these upcoming business sessions.
Classes for planning your business
- Essential Steps to Launching Your Business
- Polishing Your Business Idea
- Visualize Your Success: Strategic Planning Tools
- Back to the Basics – Strengthening Your Business Foundation
- Simple Steps for Starting Your Business – Basics
- Build Your Business Plan
- Formula 8: Customer Centric Problem Solving
- VetBiz Activate
- Franchising: Start a Business – Keep Your Day Job!
- Everything HR – for new and existing businesses
- Developing a Web-Based Business – eCommerce
Classes for understanding your business financials and getting funding
- Government Contracting 101
- Demystifying Financial Foundations: Income, Assets & Cash Flow
- Bridging the Capital Gap Lender Summit
- Funding Your Dream: Exploring Loans, Equity, Crowdfunding & More
- Creating Realistic Financial Projections for Your Small Business
- Budgeting & Saving
- Managing Debt
- Reading and Understanding Financial Statements
- Credit 101
- Pitching to Investors
- Business Credit
- Keeping a Profitable Business
Classes about small business marketing
- AI and Email Marketing Campaigns
- Marketing Strategy
- Social Media Marketing
- Branding for Small Business
- Market Your Business with Video
- Social Media Content Batching
- Creating Your Brand
- Developing Your Online Presence
- Discover the LinkedIn Advantage: Your 90-Minute Roadmap to Success!
Classes about using technology in your small business
- CapCut Crash Course
- Simple Ways to Use AI in Your Business
- 5 Ways to Use ChatGPT (AI) for Small Business
Events to help you get to know and learn from other entrepreneurs
- 1 Million Cups Kansas City
- Keystone Sessions
- Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit
- Innovation Exchange Presented by Morgan Stanley
- Expanding Horizons: Global Strategies for Market Innovators
- Building KC’s Digital Media Future
The Toolbox | Essential Steps to Launching Your Business
Who’s it for? People thinking about starting a business.
What is it? This session will demystify the path to startup success. Learn the steps to get from concept to launch, as well as different legal structures, registering your business and tax responsibilities. You’ll also learn how to avoid common new business pitfalls.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 3, Oct. 1 or Nov. 5, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Toolbox, Kansas City, Kansas
Cost: Free
Apply here for Sept. 3. Apply here for Oct. 1. Apply here for Nov. 5.
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 The Offices at Park 39, Kansas City, Missouri
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, Sept. 4, Oct. 2 or Nov. 6, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here for Sept. 4. Apply here for Oct. 2. Apply here for Nov. 6.
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 60-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, 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Keystone CoLAB, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Demystifying Financial Foundations: Income, Assets & Cash Flow
Who’s it for? New entrepreneurs who need to understand, create and use financial statements.
What is it? This workshop will introduce income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements. You’ll learn how income and assets impact your business as well as the difference between liability and equity. And you’ll leave knowing how managing cash flow is the secret to successful operations.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 6 – 8 p.m. or Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here for Sept. 4. Apply here for Oct. 5.
Kansas SBDC at JCCC | Bridging the Capital Gap Lender Summit
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need funding to start or grow their ventures.
What is it? This robust conference features breakout sessions, panel discussions and opportunities to speak one-on-one with lenders. Topics include business valuations, buying a business, and preparing to talk to lenders. SBA lending, the loan process and using retirement funds to start a business are also on the agenda.
When: Thursday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Regnier Center at Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $99
Square One | AI and Email Marketing Campaigns
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to reach target customers.
What is it? Email marketing is an effective — and often overlooked — way to reach customers. Artificial intelligence can make it easier. In this session, you’ll learn how to use library resources like Reference Solutions to do targeted email blasts to potential customers.
When: Thursday, Sept. 5, 3 – 4 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Funding Your Dream: Exploring Loans, Equity, Crowdfunding & More
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to know how to fund their businesses.
What is it? Learn the pros and cons of traditional loans, equity financing and crowdfunding in this informative overview. The session will cover grants and subsidies and alternative funding like microloans and bootstrapping, too. You’ll leave with a solid understanding of how each funding option works.
When: Thursday, Sept. 5, 6 – 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, Oct. 5, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here for Sept. 5. Apply here for Oct. 5.
SCORE KC | Creating Realistic Financial Projections for Your Small Business
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to set attainable goals and make informed plans.
What is it? This workshop will cover the purpose and components of financial projections. You’ll learn how to create projections and then use this information to monitor performance, identify variances and make data-backed changes to your business strategies.
When: Thursday, Sept. 5, 7:45 – 9 p.m. or Saturday, Oct. 5, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here for Sept. 5. Apply here for Oct. 5.
SCORE KC | Polishing Your Business Idea
Who’s it for? Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to know if their idea can work.
What is it? This workshop will provide step-by-step guidance on researching a business idea, the market and the competition. At the end of the session, you’ll be able to identify target markets, describe products or services, and know how to collect information for your feasibility plan.
When: Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Marketing Strategy
Who’s it for? Small business owners who want to maximize their customer reach.
What is it? This session will cover pricing strategies, different marketing strategies, and the difference between features and benefits. You’ll learn how to outline your marketing strategy, test your marketing message, choose the right sales channel and implement your marketing plan.
When: Saturday, Sept. 7, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Social Media Marketing
Who’s it for? Small business owners who need an online presence.
What is it? In this session, you’ll learn the basics of social media marketing and how it fits into your overall marketing strategy. By the end of the workshop, you’ll know how online presence affects your marketing and how to set up a website, social media channels and email marketing.
When: Saturday, Sept. 7, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Visualize Your Success: Strategic Planning Tools
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need to clarify their business goals.
What is it? This workshop will help you define your purpose, understand the needs of your customers and craft effective plans for business growth. The session will explore the value proposition canvas and business model canvas, two easy-to-use visual tools that can revolutionize your business planning.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 10, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Square One | CapCut Crash Course
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to use video to reach customers on social media.
What is it? CapCut is a free solution for filming, editing and posting short-form videos for your business. This hands-on session will walk you through how to use this tool. You’ll walk away with a fully created video ready to post.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Mid-Continent Public Library Withers Branch, Liberty, Missouri
Cost: Free
Hy-Vee | Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit
Who’s it for? Small business owners who want to learn how to grow their businesses.
What is it? Designed for new and established entrepreneurs, this event will cover topics like raising capital and marketing. Breakout sessions will dive into the details, and a pitch competition will have participants vying for up to $30,000.
When: Thursday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Pathway Financial Education | Budgeting & Saving
Who’s it for? People who need to learn effective money management.
What is it? Budgeting and saving are essential skills for anyone who wants to take control of their finances or start a business. These reoccurring sessions provide practical advice on how to create a realistic spending plan and prioritize expenses.
When: Second Thursday of the month, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Online and Pathway Financial Education, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
GrowthCLUB Kansas City | Back to the Basics – Strengthening Your Business Foundation
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to fortify their business foundations and plan for next quarter.
What is it? An expert business coach will share insights on sales, marketing and overall business development. With a focus on the fundamental principles that drive success, this event is designed to provide actionable takeaways that you can implement right away.
When: Friday, Sept. 13, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Aspiria NOW, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $275
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, Sept. 13, 9 – 11:30 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: Saturday, Sept. 14, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. or Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here for Sept. 14. Apply here for Oct. 1.
SCORE KC | Market Your Business with Video
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to drive more traffic to their websites.
What is it? More and more web traffic comes from video. In this session, you’ll learn why video is important, what programs to use and how to leverage social media. ADA compliance, video storage and tips on YouTube will be covered as well.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 17, 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Startland News | Innovation Exchange Presented by Morgan Stanley
Who’s it for? People who are interested in entrepreneurship.
What is it? Join Startland News and Morgan Stanley for lively conversations with Kansas City’s brightest entrepreneurs. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet other people in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and make connections that can grow your business.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 18, Oct. 23 or Nov. 13, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Where: Plexpod Flashcube, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Pathway Financial Education | Managing Debt
Who’s it for? People who want to establish healthy financial habits.
What is it? Your personal debt can have a huge impact on your small business. This monthly session is dedicated to effective debt management. Whether you’re dealing with credit card debt, student loans or other obligations, this class is designed to help you take control.
When: Third Thursday of the month, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pathway Financial Education, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
KC Black Owned | Expanding Horizons: Global Strategies for Market Innovators
Who’s it for? Business leaders who introduce new products, services or processes to the market.
What is it? This conference will explore best practices for overcoming cultural barriers and methods for fostering long-term, sustainable growth. Speakers will discuss how to personalize your offer, build relational capital and pitch to brands and big box stores.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $95 – $175
KC IMAGINE | 2024 Conference: Building KC’s Digital Media Future
Who’s it for? People who want to stay on top of digital media trends.
What is it? This conference will explore the latest developments and technology in the digital media industry. A wide range of sessions cover topics such as artificial intelligence, Web 3.0, government funding opportunities, the shift from print to digital and more.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $75
Square One | Build Your Business Plan
Who’s it for? People who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs.
What is it? This five-week, activity-based workshop will take you through creating a business plan using Gale’s Plan Builder database. Topics of discussion include common traits of entrepreneurs, feasibility of business ideas, break-even analysis and how to structure a business plan for your audience.
When: Tuesdays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 22, 4 – 5 p.m.
Where: Online
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, Sept. 24, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $49
Square One | Social Media Content Batching
Who’s it for? Business owners who are overwhelmed by the amount of content they know they should post.
What is it? Learn how to post to your social media channels consistently without the burden of creating something new every day. This session will cover how often you should post across social platforms and help you formulate a plan for bulk posts.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Mid-Continent Public Library Raytown Branch, Raytown, Missouri
Cost: Free
Missouri SBDC at UMKC | Formula 8: Customer Centric Problem Solving
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
What is it? This nine-week program combines classroom and online work to teach eight essentials of an entrepreneurial mindset. You’ll use the business canvas process and focus on customer discovery and acquisition for both start-up and existing businesses. Get ready to be empowered!
When: Wednesdays, Sept. 25 – Nov. 20, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: UMKC Innovation Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $649; scholarships available
Pathway Financial Education | Credit 101
Who’s it for? People new to the world of credit or those looking to repair or improve their credit.
What is it? Master the basics of credit and take control of your financial future. Learn how credit works and get guidance on how to navigate the complexities of credit with confidence. Topics include credit reports, credit scores and practical tips.
When: Fourth Thursday of the month, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Online and Pathway Financial Education, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Missouri SBDC at UMKC | Pitching to Investors
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need to prepare for meeting potential 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, Oct. 3, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $49
Square One | Simple Ways to Use AI in Your Business
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to work smarter.
What is it? Many tools you’re already using will be integrating artificial intelligence soon if they haven’t already. Learn how AI has become an essential tool for businesses in any industry and how you can use it to manage your business and reach your customers.
When: Friday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
VetBiz | Activate
Who’s it for? Veterans who have a business or a business idea.
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, Oct. 5 – Nov. 2, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Franchising: Start a Business – Keep Your Day Job!
Who’s it for? People exploring the options for starting a business.
What is it? Learn about semi-absentee ownership and how to decide if franchising is right for you. This session will provide examples of franchise concepts and recession-resistant and/or essential service models. You’ll learn how to research franchise opportunities and cut through the clutter.
When: Friday, Oct. 11, 9 – 11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Everything HR — for new and existing businesses
Who’s it for? Business owners who need to prepare before making their first hire.
What is it? This session provides workable strategies to manage HR. Topics include when to hire, HR objectives and onboarding. You’ll learn about employee handbooks, discipline, discrimination, payroll, benefits and more.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 9 – 11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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, Oct. 16, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Mid-Continent Public Library East Independence Branch, Independence, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Developing Your Online Presence
Who’s it for? Business owners who need to harness the power of the web.
What is it? From branding your business to connecting with customers online, this workshop will help you find the people who need your products. You’ll learn what you need to start or improve a website, the basics of search engine optimization, the basics of social media and more.
When: Thursday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Business Credit
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need capital.
What is it? Whether you’re paying business expenses out of your own pocket or just flat out need more funding, this webinar is for you. Learn how to set up and build your business credit. This session will discuss using business credit as leverage with investors and how to prepare for credit limits.
When: Tuesday, Oct 22, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Discover the LinkedIn Advantage: Your 90-Minute Roadmap to Success!
Who’s it for? People who want to transform their professional lives.
What is it? LinkedIn is a game-changing platform. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to tweak your profile to make it stand out to potential business partners or clients. The session will also cover easy strategies to build your professional brand and online networking basics that can lead to real opportunities.
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | Developing a Web-Based Business – eCommerce
Who’s it for? Business owners who need to decide if selling online is right for them.
What is it? Gain the information you need to make informed decisions about ecommerce. This session will cover the steps needed to launch a web-based business. It will also explore how to choose an existing ecommerce site, what sites work for what products and various payment programs.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
SCORE KC | 5 Ways to Use ChatGPT (AI) for Small Business
Who’s it for? Business owners who need to market their businesses more efficiently.
What is it? Learn how to use artificial intelligence to better communicate with your current and prospective customers. This session will cover using AI to summarize complex ideas, understand consumer problems, create social media posts and more.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 12 – 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Square One | Keeping a Profitable Business
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need to get back to the basics of finance.
What is it? Not every business owner spends all day on a computer. In this working session, you’ll work the numbers on paper and work toward basic computer applications. The class will discuss how to avoid default on payments, stop unnecessary bank fees and understand your monthly summary reports.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
More resources for KC small businesses
These classes are just the beginning! More than 230 Kansas City organizations are here to help you learn about entrepreneurship and meet your business goals. Find them all at KCSourceLink:
- Classes & Events Calendar: This ever-expanding list includes all the area happenings for KC entrepreneurs. Classes are free or very low cost.
- 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. 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.
Thumbnail photo by Matese Fields on Unsplash.
