The best conversions: Email marketing, lead magnets, and landing pages
2025-01-21 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago)
Learn how to build and grow an email list, craft compelling content, and help boost sales.

January Simply Social
2025-01-21 16:00 - 18:00
Get together with other WIBA members for an afternoon of networking and socializing.

Come check out the gorgeous Apex Outdoors Executive Club at 700 N. St. Francis, Wichita 67214

Here are some amazing photos of the interior of the club.

Social Media for Service Based Business - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00
Service-based businesses; this one is for you! Join us as we dive into different ways to not only promote your services, but also learn which platforms might suit you best, which might surprise you. Spoiler alert- Pinterest is one of these!
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on January 20th , 2024.

MWBEs: What your certification can do for you
2025-01-23 14:00 - 16:00
Are you an MWBE aiming to work with government agencies or large corporations? See what it takes to become contract-ready and learn best practices.

Marketing Strategy
2025-01-25 12:30 - 14:00
Marketing is more than advertising. Marketing Strategy provides you with an introduction to marketing methods & tools to maximize your customer reach.
This session covers pricing strategies, positioning, the difference between features and benefits, and different marketing strategies.
At the end of this session, you will know how to:
* Outline your marketing strategy
* Test your marketing message
* Choose the right sales channel
* Implement your marketing strategy
Faculty: Terese Grossnickle. After a 25+ years in operations and training in several industries, Terese
embarked on a new career as a freelance graphic designer with her business, Strategic Renaissance. Embodying the moniker “modern Renaissance woman” with a multifaceted business skill set, she lends her
voice and talent to solopreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. Her business focus is on visual identities, crafting logos and other branding assets, as well as traditional print marketing and larger
publications such as catalogs, presentations, and annual reports. In addition to her business, she is also active in several KC-area networking groups and is the current Special Events Director for The Freelance
Exchange.
This is part of the second Workshop Group (Polishing Your Business Idea, Marketing Strategy & Social Media Marketing) in SCORE’s three-part series “Simple Steps to Starting Your Business.” Workshop 1 – Startup Basics and Workshop Group 3 – Demystifying Financial Foundations, Funding Your Dream & Creating Realistic Financial Projections.
Please connect at least 5 minutes in advance to be sure you have a good connection. The webinar starts promptly at 12:30 PM and concludes by 1:45 PM.

Social Media Marketing
2025-01-25 14:00 - 15:30
You will learn the basics of Social Media Marketing, and how it fits into your overall marketing strategy.
At the end of this webinar, you’ll learn:
* The steps it takes to get a business presence online
* How your online presence affects your marketing
* Ways you can get a website, social media and email marketing set up for your business
* The basics of developing an online marketing strategy
Faculty: Janet Elie. Janet has over 30 years’ experience in management, marketing and sales within the Financial Services Industry. In the last 4 years, Janet has dedicated her services to coaching small business owners with online marketing, social media, email marketing, and consulting on what improvements need to be made to attract the right audience to their business. The current focus of Janet and her partner Gillian’s business, Launch4Life, is SEO DIY coaching. Janet lives locally in KC and is a SCORE Mentor. Her favorite motto is “have laptop will travel” so she can be anywhere while helping her clients, by a beach, sipping wine, or hiking in a forest.
This is part of the second Workshop Group (Polishing Your Business Idea, Marketing Strategy & Social Media Marketing) in SCORE’s three-part series “Simple Steps to Starting Your Business.” Workshop 1 – Startup Basics and Workshop Group 3 – Demystifying Financial Foundations, Funding Your Dream & Creating Realistic Financial Projections.
Please connect at least 5 minutes in advance to be sure you have a good connection. The webinar starts promptly at 2:00 PM and concludes by 3:30 PM.

NEW! From creating personas to using them
2025-01-27 11:00 - 13:00
In this four-part series, The Brand Amplifiers will teach you how to create personas, understand your audience’s behaviors, and collect data to help build better strategies.

NEW! Create a thriving team culture: Microaggressions and inclusive communication
2025-01-27 14:00 - 16:00
Learn how business owners address microaggressions and foster a respectful workplace through communication, empathy, and accountability.

Business Solutions Seminar- Health & Wellness Expo
2025-01-28 08:00 - 11:00
Come learn about the latest trends in health & wellness that you can incorporate into your business to improve the health of yourself and your employees.
You can stop by over two dozen interactive booths and hear from each health & wellness expert as they share the latest information. Check out the list below!
Please register to attend this FREE seminar to find out what’s new in the health & wellness industry to improve the well-being of your business and your employees.

Registration, coffee and a light breakfast starts at 8 am.
Health & Wellness Interactive Booths:

Brave Restoration
Kansas Pelvic Health & Wellness
ICT Insurance Group
Comfortcare Homes
Jeuje Aesthetics & Wellness
ICT Therapyworks
Full Circle Chiropractic
Coming Together For A Cure
316 Health Insurance
The Heat with Jenna

Is your business in the health and wellness field? If so, this event is for you!
We will turn the lower level of the Ruffing Building into a space for companies to set up and show and tell people what they do, PLUS you will receive stage time to present your area of expertise to all attendees.
We are asking our booths to be ready before 7:45 am. You will be provided a 6 foot table and plain table cloth. We encourage YOU to bring signage, samples, marketing materials, etc. Please plan your arrival time accordingly.
Please send us a question for our question & answer page that will encourage interaction with your booth three separate times during the event.

Understanding your numbers: How to read financial reports
2025-01-28 11:00 - 13:00
Learn about the software you can use to build profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. Plus, how to interpret your financial data in general.

2025 Hottest Business Ideas, Trends & Markets
2025-01-28 12:00 - 13:00
Don’t get left behind in 2025. If you’re looking to start or expand your business, staying up to date with the latest business trends is key to your success.
In this webinar, you will discover the latest business trends, startup ideas and consumer behaviors. Our expert presenter will share insights on how existing businesses can transform their products and services to better reach today’s consumers.
You will learn about:

America’s ever-changing demographics
The emergence of Gen Z as a powerful consumer force
The breakout star of the 2024 holiday shopping season & how that will impact the future of retail

Live attendees will receive the slide deck and a link to this webinar recording.

Social Media the Smart Way: Paid Search with Google
2025-01-30 09:00 - 10:30
In this 75-minute webinar, designed specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs, you’ll discover how to effectively use Google Ads to enhance your online presence and attract potential customers. We’ll cover the essentials of setting up and managing paid search campaigns, providing you with the tools and knowledge to create ads that resonate with your target audience and convert clicks into sales.
Key Topics Covered:

Introduction to Google: Understand the fundamentals of Google, including how it works and why it’s crucial for small businesses.
Budgeting and Bidding Strategies: Get tips on how to set a budget that aligns with your business goals and understand the different bidding strategies available.
Monitoring and Optimizing Campaigns: Discover how to track your campaign’s performance using key metrics, and learn techniques to optimize your ads for better results.
By the end of this webinar, you’ll be equipped with practical knowledge and actionable insights to launch and manage successful Google campaigns that can drive measurable growth for your small business. Whether you’re new to paid search or looking to refine your existing strategy, this session will provide valuable guidance to help you maximize your advertising investment.

Faculty: Kim Beer, Midnight Productions. Kim is a national speaker and advocate for entrepreneurship and small business marketing. She has been an entrepreneur for over 25 years, soon to celebrate her 20th year as president of the small business marketing firm Midnight Productions, Inc. Kim’s mission is to inspire and educate entrepreneurs to create results-oriented marketing tactics that will carry their business to the next level. Her seminars on marketing are honest, enlightening and packed with great action steps and technical instruction.
Please connect at least 5 minutes in advance to be sure you have a good connection. The webinar starts promptly at 9:00 AM and concludes by 10:15 AM.

Social Media the Smart Way: Paid Search with Facebook & Instagram
2025-01-30 10:30 - 12:00
In this 90-minute webinar tailored for small business owners, we’ll dive into the world of paid social media advertising on Facebook and Instagram. These powerful platforms offer unparalleled opportunities to connect with your target audience, boost brand visibility, and drive sales. Whether you’re new to social media advertising or looking to enhance your current efforts, this session will equip you with the tools and strategies you need to succeed.
Key Topics Covered:

Introduction to Paid Social Media Advertising: Understand the basics of paid social media, why it’s crucial for small businesses, and how Facebook and Instagram ads can help you achieve your business goals.

Setting Up Effective Campaigns: Learn how to create and structure ad campaigns that align with your business objectives. We’ll walk you through the process of choosing the right campaign type, setting up ad sets, and crafting compelling ad creatives.

Audience Targeting and Segmentation: Discover how to reach the right people by leveraging Facebook and Instagram’s robust targeting options. We’ll cover audience segmentation, custom audiences, and lookalike audiences to help you maximize your ad spend.

Budgeting and Bidding Techniques: Get insights into setting an appropriate budget and choosing the right bidding strategies to ensure you get the best return on investment (ROI) for your ad spend.

Analyzing and Optimizing Performance: Learn how to monitor your ad performance using Facebook’s Ads Manager and Instagram’s insights. We’ll discuss key metrics, how to interpret them, and actionable tips for optimizing your campaigns to achieve better results.

Best Practices and Tips for Success: Gain practical tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes and enhance the effectiveness of your campaigns. We’ll share examples of successful ads and discuss how you can apply these strategies to your business.

By the end of this webinar, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to create, manage, and optimize paid social media campaigns on Facebook and Instagram. You’ll leave with actionable strategies to attract more customers, increase engagement, and grow your small business through effective social media advertising.
Faculty: Kim Beer, Midnight Productions. Kim is a national speaker and advocate for entrepreneurship and small business marketing. She has been an entrepreneur for over 25 years, soon to celebrate her 20th year as president of the small business marketing firm Midnight Productions, Inc. Kim’s mission is to inspire and educate entrepreneurs to create results-oriented marketing tactics that will carry their business to the next level. Her seminars on marketing are honest, enlightening and packed with great action steps and technical instruction.
Please connect at least 5 minutes in advance to be sure you have a good connection. The webinar starts promptly at 10:30 AM and concludes by 12:00 PM.

Why your digital ads aren’t working and how to fix them
2025-01-30 11:00 - 13:00
Good advertising fuels growth. But a bad strategy can make it unsuccessful. Learn how to find and overcome these challenges.

Sustainability 101: Practical Steps for Small Businesses – Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Online Event
This workshop introduces small businesses to the basics of sustainability, focusing on Pollution Prevention (P2) strategies and the principles of Environmental Justice (EJ). Learn how implementing sustainable practices can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and support underserved communities. We’ll also touch on compliance considerations relevant to small businesses, leveraging resources from the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP). Join us to discover actionable steps to build a greener and more equitable future for your business and community.
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 3rd 2025

Sustainability 101: Practical Steps for Small Businesses - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-04 10:00 - 11:00

Hiring Your First Employee - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:00
Your small business is growing! Let’s get you ready to successfully hire and retain your first employee. Join us as we discuss required employee documentation, payroll and whether you can handle in-house or outsource, necessary tax reporting, and other human resource points you should consider. This webinar will also help current employers review and improve their processes
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 3rd, 2025

CliftonStrengths: Essentials
2025-02-06 13:00 - 17:00
Is it best to spend time utilizing your strengths or is it more productive to work on your weaknesses? Gallup’s Strengths theory claims people should spend the majority of their time doing what they do best; using their already existing natural talents to become more productive and profitable in the workplace and at home. In this workshop, we will explore your natural talents and how to turn those talents into strengths, while also learning how to recognize talents in others and utilize them for the success of the team. This workshop requires some pre-work.
Registration discounts are available for FHSU Alumni and Hays Chamber Members!

Startup and Start Right - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-11 12:00 - 13:00
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through ten essential steps. We’ll navigate licenses, taxes, business structure, funding, and more with clear explanations and actions to take!
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 10th 2025

Midwest Growers Collaborative: Farmers & Flyers Marketing Webinar Series
2025-02-13 17:30 - 19:30
Join us for an online marketing webinar series designed specifically for farmers, ranchers, and growers! Hosted by the Midwest Growers Collaborative and with presenters from Be More Business and The Toolbox KC, “Farmers & Flyers” provides the knowledge you need to establish your brand, promote your products and events, and connect with your customers.
When: 2nd Thursdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.5:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Live Instruction!7:00 – 7:30 p.m.: Q&A and TA (Technical Assistance)
Presenters:
Kimberly Beer, Be More Business
Webinar Topics:

February 13: Canva Features, Account Set-Up, Costs, Trademark, Copyright, etc.
March 13: Email Marketing Tools & Basics
April 10: Branding & Logos, Business Cards, & Banners
May 8: Google Forms & QR Codes
June 12: Marketing & Promotions – Social Media, Events, Flyers
July 10: Website & Google MyBusiness – Google MyBusiness, Website Options

Why Attend?

Expert Guidance: Learn the latest marketing tools and strategies from industry experts.
Hands-On Practice: Interactive sessions that allow you to apply your learning in real time.
Comprehensive Topics: Each month covers a new, vital aspect of marketing to help your business grow.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow growers and marketers to share insights and experiences.

Registration:
Register for one session or the whole series and take your marketing efforts to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or rancher, or just starting out, this webinar series will have helpful information for everyone! This webinar series is FREE and will be recorded for use by our members in the future.

How to do Business with the City of Wichita - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-18 10:00 - 11:00
Are you a local small business curious about working with the City of Wichita? The Kansas SBDC at WSU hosts Chris Haislett, Contract Compliance Officer, in this session to gain firsthand knowledge on how to become a vendor with the City of Wichita, the City’s procurement processes, requirements, and more.
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect. ]
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday February 17th 2025.

Weighing Your Options: The Pros and Cons of Franchise Ownership - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-20 11:00 - 12:00
Buying a franchise is a popular path to entrepreneurship, offering a proven business model and support system.
In this webinar, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of:

The Franchise Model: Explore the advantages and disadvantages of franchise ownership compared to starting a business from scratch.
The Franchise Market: Discover the diverse range of franchise opportunities available across various industries.
Key Considerations: Learn about crucial factors to evaluate when choosing a franchise, such as franchise fees, royalties, training, and support systems.
Due Diligence: Understand the importance of thorough research and due diligence before making a franchise investment.

By the end of this webinar, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the franchise model and be better equipped to determine if franchise ownership is the right path for you.
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday February 17th 2025.

Social Media Analytics - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-20 13:00 - 14:00
Struggling to understand your social media data? This course clarifies how to find valuable insights on Meta, Pinterest, and TikTok. We’ll decode key metrics within each platform’s analytics suite, empowering you to pinpoint winning content and refine your targeting strategy.
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 2025

QuickBooks Online for Beginners - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-25 09:00 - 12:00
Learn how to use QuickBooks Online software to help manage your company’s finances from anywhere using the cloud. This webinar covers setting up your company account, navigating the user interface, recording common transactions, and running reports to assess your company’s performance. Learn how to set up products and services, customers, vendors, sales tax, and more. Presenter Charnea Bell is a Master Accountant, Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumna of Wichita State University, and local business owner.
Cost: $199.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 24th 2025.

QuickBooks Online for Intermediate Users - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-27 09:00 - 12:00
Build on the skills learned in the Beginners course and learn how to make the most of this cloud-based accounting software to manage your company’s finances more efficiently. This webinar covers more complex concepts including setting up sales tax, creating estimates, recurring transactions, inventory management, journal entries, and payroll. Also learn how to manage accounts receivable and accounts payable, reconcile accounts, and analyze reports. Presenter Charnea Bell is a Master Accountant, Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumna of Wichita State University, and local business owner.
Cost: $199.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Wednesday February 26th, 2025

The Power of Pinterest - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-27 13:00 - 14:00
“Heard of Pinterest? Maybe you have already started pinning, but did you know that Pinterest is actually really helpful for driving traffic to your website? Attend this webinar to learn the benefits of using Pinterest as part of your small business social media strategy. This session aims to cover the “often overlooked” way of using Pinterest in a more “hands on” approach.”
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Wednesday, February 26th 2025

Building Your Brand Story: Workshop - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-04 09:00 - 12:00
Ready to move beyond traditional marketing? Join us for an intensive, hands-on workshop where you’ll discover how to champion your company through purpose-driven storytelling. This exclusive 3-hour session builds on our virtual training, taking you from theory to action.”
Cost: $25.00
Location: In Person. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. 5015 E 29th Street N. Wichita, KS 67220.
*Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Monday, March 3rd 2025
*Note: This in depth , in person training course is limited to 20 participants.

Marketing Workshop with AI - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Online Event
Learning how to market with AI will not only allow you to iterate faster, but also create real-world photos with stunning results and effects. Explore AI-driven tools that generate copy, design visuals, and automate ad placements to speed up your marketing efforts. Learn how midwestern businesses are using AI to craft social media campaigns and boost online engagement without extra hours. Then we will dive into interactive session where you’ll learn how to use AI content generators.
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, March 10, 2025

Manage Your Own Social Media - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:00
Developing a strategy, creating content, and managing your social media can seem like a daunting undertaking. Paying someone to do all of that can ALSO be challenging or out of budget. Join us to learn budget friendly tips and tricks for being your own social media manager.
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, March 10th, 2025

Woman-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-20 10:00 - 11:00
Join the Small Business Administration for an in-depth discussion about the WOSB certification program. The Federal Government’s goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned businesses each year.
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, March 17th 2025
