These KC Classes, Workshops Can Help Your New Business Reach New Heights
Starting a business requires a leap of faith. But it’s not a journey you have to make alone.
KCSourceLink’s network of more than 230 Resource Partners offers a wide variety of programs, classes and mentorships. These opportunities can give you a personalized road map to a thriving business. Whether you need to test proof of concept, figure out finances or learn to think like an entrepreneur, there’s an upcoming class for you. Don’t even know what you don’t know? There are classes for that, too.
Check out these opportunities and get ready to move forward in the right direction!
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 entrepreneurs 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
Kansas City Women’s Business Center: Steps to Starting a Business
Who’s it for? People dreaming of starting their own businesses.
What is it? This overview will discuss the steps to opening a business. You’ll learn about legal concerns on local, state and federal levels. Find out about forms of business and how to register your venture.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 1 – 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Square One Small Business Services by Mid-Continent Public Library: Biz Action Plan Workshop
Who’s it for? Prospective business owners who want to explore opportunities and develop an actionable plan.
What is it? This five-week workshop will walk participants through the initial stages of starting a business. From assessing a business idea to market research to funding, this series of hands-on sessions will provide how-to and insight.
When: Fridays, Aug. 12, 19 and 26 and Sept. 2 and 9, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Woodneath Library Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Kansas SBDC – SCCC: Business Recordkeeping 101
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need to understand how recordkeeping helps their businesses flourish.
What is it? This session will discuss recordkeeping systems and separating personal and business income and expenses. You’ll also learn about income tax and employment tax records and how long you should keep documentation.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 17, 9 – 10 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Missouri PTAC: Small Business Certifications for Federal, State & Local Government Contracts
Who’s it for? Business owners interested in the purpose, eligibility and benefits of certifications.
What is it? This seminar will provide an overview of the socio-economic certifications in federal, state and local government. You’ll learn about the goals of these programs and the application process for certifications like woman-owned or veteran-owned small business, minority business enterprise, disadvantaged business enterprise and more.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 17 or Oct. 19, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here for Aug. 17. Apply here for Oct. 19.
SCORE Kansas City: Legal Basics for Small Business
Who’s it for? New entrepreneurs who want to avoid legal pitfalls.
What is it? Learn how to minimize your legal risks and comply with federal, state and local laws. This course will provide guidance on forming a legal entity for your business, creating governing documents, insurance considerations and more.
When: Thursday, Aug. 18, 9 – 11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Missouri SBDC at UMKC: Pitching to Investors
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who are considering investors as a source of funding.
What is it? This session will explore the world of investors. Learn what information these people and organizations need and what they want to see before they put money into a startup.
When: Thursday, Aug. 18 or Thursday, Oct. 27, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $49
Entrepreneur Business Basics: JUMP© Douglas County, Kansas
Who’s it for? New and small business owners who want hands-on experience learning how to start and run a business.
What is it? This 12-week entrepreneurial training program includes workshops, guest speakers and course work. Topics include entrepreneurial mindset, legal structures, market research, pricing, accounting systems and more. Upon completion, participants will compete in the JUMPOFF© Pitch Contest.
When: 12 weeks, starting Tuesday, Aug. 23, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center, Lawrence, Kansas
Cost: $100
Missouri SBDC at UMKC: The First Steps to Starting a Business
Who’s it for? Anyone who’s ready to learn how to get a business off the ground.
What is it? This session will provide an overview of what you need to do to start a business. During the three-hour class, you’ll learn how to assess your strengths and weaknesses in terms of business ownership. You’ll also explore the importance of planning, meeting legal requirements and identifying funding.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 23, Thursday, Sept. 22, or Tuesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $49
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 session will discuss the importance of business plans and what elements they should include. You’ll gain a greater understanding of what the plan should look like and how you can get started writing one.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 23, Thursday, Sept. 22, or Tuesday, Oct. 18, 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $49
Entrepreneur Business Basics: JUMP© KCMO
Who’s it for? New and small business owners who want hands-on experience learning how to start and run a business.
What is it? This 12-week entrepreneurial training program includes workshops, guest speakers and course work. Topics include entrepreneurial mindset, legal structures, market research, pricing, accounting systems and more. Upon completion, participants will compete in the JUMPOFF© Pitch Contest.
When: 12 weeks starting Thursday, Aug. 25, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: G.I.F.T., Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $100
SCORE KC: Branding for Small Business
Who’s it for? Business owners who need to better understand their company’s brand and how to present it consistently to a target audience.
What is it? This workshop will teach participants how to articulate their business’s brand purpose and develop a succinct positioning statement. You’ll also learn how to tell your brand’s story and build a brand strategy that integrates into your marketing plan.
When: Friday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Online or UMKC Innovation Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Apply here for online option. Apply here for in-person option.
Missouri SBDC at UMKC ELEVATIONLAB™ New Venture
Who’s it for? Aspiring entrepreneurs who need to look at all aspects of their business idea.
What is it? This five-week course is fast paced, interactive and fun. The accelerated schedule helps potential entrepreneurs get started on their businesses as soon as possible. Professional business counselors provide coaching and materials include FastTrac and GrowthWheel®.
When: Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Oct. 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $649; scholarships are available
The Toolbox KC Startup Workshop: The Essential Steps to Launching Your Business in KCK
Who’s it for? Aspiring Kansas City entrepreneurs who want to find the most effective path to startup success.
What is it? Learn step by step how to get from concept to launch. This session will cover different business legal structures, how to register your business entity, tax responsibilities and more. You’ll learn about common small business pitfalls and how to avoid them.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 6, 3 – 4 p.m.
Where: The Toolbox: Small Business Resource Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Missouri PTAC Winning Government Contracts: The First Steps
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who are interested in working with the government.
What is it? This introductory session will provide an overview of the critical 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 PTAC services.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 7 or Wednesday, Oct. 5, 9 – 11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here for Sept. 7. Apply here for Oct. 5.
SCORE KC: Business Concept
Who’s it for? Future business owners who need to research their idea, market and competition.
What is it? This session will teach you how to identify target markets, describe products and services and collect key competitive data.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 10 – 11 a.m.
Where: UMKC Innovation Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Entrepreneur Business Basics: JUMP© KCK
Who’s it for? New and small business owners who want hands-on experience learning how to start and run a business.
What is it? This 12-week entrepreneurial training program includes workshops, guest speakers and course work. Topics include entrepreneurial mindset, legal structures, market research, pricing, accounting systems and more. Upon completion, participants will compete in the JUMPOFF© Pitch Contest.
When: 12 weeks starting Tuesday, Sept. 13, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $100
Square One Small Business Services by Mid-Continent Public Library: Business Model Canvas Workshop
Who’s it for? Early-stage entrepreneurs who want to make sure their business model works.
What is it? This workshop will help participants create meaningful direction while ensuring their business ideas are solid. Learn how to define your concept and gain a better understanding of your customers’ pain points.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 14 or Tuesday, Oct. 25, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Sept. 14: Mid-Continent Public Library – Claycomo Branch, Claycomo, Missouri; Oct. 25: Mid-Continent Public Library – Blue Ridge Branch, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Apply here for Sept. 14. Apply here for Oct. 25.
SCORE KC: Diverse Business Certifications Workshop
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to do business with corporations or government entities.
What is it? Certification for woman-, minority-, veteran- or LGBT-owned business enterprises can bring visibility and be a differentiator in the market. This webinar will discuss the power of diverse business certification and how to get started.
When: Thursday, Sept. 15, 12 – 1 p.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 the basics of organization, marketing, cash flow and funding sources.
When: Saturday, Sept. 17, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: UMKC Innovation Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
SCORE KC: Business Financial Literacy
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to understand how pricing, costs and inflation impact their ventures.
What is it? In this workshop, you’ll learn about financial statements and get hands-on illustration of how raising prices, reducing costs and increasing sales volume can influence the bottom line.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 20, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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, Sept. 22 – Nov. 17, 3 – 6 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $75
Missouri SBDC at UMKC: Growth360
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who have been in business for two years, have $50,000 in sales last year and work full time on their business.
What is it? This selective, multi-week class helps business owners avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. The workshop uses the GrowthWheel® Framework and supplies a visual toolkit for focus, agenda setting and taking action. The course gives an alternative to a conventional business plan.
When: Thursdays, Sept. 28 – Dec. 8, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., with a break on Nov. 24
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Square One Small Business Services by Mid-Continent Public Library: How to Start a Business in Blue Springs
Who’s it for? People interested in starting and growing a business in Blue Springs.
What is it? In this workshop, learn about local resources that can help you write a business plan, organize your business structure and find the right location. You’ll also find out how to receive local, state and federal licensing and avoid costly missteps.
When: Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. – Noon
Where: Mid-Continent Public Library – Blue Springs North Branch, Blue Springs, 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 rations and understand what they mean in terms of business productivity and success.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $149; scholarships may be available
Square One Small Business Services by Mid-Continent Public Library: The Business of Food Trucks Workshop
Who’s it for? Anyone who wants to start a food truck or who isn’t sure how to finish what they’ve started.
What is it? At this event, experts will walk you through the steps of opening a food truck business. Learn about equipment needs, business models, branding, financials and, of course, planning a menu. You’ll leave knowing your next steps and what information you need to gather.
When: Sunday, Oct. 23, 12 – 6 p.m.
Where: Green Hills Library Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
LaunchKC: Grants Competition
Who’s it for? Founders with innovative and scalable business models for tech-enabled solutions. Applicants should be in pre-seed or seed stage and be willing to move their venture to Kansas City for at least one year.
What is it? This incubator provides the tools, resources, capital and talent that early-stage startups need to thrive. One-on-one mentorship with industry experts, curated programming, fundraising support and free office space are included.
When: Yearlong program begins January 2023
Where: Downtown Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
More classes for your new KC business
Not finding the program that speaks to your needs? KCSourceLink has your back. Check out these resources:
Classes & Events Calendar: This ever-expanding calendar includes all the area happenings for KC entrepreneurs.
Personal Action Plan: Get a free, customized to-do list of the resources in KC that can help you reach your business goals. Our Network Navigators can make it happen. Call 816-235-6500 if you’d prefer to talk to someone on our team.
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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