Network Kansas

WIBA Government Affairs Committee Meeting - April 24
2025-04-24 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | WalkWay of the Ruffin Building, 100 North Broadway - Walkway 100 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS, 67202
Held at 4pm. We meet in the Downtown Ruffin Building.
WIBA members discuss current situations that could affect businesses. By knowing the issues we face, businesses have the opportunity to expand services and gain market share while saving money and being more frugal when needed. They try to keep an eye on things and report back each month with updates and insights.

Time
4th Thursday while in Session

Location
Ruffin Building – Walkway

The Walkway area is on the 2nd level of the downtown Ruffin Building.

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Contact Information
Name: Ashlee Richman
Phone: (316) 201-3264
Email: ashlee@wiba.org

April Coffee & Conversation
2025-04-24 07:30 - 09:00 | The Petroleum Club, 100 North Broadway, Suite 900, Wichita, 67202
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.
This month we will hear from Byron McSwain: Navy Veteran, Faith-Driven Entrepreneur, and Community Connector
Byron McSwain is a U.S. Navy veteran and devoted follower of Christ who turned his passion for coffee and connection into Greater Grounds Coffee & Co., a welcoming café in the heart of downtown Wichita.
His love for coffee began during his Navy service, where he experienced a variety of coffee cultures from around the world. After earning his degree from Friends University in 2021, Byron developed the concept for Greater Grounds as part of a business class project—one that would grow into a vibrant local hub for community, creativity, and conversation.
In July 2024, he opened Greater Grounds at 922 E. Douglas Ave. with the mission of creating a space where people could come together over high-quality coffee, live music, and shared values. From the beginning, his Christian faith has been central to his approach, guiding him through the challenges of entrepreneurship and inspiring a culture of kindness and service.
Byron draws strength from stories like Noah’s—building something meaningful even in uncertain times. That mindset helped him lead Greater Grounds through early obstacles, including global supply challenges and startup pressures, with purpose and grit.
Today, Greater Grounds is more than a coffee shop. It’s a place that gives back—partnering with local nonprofits, donating unsold food, and offering discounts to educators, healthcare workers, and military families. Through it all, Byron continues to lead with integrity, vision, and a commitment to making Wichita stronger—one cup at a time.

Time
Coffee starts at 7:30 am

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

Parking:

Parking is available on the upper levels of the parking garage located west of Broadway.
Any space not marked RESERVED is available for your use.
Access the building through the covered walkway on the 3rd level of the garage.
There is a $1.00 parking fee (cash only) when exiting the parking garage.

Breakfast and Coffee will be served. Looking forward to seeing you there!

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

Small Business Success: Mastering the Essentials
2025-04-19 09:30 - 11:30 | Online Event
Running a business requires more than just a great idea—it takes strategy, financial literacy, and operational know-how. This workshop will provide new and existing entrepreneurs with an understanding of what is needed to build a sustainable business. We’ll cover essential topics such as business planning, marketing, and financial management to ensure long-term success.
Key Takeaways:

Learn how to create a business model that works
Understand branding and marketing fundamentals
Discover key financial tools for profitability
Identify common challenges and how to navigate them
Understand how to develop a strategy for long-term business growth

This is the first Workshop in the three part series Small Business Success: Mastering the Essentials. Session 2 – Polishing Your Business Idea, Marketing Strategy & Social Media Marketing and Session 3 – Demystifying Financial Foundations, Funding Your Businesss Dream & Creating Realistic Financial Projections.

Moments of Focus LLC, OMsutra
2025-04-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Event
Hear directly from BeNeca Ward, focused on brand and leadership development, and ​Jyoti​ ​Jaiswal, an expert in manufacturing and retail.

Learn the Basics of Google Ads
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Event
In this workshop you will learn how to reach more customers and grow your business with Google Ads. In this session we’ll talk about:

How to create an account and set up an ad campaign
How to write great ads, refine keywords, and include ad extensions
How to measure success

Presenter’s Bio: Keisha Mabry Haymore is a connector, convener and social entrepreneur on a mission to change the world one connection at a time. She is the owner of Heydays, a business incubator and coworking space for founders and creatives to connect, create and curate anything. Keisha has been featured on National Public Radio, The Daily Show, Success Magazine, Huffington Post, Essence, Black Enterprise, Fox 2 News, Nine Network, The Business Journal and more. In addition, Keisha is the Grow With Google Digital Coach for Missouri—a program that provides free digital skills training to entrepreneurs to close the digital divide gap. Keisha is also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Missouri, an Aspen Ideas Scholar, a Hatch Fellow, a TEDx speaker and her book Hey Friend: 100 Ways to Connect with 100 People in 100 Days is a movement to make the world friendly again, or at the very least, friendlier than it’s ever been. She’s delivered more than 150 keynote speeches for Fortune 500 companies and top brands like Spotify, Mastercard, Edward Jones, Square, Bayer, Meta, YUM!, Ikea, SHRM and US Bank. Learn more at keishamabry.com and heydayshq.com.
Registration Information:

Upon registering you will receive a confirmation email with the SCORE Zoom link to attend.
You do not need a Zoom account to participate.
Please connect 5 minutes in advance to be sure you have a good connection. The workshop begins promptly at 12:00 PM and concludes by 1:00 PM Central Time.

SCORE strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact: Score St Louis Chapter Admin, ch.admin0021@scorevolunteer.org, 866 726-7340.

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2025-04-14 08:00 - 17:00 | KS

Decoding Social Media Buzzwords - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-04-10 13:30 - 14:30 | Online Event
Feeling lost in the world of social media? You’re not alone! From “SEO” to “engagement”, the terminology can be overwhelming. But understanding these terms is crucial for growing your business online. Join our webinar, Decoding Social Media Buzzwords, and we’ll break down the essential social media jargon into easy-to-understand language.
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, April 7th, 2025.

Fundamentals of Effective Business Networking
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Event
Networking is not typically taught and, for many, is not a skill that comes naturally. In this presentation, attendees will learn how to develop and grow their professional and personal relationships. You’ll leave with techniques that can help build your networks, enhance your business relationships, and network for referrals and sales opportunities.
Speaker’s Bio: Chris Ruzicka generates new client referrals for Carmody MacDonald, develops new marketing opportunities, and helps the firm grow. Chris equips the attorneys with techniques and resources to improve their business development and marketing skills. Chris’ extensive business development and marketing experience ranging from start-ups to large organizations including Anheuser-Busch, Sara Lee, and Citi enables him to bring to the firm continuous innovation and proven best practices.
Chris volunteers for several St. Louis organizations, including Ronald McDonald House Charities and Boys Hope Girls Hope, and served on the Board of Trustees for Chaminade College Preparatory School, and is Past President of Ursuline Academy Fathers’ Club.
Registration Information:

Upon registering you will receive a confirmation email with the SCORE Zoom link to attend.
You do not need a Zoom account to participate.
Please connect 5 minutes in advance to be sure you have a good connection. The workshop begins promptly at 12:00 PM and concludes by 1:00 PM Central Time.

SCORE strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact: Score St Louis Chapter Admin, ch.admin0021@scorevolunteer.org, 866 726-7340.

Accounting for Non-Accountants - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Event
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by financial terms like “balance sheet” or “income statement”? This introductory session, designed specifically for those new to accounting, is the perfect starting point. By gaining a grasp of financial cornerstones, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions that contribute to the success and growth of your business.
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, April 7th, 2025.

Healing Cuts SF, Artisan‑Preneur Consulting
2025-04-09 09:00 - 10:00 | KS
Join Ismael De Luna, focused on personal care services, and Tiffany Richardson, focused on AI strategy and website design, to hear their tips and strategies.

Metric Mastery for Entrepreneurs
2025-04-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Event
Metrics, Key Performance Indicators (KPI) or Objectives & Key Results (OKR), are ways to measure success and to identify problem areas. This workshop serves as a basic introduction to using data to manage a business. There is an extensive technology behind managing an organization and its personnel with statistics. This workshop serves as a basic introduction to using statistics in managing an organization.
Presenter’s Bio: Moritz Farbstein can help an individual troubleshoot perceived problems or issues in their personal and professional lives. His experience spans Project Management, Business Process Management, Software Engineering, Network Engineering, Technical Writing, Management Consulting, SOX Compliance, Strategic Planning, Vendor & Relationship Management, Training, Business Analysis, Web Development, Search Engine Optimization, Internet Marketing, Public Relations, Career Coaching, Mentoring, and Organizational Development.
He has both training and practical experience managing by statistics.
Registration Information:

Upon registering you will receive a confirmation email with the SCORE Zoom link to attend.
You do not need a Zoom account to participate.
Please connect 5 minutes in advance to be sure you have a good connection. The workshop begins promptly at 12:00 PM and concludes by 1:00 PM Central Time

SCORE strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact: Score St Louis Chapter Admin, ch.admin0021@scorevolunteer.org, 866 726-7340.

Business Financial Literacy
2025-04-07 11:30 - 13:00 | Online Event
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.

Supervisor Bootcamp
2025-04-01 13:00 - 17:00 | Fort Hays State University Memorial Union – Stouffer Lounge, 700 College Drive, Hays, KS, 67601, United States
This program is designed for current and aspiring supervisors who seek to foster a positive and productive work environment through effective team management and support. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world scenarios, participants will explore key topics such as Setting Expectations, Goal Setting, Delegating Work, Providing Feedback, and Conflict Resolution.
By the end of the program, participants will build the confidence and skills necessary to supervise others with clarity and purpose, driving success for both individuals and the organization. Join us to enhance your leadership abilities and make a meaningful impact in your workplace!
Registration discounts are available for FHSU Alumni and Hays Chamber Members!

NEW! From creating personas to using them (Part 3 of 4: Crafting campaigns that resonate)
2025-03-31 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Event
Join The Brand Amplifiers to learn marketing strategies that will help you create campaigns that align with your customers.

Safe capital to keep your business secure
2025-03-31 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Event
It can be tough to figure out which lenders are safe to trust. Learn to navigate the choppy waters of capital.

State Sales Tax for Construction Contractors - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-27 13:00 - 15:00 | KS
If you provide plumbing, carpentry, electrical, roofing, heating/air conditioning, landscaping, oil field services, etc., you’ll want to attend this specialized webinar. Presented in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Revenue, we’ll focus exclusively on sales tax issues for construction contractors, and subcontractors. We’ll cover how sales tax applies to materials and labor, Project Exemption Certificates, sales tax returns, billings, etc.
Cost: None
Location: In Person. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. 5015 E 29th Street N. Wichita, KS 67220.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, March 24th 2025.

State Sales Tax for Retailers - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-27 09:00 - 12:00 | KS
This webinar is presented in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Revenue and is devoted to explaining the differences between the Kansas Retailers’ Sales Tax, the Kansas Retailers’ Compensating Use Tax, and the Kansas Consumers Compensating Use Tax. You will gain a basic understanding of the goods and services subject to sales tax. It will also explain the record keeping and filing requirements, form preparation, how to use exemption certificates, and Withholding Tax.
Cost: None
Location: In Person. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. 5015 E 29th Street N. Wichita, KS 67220.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday March 24th 2025.

Startup and Start Right - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-25 12:00 - 13:00 | KS
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through 10 essential steps. Together 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, March 24th 2025.

Startup Plus
2025-03-25 08:00 - 17:00 | KS
Growing a business is challenging, and finding the right resources to scale can make all the difference. That’s why WIBA created Startup PLUS—a community built for entrepreneurs like you who are ready to grow, scale, and take their business to the next level.

Build Your Brand on Social Media - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-20 12:00 - 13:00 | KS
You’ve started your business and created social media accounts- fantastic! Now, how do you build an online presence, following, and an overall brand? We will go over the basics and share some valuable tips and tricks to make this process simpler.
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Wednesday, March 19th 2025

Woman-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-20 10:00 - 11:00 | KS
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

Manage Your Own Social Media - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 | KS
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

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

Building Your Brand Story: Workshop - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-04 09:00 - 12:00 | KS
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.

The Power of Pinterest - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-27 13:00 - 14:00 | KS
“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

QuickBooks Online for Intermediate Users - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-27 09:00 - 12:00 | KS
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

QuickBooks Online for Beginners - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-25 09:00 - 12:00 | KS
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.

Social Media Analytics - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-20 13:00 - 14:00 | KS
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

Weighing Your Options: The Pros and Cons of Franchise Ownership - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-02-20 11:00 - 12:00 | KS
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.
