Small Business Programs Exposure Business Resource Center Member Spotlight | Training Assistance No matter how many years you have spent in your field, there is always another lesson to be learned or skill to be honed. Or, if you are an employer, most likely you have realized the necessity of challenging your employees and keeping them educated on the latest ideas and trends. Since the majority of the existing and emerging careers in Wichita require associates degrees and/or certificated skills, our community offers several avenues toward exploring interests and testing aptitude. Starting and Growing a Small Business Information and Resources If you are interested in starting a business or growing an existing one, the following resources can offer assistance. A brief overview of each one is provided. As part of their services, they can appropriately connect you with one or more of the many additional resources that are available to small business in Kansas. If you are ready to develop a business plan, have one, or are already in business call The Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC). This organization provides free consulting services, referral services to other small business programs and resources in our area, and affordable workshops on a variety of business topics. It is staffed by trained professionals who will schedule an appointment with you, consult with you one-on-one, and refer you to other resources as needed. It also offers an introductory course, highly recommended: “Meeting the 3M’s: Learning the Basics of Marketing, Management, and Money. Advance registration required. www.wichita.edu/ksbdc Network Kansas is a central portal that connects entrepreneurs and small business owners with the right resources: expertise, education, and/or economic, at the right time. This hotline is staffed by students. They will ask questions and listen to your needs, then identify the resources that may be able to assist you, and connect you to them. www.networkkansas.com The Kansas Business Center is a “one-stop-shop” for information and resources you’ll need to do business in Kansas, including filings, licensing, permitting and personal assistance to start or maintain your business. The Express Office is a convenient payment center that combines services into one location for the quick payment of a variety of fees. The office also assists with business licensing, dog licensing, and garage sale permits. The Express Office is located on the first floor of City Hall, and their phone number is 316-268-4375. 455 N. Main
The Small Business Administration (SBA) works with the groups outlined above to provide assistance. Additionally, they can offer assistance to businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically-disadvantaged individuals, and provide referrals for financial assistance for new or existing businesses through guaranteed loans made by area bank and non-bank lenders. A Women’s Business Ownership Representative is available to assist women business owners, and special loan programs are available for businesses involved in international trade. A Veterans Affairs Officer is available to assist veterans. 271 W. 3rd St. N, Suite 2500
200 E. 1st Street Suite 303 Click on Businesses, scroll down to Economic Development, click on Small Business Guide 525 N. Main
W. Frank Barton School of Business
Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) If you are thinking about starting a business and have a number of questions about whether or not to do so, or you are not sure of your product/service, SCORE is a good sounding board. The organization is staffed by retired business executives who will help you think through some of the pros and cons of being in business and/or your business idea. 316-269-6273 |  |
