Let’s Talk Business: August 19, 2022

Everyone has questions about their business from time to time, whether you are a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner. The good news is that we have an outstanding resource right here in our town: the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC), located at Emporia State University, 1428 Merchant St., in Cremer Hall, Room 206.

The KSBDC exists to support and assist entrepreneurs and small business owners, providing advice and education services to address issues as varied as how to grow sales and how to buy or sell a business to how to go about starting a business. The KSBDC mission is to increase economic prosperity in Kansas by being the go-to advisor resource for business owners.

Clients receive expert professional and personal care in a confidential setting, all with their success in mind. The majority of KSBDC services come at no cost to clients with fewer than 500 employees, due to support and cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas Higher Education Host Institutions.

KSBDC provides free, confidential, one-on-one advising that is designed to develop practical solutions to business problems, in the form of business plan assistance, financial projection development, cash flow analysis, marketing plan development, human resources, sources of capital and financing, and inventory control procedures.

KSBDC can also help with product cost analysis and pricing, advertising strategies, sales techniques, succession planning, and exporting. The organization offers business valuation services, although there is a cost for a written valuation report. Informal estimates are free of charge.

The KSBDC offers several training and educational programs through the year, with a mix of in-person and online events the offer helpful business tips and approaches. Classes, workshops, and seminars are open to anyone interested in improving their business performance, starting a business, or exploring a business idea. These are offered at low or no cost.

If you are interested in learning more about the KSBDC, contact Lisa Brumbaugh at 620-341-5308 or visit their website at www.emporia.edu/school-business/centers-resources/centers/small-business-development-center/. It is recommended to schedule an appointment to meet with KSBDC advisors.

In partnership with Emporia Spanish Speakers and Visit Emporia, the Chamber is excited to announce a community conversation about diversity, representation, and the importance of community engagement on Saturday, August 27, at the Emporia Granada Theatre, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Distinguished guest speakers from around the state include Poet Laureate of Kansas Huascar Medina, McPherson Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Daniela Rivas, and Dodge City Assistant City Manager Ernestor De La Rosa. The speakers will engage with a Q&A session after the presentations. The event is free to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

It’s a great day in Emporia!

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“Let’s Talk Business” is a weekly column of the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Emporia. The mission of the Chamber is to be proactive in creating an environment for business and community success, guided by the vision that positive attitudes promote positive actions. Contact us at 620-342-1600 or chamber@emporiakschamber.org and visit our website at www.emporiakschamber.org.