Timely Opportunities for Multicultural Business Owners in Kansas City
Greetings, multicultural entrepreneurs. Our Resource Partners have some excellent networking, scaling and business-building events coming up in the next month that we don’t want you to miss. Grab your business calendar and we’ll see you around Kansas City!
The Midwest Supplier Diversity Exposition was created to provide diverse business owners with a venue to showcase their products and services, network with other entrepreneurs and connect with procurement representatives (aka people who control big contracts and are ready to buy what you sell) from the public and private sector.
What sorts of business are eligible to exhibit? All types; here’s just a taste: sign language, promotional items and apparel, shredding services, catering services, trash liners, grounds keeping supplies, catering services, electrical services and supplies, we could go on and on…
If you’re interested in exhibiting, go to the Midwest Supplier Diversity Exposition website, click on “Registration” then select “I will be attending the event as an Exhibitor.”
Join KCPS for a unique event to learn about certification programs, diversity programs and local business opportunities. Our very own Kaitlyn Mrasek, resource navigator, will introduce you to Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Followed by panel discussions featuring:
RSVP is required by May 1, email your response to supplierdiversity@kcpublicschools.org.
For Change Initiative (FCI) program
Are you a prime or subcontractor on a city contract? Do you need cash flow to sustain your business? Have you been denied bonding in the past?
The City of Kansas City, Missouri, has partnered with Lead Bank Kansas City and Cornerstone Companies to make a stronger business community.
The FCI program allows for certified and uncertified firms that have been awarded a City contract to receive lines of credit and surety/performance bonds at low cost and with reduced underwriting requirements. In addition, consolidated paperwork allows for a streamlined application process.
Nearly 500 companies are certified as minority, woman, disadvantaged or small local business enterprises with the city. Less than 10percent of the certified firms are pursuing contracts on more than $1 billion worth of work. FCI program participants can take a bite out of that amount by being more prepared to compete for city contracts in the future.
For more info about FCI, head to the website and email Akayla J. Jones, disadvantaged business enterprise coordinator for the City of Kansas City, Missouri.
Need more resources to start or grow your Kansas City business?
We are more than happy to help. Send us some info here and we will be in touch ASAP with your customized action plan.