Network Kansas

Scaling Your Reach: A Guide to Social Media Advertising
2024-11-07 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Scaling Your Reach: A Guide to Social Media Advertising
Unlock the full potential of social media advertising and take your business to new heights. This webinar will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to effectively leverage paid ads and influencer marketing. We will first go over how to determine if you are ready for paid advertising and what steps you should take prior.
Date: Thursday, November 7th
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Monday, November 4th, 2024

Marketing Strategy
2024-11-07 18:00 - 19:00
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: Patty Robb. Patty has over twenty-five years of client, agency, and non-profit marketing experience working with organizations of all sizes and industries. While Patty was a senior marketing leader at IBM, she developed brand campaigns for servers, storage, and Global Services. Patty also served on the leadership team of Indian Creek Community Church as Marketing and Operations Director. In addition to her non-profit experience, Patty was the Marketing Director for an agency and worked with many small businesses to improve their digital presence and increase leads. She is a Certified Score Mentor and also serves on the board of directors of the JR Albert Foundation. Patty holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rockhurst University.
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 6:00 PM and concludes by 7:15 PM.

Social Media Marketing
2024-11-07 19:30 - 20:30
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: Patty Robb. Patty has over twenty-five years of client, agency, and non-profit marketing experience working with organizations of all sizes and industries. While Patty was a senior marketing leader at IBM, she developed brand campaigns for servers, storage, and Global Services. Patty also served on the leadership team of Indian Creek Community Church as Marketing and Operations Director. In addition to her non-profit experience, Patty was the Marketing Director for an agency and worked with many small businesses to improve their digital presence and increase leads. She is a Certified Score Mentor and also serves on the board of directors of the JR Albert Foundation. Patty holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rockhurst University.
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 7:30 PM and concludes by 8:30 PM.

Salina Create Campaign Forum
2024-11-09 08:30 - 14:30
The Create Campaign Forum is THE signature business development event for underrepresented entrepreneurs and business owners and it’s coming to Salina!

Save the DateSaturday, November 9, 2024 Kansas Wesleyan University’s Student Activities Center100 E. Claflin Ave. Salina, KS 67401

Women in Business: Kansas Women in Business Conference
2024-11-12 08:00 - 17:00
Discover inspiration and empowerment at the Kansas Women in Business Conference, designed for entrepreneurial and business-minded women across the state. Held in Topeka, this dynamic event aims to enhance leadership skills, foster networking opportunities, and celebrate the achievements of women in business.
Event Highlights:
Keynote Speakers: Engage with three influential women leaders who will share their insights and experiences.

The Science of Stuck: Break through what’s holding you back
As a licensed psychotherapist and human behavior expert, Britt Frank, LSCSW, holds degrees from Duke University and the University of Kansas, where she also served as an award-winning adjunct professor. The author of “The Science of Stuck,” a book available in eight languages Britt has helped millions break through personal barriers, She is known for her candid, humorous, and practical approach providing actionable tools to help individuals improve their mental well-being and performance.
Britt Frank

Build Your Own Table: Empowering workplace Success
Known for her strategic thinking and dynamic presentations that captivate audiences, Monica Massey is a seasoned executive with extensive experience managing operations at Dairy Farmers of America, a multibillion-dollar global dairy company. Rising from an intern to the c-suite, she has held roles such as Executive Vice President, Chief Innovation Officer, and Sustainability Lead.
Monica Massey

The Competitive Advantage of Audacious Optimism
Overcoming significant personal challenges, including a brain tumor diagnosis, Shanna Adamic now leads healthcare initiatives impacting thousands worldwide as the Director of Oracle Social Impact and Executive Director of Oracle Health Foundation. She is an inspirational keynote speaker and author known for her audacious optimism mindset. Shanna’s dynamic presentations empower organizations to thrive through disruption with empowered thinking.
Shanna Adamic

Networking Opportunities: Connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals, building meaningful relationships that can propel your career or business forward.
Lunch and Breaks: Enjoy catered breaks and lunch while connecting with fellow attendees.
Evening with Manhattan Women in Business: Extend your networking into the evening with dinner with the Manhattan Women in Business.(Price of dinner is on your own and not included in the event price)
Don’t miss this chance to grow professionally and personally. Join us for a day of empowerment and connection at the Kansas Women in Business Conference!

November Monthly Luncheon
2024-11-12 11:00 - 13:00
Our WIBA luncheon is a great time to network with like-minded business leaders, enjoy a buffet lunch, and hear from local speakers. This month, we are thrilled to welcome Chip Schellhorn, President of CMJ Manufacturing, Inc., as our guest speaker.
Originally from Kansas City, Chip spent 11 years in the United States Navy flying F/A-18F Super Hornets and other tactical Navy jets. He made two combat deployments from the USS Abraham Lincoln, and throughout his career, he held a variety of leadership positions, including instructor pilot, standardization officer, and flag aide-de-camp to the Chief of Naval Air Training.
In 2019, Chip and his family moved to Wichita for a Sales and Strategy role at Textron Aviation Defense. Chip was privileged to fly the T-6C Texan II and AT-6E Wolverine as an instructor pilot, demonstration pilot, and international plane captain, and during his four-year tenure at Textron Aviation Defense, he held multiple roles supporting military operators of Cessna and Beechcraft airplanes.
In 2023, Chip launched a self-funded solo search to identify, acquire, and operate a small aerospace business in the Wichita metropolitan area. That search concluded with his successful acquisition of CMJ Manufacturing, Inc. Located in Mulvane, Kansas (approximately 15 miles south of Wichita), CMJ Manufacturing precisely machines tight-tolerance aerospace and defense components with lathe, mill, and gear cutting equipment.
Chip attended Harvard University where he rowed on the Lightweight Crew Team, winning two Conference Championships and one National Championship; he later earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. He speaks fluent Spanish and has traveled extensively through Latin and South America. Along with his wife and two daughters, he enjoys running, hiking, and spending time outdoors.

Location
Ninth Floor Club + Venue (formerly The Petroleum Club)

Parking is available on the upper levels and any space not marked RESERVED in the parking garage on the West side of Broadway.
Elevators are located on the East side of the building and accessible on the street and walkway levels. Go to the 9th floor.

Pricing
$25 members
$50 Non-members
*Tickets are non-refundable or transferrable

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Contact Information
Wichita Independent Business Association
Name: Jennifer Willits
Email: jennifer@wiba.org
Details: Please update or add to your registration through your WIBA Portal.

Time Management Strategies for Small Business Owners
2024-11-12 12:00 - 13:00
Whether you’re a seasoned small business owner or just beginning your entrepreneurial journey, it’s important to know how to effectively manage your time in your business.
In this webinar, our expert presenter will teach you the importance of time management in your business, a foundational process to save time and how to manage your time as a part-time entrepreneur and full-time business owner.
Learning objectives:

How to incorporate time management tools and techniques into your routine
How to determine what you should delegate
How to effectively set up your calendar
How to manage your daily and weekly schedule

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

Competing for Government Contracts: Basic Training
2024-11-12 13:00 - 15:30
Training Topics: Government Contracting
Description:

Federal, state and local governments spend more than $800B per year buying goods and services.
This introductory seminar, provided by the Kansas APEX, offers an overview of the critical first steps to becoming a government contractor.
Join us to learn to identify opportunities and understand the contracting process. You will also learn about services available to help you.
Location: Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Regnier Center, Room 145, Overland Park KS 66210
Event held in person ONLY.

Instructions:Event held in person only.

Registration Policies:
Registration and Fees: Payment of seminar fees may be made by check, money order or credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.
Refund Policy: If you wish to request a refund, please contact the conference organizer listed above to discuss. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is cancelled, all fees will be returned.
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.

Flint Hills Entrepreneur Summit
2024-11-15 09:00 - 13:00
Plan to join entrepreneurs, community leaders and business resources at the Flint Hills Entrepreneur Summit on Friday, November 15, 2024!
This event is open to all future and established entrepreneurs who want to:

demystify grant processes and opportunities
gain valuable information about loan options for all business sizes
get practical tools for promoting and marketing your business.

The event will feature expert speakers and roundtable discussions, as well as networking opportunities with resources, business support organizations and vendors.
This in-person event will be held from 9am-12pm the Holiday Inn Manhattan at the Campus, followed by an hour for networking. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this Summit is designed to help you take your business to the next level.
This free event is a partnership of regional and national business resources, bringing dynamic speakers and resources to you. Summit Partners include: Flint Hills Vetrepreneur Foundation, Innovate24, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Junction City Chamber of Commerce, VetBiz, Small Business Administration, SCORE and Small Business Development Center.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from industry experts. Reserve your seat free today!

November Simply Social
2024-11-19 16:00 - 17:30
November Simply Social
November 19, 2024 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (CST)

Description
Get together with other WIBA members for an afternoon of networking and socializing.
Meet us at Landmark Lounge 146 N. Emporia Ave. from 4-6 pm.
Landmark Real Estate will host and Xclusive will bartend. Sign up NOW and we will see you there!

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Contact Information
Wichita Independent Business Association
Name: Jennifer Willits
Email: jennifer@wiba.org
Details: Please update or add to your registration through your WIBA Portal.

November New Member Meet & Greet
2024-11-20 15:30 - 17:00
November New Member Meet & Greet
November 20, 2024 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM (CST)

Description
Meet & Greets are intended for WIBA Members only: specifically for new WIBA Members who have just joined or existing members can send their new employees who are not familiar with WIBA. This is a great chance to meet your fellow WIBA Members and learn how to get the most out of your WIBA Membership! This is not a come-and-go event so please be on time and stay afterwards for the free happy hour & networking.

Location
Ruffin Building – Lower Level

The Conference Room is 2 doors North of the WIBA Office.

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Contact Information
Name: Jaclyn McAnarney
Phone: (316) 201-3264
Email: jaclyn@wiba.org

November Coffee & Conversation
2024-11-21 07:30 - 09:00
November Coffee & Conversation
November 21, 2024 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM (CST)

Description

Join us bright and early for breakfast and conversation. It is a great way to start your day. Let’s meet at 7:30 am with fellow WIBA members as we have coffee and network, then get seated for breakfast and continue valuable conversations.
It’s “Friends” Giving
Join us on the Friends University campus for our November Coffee & Conversation and hear from our guest speaker, Scot Pierce.
Scot Pierce, Speaker/Announcer/Emcee, as he is also known, has fearless energy, integrative wit, and engaging humor for all audiences, sharing stories of experiences growing up as a humble farm boy to city fellar in clinical care, pharmaceuticals, and radio. But don’t let the fun facade as a recording artist and concert pre-show hype guy fool you. He has served several years as the President of the Friends University Alumni Board and Council. He was the team chair for a major pharmaceutical national sales initiative and went on to devote his career to healthcare, keynote speaker, workshop coordinator, and presenter on national stages in front of corporate audiences. His “Algorithm Affect” and WIN-What’s Important Now, are two of his most popular business leadership speeches. Scot spent 18 years saving lives as an MICT and Flight Paramedic transporting patients throughout the continental U.S. and Canada. He has sung at the White House, the U.S. Capitol and Carnegie Hall. He earned multiple Kansas Broadcast Award nominations for his creative copy and commercial production while involved in one of the largest local radio groups spanning country and rock. Scot is a Division II College Game Day Announcer earning recognition at the state and national levels for his flare and programing of championship tournaments. ScotyP has faced death right in the eye, not once, but twice and lived to tell the tale. While the “How”and “What”are exaggeratedly entertaining, the “Why” will enlighten and inspire all audiences both in business and personal settings. The tale how a tragedy became a triumph and the victim became a victor, will leave your audience with a memorable message for life, business, and career. Scot is married to DeDe and is the father of 3 grown children and grandfather of 2.

Time
Coffee starts flowing at 7:30 am

Pricing
$10 members
$15 Non-Members

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Contact Information
Wichita Independent Business Association
Name: Jennifer Willits
Phone: (316) 201-3264
Email: jennifer@wiba.org

Grant Prep Boot Camp Workshop
2024-11-25 09:00 - 12:00
In three hours, you will learn how to research, prepare, write and apply for grants. At the end of this webinar, you will be able to target and learn how to organize grants to further your mission.
Don’t worry if you don’t have access to the various fancy (and expensive) grant databases. We will show you how to:
* Access grant information – for free!
* Filter through 990 returns
* Uncover names, and
* Get around the “invite only” issue when determining fit.
We will also work on systematizing the process of grants, so you don’t have to redo every time.
Instructor: Sarah Shipley. Sarah is an award-winning consultant with 20+ years of experience in marketing, communications and public relations. In 2017, she was named a Top Connector in KC by the Kauffman Foundation and is the former Chairperson of the Kansas City Startup Foundation.

How to Build Your Personal Brand on a Budget
2024-11-26 12:00 - 13:00
In today’s competitive market, a strong personal brand can set you apart and help drive your business forward. By learning to leverage self-promotion and establish a brand foundation, you’ll see the real impact of personal branding on business growth.
Join our expert presenter, Ramon Ray, as we cover the elements of personal branding and how to build an authentic, effective brand that resonates with your audience. By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped with actionable steps to elevate your personal brand without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways:
How to leverage email and social media marketing for brand growth
The importance of consistency and frequency in brand building
How mindset plays a crucial role in branding success
Effective self-promotion strategies that attract and engage
Live attendees will receive the slide deck and a link to this webinar recording.

Setting up accounting software
2024-12-02 11:00 - 13:00
Learn the fundamentals of bookkeeping and how to set up software the right way.

Business Law and Related Tax Topics for Emerging Business
2024-12-03 09:00 - 11:30
The Score KC’s Business Law and Related Tax Topics for Emerging Business webinar will help you decide when and how to utilize legal advice such as:
FORMING YOUR BUSINESS – business law and tax law considerations
OPERATING YOUR BUSINESS – governing documents, such as:
LLC Operating Agreements and Corporate Shareholder Agreements
The Smart Protected Business
Vendor agreements, customer agreements
Employment issues – handbook, discipline, security policies
Mitigating risks
Common tax deductions for business owners
Sales and use tax issues
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS – Bringing on investors
What you need to know from a business perspective
What you need to know from a tax perspective
Empowering / Limiting Non-Owner Manager
Merging, Acquiring, Selling
RELATED BUSINESS LAW ISSUES
RELATED TAX LAW ISSUES
Faculty: Crystal Howard. Crystal is a skilled tax attorney who counsels clients on a wide range of federal income tax matters, including those related to business transactions. Crystal advises partnerships and corporations on tax matters in the context of entity formation, reorganization and dissolution. She spent eight years in private practice, advising businesses and individuals on a range of tax planning and controversy matters, as well as pension, health and welfare benefits, and ERISA compliance and served as in-house counsel to a nonprofit organization and as a tax research specialist for a multinational tax preparation company. She received her Master’s in Law and Juris Doctor from the UMKC School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts from William Jewell College.
Jared Marsh. Jared, with Krigel, Nugent and Moore, is an experienced litigator who has represented individuals and business owners throughout his career. He has worked in one of Kansas City’s largest law firms, as well in smaller law firms in Johnson County, Kansas and Jackson County, Missouri. Jared really enjoys the opportunity to be a jack-of-all-trades for his clients, working to learn and understand their business needs to protect their business and achieve their goals. Jared received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri and his Juris Doctor, with distinction, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. His practice areas include Employment Law, Human Resources, Business Formation, Agreements and Contracts, Business Litigation, In-House Counsel, Risk Management, Administrative Law, Regulatory Compliance and Training and Employee Benefits.
This webinar starts promptly at 9:00 AM and concludes by 11:30 AM. Please connect at least 5 minutes in advance to be sure you have a good connection.

QuickBooks Online Training for Beginners - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2024-12-03 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.
Date: Tuesday, December 3rd 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: $199.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Monday, December 2nd, 2024

Commercial Insurance Basics - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2024-12-03 13:00 - 14:00
Business Insurance is an important but often misunderstood aspect of operating an enterprise. Join Advisor David Kreller for an overview of insurance and risk management basics including the different types of business insurance a small business may typically utilize, how they work, and factors that may impact pricing.
Date: Tuesday, December 3rd
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Monday, December 2nd , 2024

Better taxes next year
2024-12-03 13:30 - 15:30
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.

Now that the 2023 tax season is over, it is time to reflect on how we can save time and money setting up more efficient systems for next year’s taxes. Whether you prepare the return yourself or pay someone to do it for you, you will still need systems to organize expenses, track deductions, and prepare for next year’s big day. Don’t miss this opportunity to talk to a tax preparer on how to set things up right! Sign up now!

After taking this session, we recommend “Understanding Your Numbers“ and “Setting Up Accounting Software”.

Note: Log in 15 minutes before the webinar time to be ready for an on-time start. Presentation recordings will not be shared so be prepared to take notes.

QuickBooks Online Training for Intermediate Users - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2024-12-05 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.
Date: Thursday, December 5th , 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: $199.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Monday December 2nd, 2024

Common social media mistakes
2024-12-05 11:00 - 12:30
This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined below.
You may be actively marketing your business using social media, but are you getting the results you want? Are you making the most of your social media activity? In this Ask the Expert session, we’ll discuss the most common social media mistakes that will prevent you from growing an engaged audience and strengthening your online presence. We will share strategies for using social media to effectively market your business. If you are a newbie when it comes to using social media for your business, this session is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your social media to the next level. Sign up now!
After taking this session, we recommend “Why Your Digital Ads Don’t Work” and “1:1 Review: Social Media Marketing”
Note: Log in 15 minutes before the webinar time to be ready for an on-time start. Presentation recordings will not be shared so be prepared to take notes.

With Marketing Panel: Hayden Cherry of Branded Media Co, Boma Cheetham-West of Boma Curates, LLC, Ally Moore of Nomadic LLC, Christie Bayer-Sanchez of Hello Bare Marketing, and Jasmine Haines, Freelance Writer

Often called the “Internet Kid”, Hayden Cherry is a classic “always innovating” entrepreneur. Hayden started his first marketing company 5+ years ago. Since then, he’s sold that company, started a 2nd marketing company and ventured into the business of branded apparel & product goods. Branded Media Co, Hayden’s social and digital marketing agency, creates impactful, measurable social media campaigns through highly-curated and creative content. He helps small business owners boost their brand awareness and communicate with their target audience​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Hayden most enjoys guiding small business owners to their “ah ha” marketing moments. Throughout his years in business marketing & consulting, Hayden’s learned that his passion is helping people connect the dots unseen.

Boma Cheetham-West is the Founder and Chief Strategist of BomaCurates LLC, a digital marketing company based in Houston, Texas. Throughout her career she has worked with companies in various industries to develop integrated marketing campaigns across digital channels. She specializes in social media strategy, management, and content creation. Boma is a proud alumni of the University of Houston where she graduated with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Marketing.

Ally is a social and digital media expert working one-on-one with small business owners as well as for her own adventures. She trains volunteers to work with small business owners on how to use social media, do competitive analysis, build a great business website and more. Ally specializes in short-form video on social media and the constantly changing trends around them. She helps business owners create Reels and other video content for social media that works for every business.

Ally and her partner are currently building their next home on wheels and travel full time with their two rescue dogs. Through that lifestyle, she continues to grow through social media (and their forever changing aspects) while helping small businesses.

Christie resides in the Sunshine State and brings a touch of humanity back to marketing, helping entrepreneurs and small business owners align their vision for business and life with actionable flow. Christie believes anything is possible with the right tools and mindset, no matter your age, status, or experience.

Jasmine is a writer and marketing consultant who lives on a small island off the coast of Maine. With over 15 years of experience in both storytelling and digital marketing, Jasmine loves helping folks share their own stories in fun and fruitful ways.

WIBA Winter Wonderland
2024-12-05 19:00 - 22:00
WIBA Winter Wonderland
December 5, 2024 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (CST)

Description
It is time to celebrate the season and a great year! The party begins at 7 pm!
Come enjoy a festive, magical night as we turn the atrium of the Ruffin Building into a winter wonderland.
There will be 5 themed food stations, open bar, tastings, video wall, and many more special surprises! Bring a friend or a spouse and enjoy the night.
Come in your favorite festive cocktail attire & bring your holiday cheer!
Must be registered to attend!

Location
The Ruffin Building

Parking is available in the Bank of America parking garage of the west side of Broadway.

🔽

Go to the 3rd level and walk across the walkway over Broadway.

🔽

Then right down the escalators to the WIBA Winter Wonderland.

Pricing
$75 per ticket, includes food, beverage, and so much more!

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Contact Information
Name: Jennifer Willits
Phone: (316) 201-3264
Email: jennifer@wiba.org

NSF/NIH SBIR Webinar
2024-12-06 10:00 - 11:30
Join us to learn about a uniquefunding initiative designed to bridgethe gap between groundbreakingresearch and real-world application.
The NSF and NIH SBIR/STTR programs are designed to empower small businesses in transforming innovative ideas into impactful solutions for society. If you have groundbreaking concepts grounded in rigorous science and engineering, poised to revolutionize existing solutions and grow into thriving ventures, this webinar is tailored for you!
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and, on a first-come, first-served basis, schedule a one-on-one meeting with two program directors overseeing the program’s portfolios. Whether your idea has the potential to become a transformative product or a service that addresses critical challenges, we’re eager to help you bring your vision to life. Join us to discover how to turn your research into meaningful impact.

Simple Steps for Starting Your Business - Basics
2024-12-07 09:30 - 11:30
This LIVE virtual workshop provides you with: * An overview of the skills and tools you need when deciding to start a business * The advantages and disadvantages of owning a business * The most profitable form for your business * The fundamentals of formation, organization, marketing, cash flow and funding sources.
This is the first Workshop in the three part series “Simple Steps to Starting Your Business”. Session 2 – Polishing Your Business Idea, Marketing Strategy & Social Media Marketing and Session 3 – Demystifying Financial Foundations, Funding Your Dream & Creating Realistic Financial Projections.

Solopreneurship 101
2024-12-12 13:00 - 15:00
Working for yourself is amazing … provided you know how to make it work. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve got a great idea or are good at your craft yet don’t know exactly what you’re doing in running a business, you’re not alone.
In this session, you’ll learn the basics of what you need to know in order to set yourself
up for success, including:
• Mindset & Motivation
• Policies & Procedures
• Branding & Promotions
• And more!
Whether you’re looking to make the jump, are just starting out, or needing a kickstart … and whether you call it freelancing, consulting, solopreneurship or the like, this session will give you the tools you need to rock the self-employed life.
Faculty: Julie Cortés. Copywriter by day, Freelance Rockstar by night, Julie Cortés has run her own business for more than 25 years. Best known as the founder of The Freelance Exchange of KC—a professional
organization for self-employed advertising / marketing professionals, Julie created her own much-needed college-level course, Freelancing 101, and teaches as an adjunct professor at the KC Art Institute. Recognized with awards dozens of times over for her work, leadership, volunteerism and community involvement, she’s regularly sought out for media interviews, public speaking, and business coaching. Julie is loving life, living out her passion of helping solopreneurs succeed. Learn more at juliecortes.com.

Last-Minute Holiday Market - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2024-12-18 12:00 - 18:00
Are you a last-minute shopper or just don’t have time to focus on the holidays yet?? Don’t stress! Our Last-Minute Holiday Market is the perfect place to find unique gifts for everyone on your list.
What to Expect:
✪ Unique Gifts: Discover something for everyone on your list from over 50 local small businesses offering products, treats and gift certificates.
✪ Meet Santa! He’s coming by for a photo op and those last-minute wish list additions.
✪ Delicious Foods: Vendors will be popping up for lunch and dinner.
Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Time: Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Cost to Attend: None (Vendor Costs Vary)
Location: WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 East 29th St N, Wichita, Kansas 67220

Turning Feedback into Opportunity: Handling Comments on Social Media - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2024-12-19 10:00 - 11:00
Turn negative into positive with this training all about handling the negativity that sometimes comes with using social media. We will discuss when and how to respond to a negative comment or review, and how to use those experiences to your advantage.
Date: Thursday, December 19th
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Monday, December 16th, 2024

Business Financial Literacy
2024-12-19 11:30 - 13:00
In this webinar, you will learn what Financial Management is, and why each business needs it.
Learn how to answer these important questions:
· Are you making a profit?
· Is there enough cash to run the business?
· Is the business building wealth or destroying it?
This is a high-level introduction to the language of business-the financial terms and financial statements that provide a dashboard of your business results. Whether you are just starting out or years into your business, it’s important to be familiar and comfortable with the numbers of your business. Learn about financial statements, cash flow and what tools you can use to improve your business financials. If at some point you are looking for an investment or loan, you will need financial information about your business.
Take this webinar to start your business financial education and follow up with our Finance Series next month for more in-depth learning on Financial Statements, Sources of Funding and Financial Projections.

HUBZone Program: Good for Small Businesses and Communities - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2024-12-19 12:00 - 13:00
Chances are you’ve never heard of the HUBZone Program for government contracting, even though there are more than 22,000 HUBZone designations across the U.S. with more being added each year. Despite this expanding footprint, very few small businesses are taking advantage of this valuable certification that can include a 10% price preference when competing for contracts. In this webinar we’ll cover:
– The HUBZone program mission,
– Benefits of certification, and
– The application process
Date: Thursday, December 19th 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Monday, December 16th, 2024
