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Business Development Resources
Our team of extension specialists is dedicated to helping new and existing businesses succeed. Small businesses are responsible for two-thirds of national job growth (Small Business Administration).
We work with businesses of all sizes and help local governments use data to solve problems. We help families plan to transfer farms between generations. We help young people develop the skills to start and operate businesses to benefit Kansas communities. Our team can help improve your community through online and in-person education.
Resources
Learn more about our program initiatives and hands-on learning oportunities below. For more details, ask one of our specialists or contact your local extension office.
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The first Kansas Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference was held in Kingman with wild success. Don’t miss out on the next one: June 24-26 in beautiful Courtland, Kansas, the Irrigation Capital of the Kansas. This conference is for small business owners, dreamers, entrepreneur support organizations. It’s an opportunity to be inspired and reinvigorated by like-minded people who can encourage you and offer support. Subscribe for CEC Updates. Whether you work in economic development, business, arts and culture, government, philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, or education, you have an important role in supporting local businesses and entrepreneurial development in communities. There is something for everyone! |
ROI is a specialized online training guided by K-State Research and Extension staff to prepare workers for remote work. Professional certification available. Enrollment begins each month - check our schedule for the next class!
This entrepreneurship webinar is offered on the first Friday of every month. Learn more about resources available to help small businesses and their communities in Kansas. Register for a webinar and listen to past calls from the recorded archive.
Developed for businesses, government offices and non-profit organizations, this tailored workshop will help you better understand your stakeholders and how they interact with your group. Our team will help you develop strategies to improve your impact and bottom line.
Interested in bringing this workshop to your community? Contact our team to learn more!
This workshop trains front-line employees in best practices for customer relations and can help business owners build their teams. The workshop can be stacked with Journey Mapping and Blueprinting.
Interested in bringing this workshop to your community? Contact our team to learn more!
The Huck Boyd Institute for Rural Development promotes and shares ideas from rural businesses and community leaders in Kansas. It features “Kansas Profile – Now, That’s Rural,” a weekly news column and radio program. The Institute provides presentations on economic development, leadership and changing demographics.
The Rural Grocery Initiative (RGI) provides resources to help establish and sustain independently owned rural grocery stores. RGI has national information for rural grocery questions. It can identify and respond to the challenges that rural grocery stores face. The program promotes sustainable models of rural grocery operation and improves access to healthy foods.
Stay up to date on the latest news, events and activities from the community vitality team. Listen to community-related topics on First Friday e-Call.
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Nancy Daniels, MPACommunity Vitality Specialist Areas of Specialization:
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Deborah KohlProgram Leader Coordinator Areas of Specialization:
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Jan SteenCommunity Vitality Specialist Areas of Specialization:
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Ron WilsonDirector - Huck Boyd National Institutefor Rural Development Areas of Specialization:
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Rural Grocery Initiative
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Rial CarverProgram Leader |
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Erica BlairProgram Manager |
Carly Whorton Project Consultant |