Taste Success: KC Workshops, Classes to Help You Develop Business Growth Strategies
I scream, you scream, we all scream for the information that will help our businesses grow and scale!
OK, but really: Learning about certifications, research grants or government contracts might not set your taste buds abuzz. But this know-how can be the secret ingredient in your venture’s recipe for next-level success.
Check out our grocery list of upcoming classes designed for scalers. KCSourceLink’s Resource Partners are here with guidance and techniques to help you cook up the business of your dreams.
APEX Accelerators: Winning Government Contracts: The First Steps
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, March 1, 9 – 11 a.m.; Wednesday, April 5, 9 – 11 a.m.; or Wednesday, May 3, 9 – 11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here for March 1. Apply here for April 5. Apply here for May 3.
Kansas SBDC: Competing for Government Contracts: Basic Training
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs interested in working with the government
What is it? This seminar will provide an overview of the first steps to winning government contracts. Learn how to get started with federal, state and local government registrations and certifications. The session also covers services available from the Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).
When: Thursday, March 2, 1 – 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, April 19, 1 – 3:30 p.m.; or Tuesday, May 9, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: Free
Apply here for March 2. Apply here for April 19. Apply here for May 9.
Technology Venture Studio: Capital Raise Bootcamp
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who are ready to raise capital
What is it? This deep dive will explore the challenges and nuances of a successful capital rise. The workshop will include equity; deal and term sheets; intro to valuations; and how to work on your raise. You’ll also hear from founders who had successful raises.
When: Thursday, March 2, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 4622 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 1100, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Kansas SBDC: QuickBooks Advanced
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who use QuickBooks but who want to get more data from it
What is it? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to use QuickBooks more efficiently and generate reports that will help you make smart business decisions. Topics include project estimates, progress invoicing and purchase orders, as well as how to customize templates and reports.
When: Tuesday, March 7, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. for users of QuickBooks Online; Wednesday, April 26, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. for users of QuickBooks Desktop
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $99
QuickBooks Online users apply here for March 7. QuickBooks Desktop users apply here for April 26.
K-State Research & Extension and MU Extension: GAPs Food Safety Plan Workshop
Who’s it for? Farmers who want to get certified and create a food safety plan
What is it? This session will cover the GAPs audit process and how to create a farm map. It will also discuss keeping practical records and the core aspects of a food safety plan. You’ll leave with all the information you need to prepare the documents for a GAPs audit.
When: Tuesday, March 7, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $5
Mid-Continent Public Library: Food Business Conference
Who’s it for? People who are growing a food business or have an amazing idea for one
What is it? This conference will cover topics including mobile food businesses, manufacturing, restaurants and agriculture. It will also connect food entrepreneurs with support organizations, coaches and information to help you launch or level up your business.
When: Thursday, March 9, 8:30 a.m. – Friday, March 10, 6:30 p.m.
Where: K-State Olathe Innovation Campus, Olathe, Kansas
Cost: Free
SCORE KC: Developing Your Online Presence
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need to successfully market their businesses
What is it? The internet is now your business’s front door. This webinar will take you step by step through how to create an online marketing presence. You’ll learn how to start or improve a website, how search engines work and how social media can work for you.
When: Wednesday, March 15, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Kansas SBDC: Riddle of the Exporter
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to diversify their markets and expand their businesses
What is it? Learn how to sell to 95% of the world’s consumers — they’re outside of the U.S. This seminar will cover the steps of exporting, from readiness and market research through regulatory compliance, transportation and more. You’ll learn about cultural and legal issues, too.
When: Friday, March 24, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $199
SCORE KC: Social Media 102: Paid Sources of Social Media
Who’s it for? Leaders who need an intro to paid social media or who need next steps for using existing paid social media marketing
What is it? An effective social media strategy includes paid advertising. This webinar will discuss targeting, retargeting, bidding, budgets and the technology needed to make social media generate growth for your business. The conversation will include Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.
When: Friday, March 24, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Missouri SBDC at UMKC: Pitching to Investors
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who need to prepare for meeting 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, March 30, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $49
Kansas SBDC: Trademark & Copyright Basics
Who’s it for? Business owners who need to protect their name, logo, content and more
What is it? This session will focus on protecting trademarks and copyrights while also avoiding infringing on the rights of others. You’ll learn about the basics of the patent process, too, and walk away with practical information you can apply right away.
When: Thursday, April 6, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Cost: $30
Missouri SBDC at UMKC: Winning Federal Research Grants: SBIR/STTR Workshop
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to explore grant funding for their growing technology businesses
What is it? This introductory workshop will explore how to win Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Research grants. Learn how to find, apply and create strategies to gain funding for your tech venture.
When: Tuesday, April 11, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $49
SCORE KC: Upgrade Your Website for Better Business Results
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to make a good first impression by optimizing their online presence
What is it? This workshop will take the overwhelm out of websites. You’ll learn the basics of domains, search engines and more. The session will help you determine if you want to hire someone to create your site or do it yourself. You’ll also learn how consumers use your site and how you can make it easier.
When: Wednesday, April 12, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Kauffman Foundation Conference Center
Cost: Free
SCORE KC: Diverse Business Certifications Workshop
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who might be missing opportunities because their businesses aren’t certified
What is it? This webinar will cover the basics of certification for woman-, minority-, veteran- and LGBT-owned businesses. Learn how these certifications can impact your business and what the requirements are for specific certifications.
When: Thursday, April 13, 12 – 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
APEX Accelerators: Small Business Certifications for Federal, State & Local Government Contracts
Who’s it for? Small business owners who want to expand their customer base to include the government
What is it? Certifications can open a new market for goods and services. Learn about the purpose, eligibility and benefits of certification. This session will cover the application process for certifications for women-, minority- and veteran-owned businesses, as well as disadvantaged business enterprises.
When: Wednesday, April 19, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Kansas SBDC: Digital Marketing Strategies for Small Business
Who’s it for? Business owners who want to use the internet to build their business and customer base
What is it? This two-afternoon workshop will cover everything from getting your business on Google Maps to the use of email campaigns and social media to build customer relationships. You’ll learn about the legal issues of doing business online and how to make search engine optimization work for you.
When: Tuesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 4, 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Where: Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
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 make smarter decisions. The course uses the GrowthWheel® Framework and supplies a visual toolkit for focus, agenda setting and taking action. You’ll explore an alternative to a conventional business plan.
When: Thursdays, May 11 – July 6, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
More ingredients for your personal recipe for business growth
The Kansas City entrepreneurial ecosystem is chock full of people and classes to help your venture reach delicious new heights. Check out KCSourceLink’s complete menu of entrepreneurial offerings:
· Classes & Events Calendar: This ever-expanding list includes all the area happenings for KC entrepreneurs.
· Personal Action Plan: Get a customized to-do list to help you grow your venture. Our Network Navigators will create this priceless resource for you — for free.
· 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 photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash.
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