KC Classes and Workshops to Help Your Business Rock 2023
Is your New Year’s resolution all about making your entrepreneurial dreams come true? If the answer is a resounding “YES,” KCSourceLink’s Resource Partners (there are over 230) can empower you to make those dreams a reality.
These organizations offer a wide variety of programs, classes and mentorships, and we’ve listed a few of them below. Kansas City experts can help you test proof of concept, figure out finances or learn to think like an entrepreneur. And if you don’t even know where to start, there are classes for that, too.
Make 2023 your year. Check out these opportunities and get ready to make it happen.
Who’s it for? Founders who are starting their entrepreneurial journeys
What is it? This eight-week boot camp offers accelerated business training. You’ll learn an overview of strategies to help you start, stabilize, sustain and scale your business. These include operational and sales strategies, financial planning and more. Graduates receive assistance in applying for Kansas Empower, SBA or bank loans.
When: Starting Tuesday, Jan. 3: Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 6 - 9:30 p.m.; Thursdays 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; and Saturdays 7 - 10:30 a.m.
Where: The Entrepreneur Resource and Training Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Saturday sessions are online
Cost: Scholarships are available.
Apply here.
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 Wednesday, 9 a.m.
Where: Online and Plexpod Westport Commons, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Apply here.
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, Jan. 7, 9:30 a.m. - noon; Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here for Jan. 7. Apply here for Feb. 8.
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, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. - noon
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $49
Apply here.
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, Jan. 10, 1 - 3 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $49
Apply here.
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: Wednesday, Jan. 11, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need to explore what kind of funding they need and how they might get it
What is it? Find out what types of business are launched in KC and how they were funded. The session will cover important funding issues like the amount of money needed; type of business; and kind of capital that’s most appropriate. You’ll also learn how to prepare to either take on debt or give up equity.
When: Thursday, Jan. 12, 9 - 11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
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, Jan 17, 24, and 31 and Feb. 7 and 14, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $649; $150 with scholarship
Apply here.
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want their businesses to compete for exclusive opportunities
What is it? Organized by the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, this session will cover certification eligibility requirements. You’ll learn about the certification process and how certification can benefit your business.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 18, 1 - 3 p.m.
Where: The Entrepreneur Resource and Training Center, Kansas City, Kansas
Apply here.
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, Jan .20, 9 a.m. - noon
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
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: Thursday, Jan. 26, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Who’s it for? Budding entrepreneurs who want to vet their business idea
What is it? At the end of this workshop, you’ll be able to identify target markets and describe your products and services. The session will also cover how to collect competitive information to support your feasibility plan.
When: Saturday, Jan. 28, 10 - 11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need tools to maximize their customer reach
What is it? Learn about pricing and marketing strategies, positioning and how to test your message. By the end of this session, you’ll understand the difference between features and benefits and know how to outline and implement your marketing strategy.
When: Saturday, Jan. 28, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to market their ventures via social media
What is it? Do you know what it takes to take your business presence online? This workshop will show how to make it happen. You’ll learn how online presence impacts marketing, how to get a website, social media and email marketing set up for your business and the basics of an online marketing strategy.
When: Saturday, Jan. 28, 1 - 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need to know how and why to get legal advice
What is it? Learn about the law and tax considerations around forming and operating your business. This workshop will discuss governing documents, corporate shareholder agreements, mitigating risk, common tax issues and more.
When: Thursday, Feb. 2, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
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, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
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, Feb. 4, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
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, Feb. 4, 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Who’s it for? Current or future business owners who need capital
What is it? If you’re paying business expenses out of your own pocket or have signed up for a business credit-building program that’s been of little value, this workshop is for you. Learn how to set up and build business credit and use that business credit as leverage for investors.
When: Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
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, Feb. 15, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
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: Thursday, Feb. 16, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $75
Apply here.
Who’s it for? Business owners interested in working with customers from all over the world
What is it? This class will help you decide if e-commerce is right for your business. Learn how to choose an existing e-commerce site, how to make search-engine optimization work for you and how to determine what payment programs are best for your business.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who are just starting or businesses adding new products or services
What is it? Explore the Value Proposition Canvas and Business Model Canvas. These easy-to-use, one-page tools can help you define your business goals and what customer problems you are trying to solve. This info can then help you create a business plan, marketing plan, product development plan and more.
When: Thursday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
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, Feb. 23 - April 20, 3 - 6 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $649; $150 with scholarship
Apply here.
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 on an 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. 28, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $49
Apply here.
More classes for your new Kansas City business
Not finding the program that speaks to your needs? KCSourceLink has your back. Check out these resources:
- Classes & Events Calendar: This ever-expanding list includes all the area happenings for KC entrepreneurs.
- Personal Action Plan: Get a free, customized to-do list to help you reach your business goals. Our Network Navigators can make it happen.
-
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.
Thumbnail courtesy of Thibault Trillet via Pexels.
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