Stay connected and inspired with our upcoming events! From networking opportunities to panel discussions and community gatherings, we bring together entrepreneurs, experts, and innovators to share ideas and make meaningful connections. Check back often for updates!
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
In this introductory 1.5 hour class to government contracting, we cover how to navigate, research and connect to the government marketplace. Attendees will leave with useful tools and next steps to compete for government contracts on the federal, state or local level. After attending this class, any business may sign up for the Missouri APEX [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
This course is designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs understand the critical role of a Capability Statement in securing government contracts. Participants will learn the key elements needed to create a compelling and professional Capability Statement that effectively communicates their business’s core competencies, differentiators, and past performance to government agencies. Through real-world examples, the [...]
This class meets for 9 weeks on Wednesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm; Attendance at all 9 sessions is highly encouraged. You’re on the cusp of developing a cutting-edge technology or science-based business while Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community is buzzing and moving faster than ever before. You want to be part of it, but you need [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
This class meets for 9 weeks on Wednesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm; Attendance at all 9 sessions is highly encouraged. You’re on the cusp of developing a cutting-edge technology or science-based business while Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community is buzzing and moving faster than ever before. You want to be part of it, but you need [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
In this introductory 1.5 hour class to government contracting, we cover how to navigate, research and connect to the government marketplace. Attendees will leave with useful tools and next steps to compete for government contracts on the federal, state or local level. After attending this class, any business may sign up for the Missouri APEX [...]
This class meets for 9 weeks on Wednesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm; Attendance at all 9 sessions is highly encouraged. You’re on the cusp of developing a cutting-edge technology or science-based business while Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community is buzzing and moving faster than ever before. You want to be part of it, but you need [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
In this 3-part, virtual, training series, you'll learn how to avoid a common pitfall of entrepreneurship—no customer, no business. You’ll validate your idea through customer discovery and ensure your business concept solves real problems for real, paying customers before investing a lot of time and money. Entrepreneurs often jump straight into building and branding their [...]
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it's essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. You will learn how to: - Validate that there’s a market for your product or [...]
This class meets for 9 weeks on Wednesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm; Attendance at all 9 sessions is highly encouraged. You’re on the cusp of developing a cutting-edge technology or science-based business while Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community is buzzing and moving faster than ever before. You want to be part of it, but you need [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
An introductory look at how to win Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Research grants. Learn how to find, apply, and create a strategies to gain funding for a growing technology business. The highly competitive SBIR program encourages domestic small businesses to engage in federal research and research development (R&D) that has the [...]
In this 3-part, virtual, training series, you'll learn how to avoid a common pitfall of entrepreneurship—no customer, no business. You’ll validate your idea through customer discovery and ensure your business concept solves real problems for real, paying customers before investing a lot of time and money. Entrepreneurs often jump straight into building and branding their [...]
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it's essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. You will learn how to: - Validate that there’s a market for your product or [...]
This course is designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs understand the critical role of a Capability Statement in securing government contracts. Participants will learn the key elements needed to create a compelling and professional Capability Statement that effectively communicates their business’s core competencies, differentiators, and past performance to government agencies. Through real-world examples, the [...]
This class meets for 9 weeks on Wednesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm; Attendance at all 9 sessions is highly encouraged. You’re on the cusp of developing a cutting-edge technology or science-based business while Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community is buzzing and moving faster than ever before. You want to be part of it, but you need [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
Do you have an innovative, significant technology with commercial potential?Are you interested in or planning to apply for one of the lucrative SBIR or STTR research grants offered by the Federal Government? Then our SBIR Bootcamp may be right for you. Open to qualified participants within the Kansas City Metro area this 2-day Bootcamp will [...]
In this 3-part, virtual, training series, you'll learn how to avoid a common pitfall of entrepreneurship—no customer, no business. You’ll validate your idea through customer discovery and ensure your business concept solves real problems for real, paying customers before investing a lot of time and money. Entrepreneurs often jump straight into building and branding their [...]
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it's essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. You will learn how to: - Validate that there’s a market for your product or [...]
Do you have an innovative, significant technology with commercial potential?Are you interested in or planning to apply for one of the lucrative SBIR or STTR research grants offered by the Federal Government? Then our SBIR Bootcamp may be right for you. Open to qualified participants within the Kansas City Metro area this 2-day Bootcamp will [...]
This class meets for 9 weeks on Wednesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm; Attendance at all 9 sessions is highly encouraged. You’re on the cusp of developing a cutting-edge technology or science-based business while Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community is buzzing and moving faster than ever before. You want to be part of it, but you need [...]
Learn about what investors need to know and want to see before making an investment in a start-up. Presented by Michele Weigand, Managing Partner of Focused Perspective with over 27 years of Finance and Business Development experience. Michele was the former Chief Investment Officer for KTEC and managed investments for GE Mortgage and GE Reinsurance. [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it's essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. You will learn how to: - Validate that there’s a market for your product or [...]
In this introductory 1.5 hour class to government contracting, we cover how to navigate, research and connect to the government marketplace. Attendees will leave with useful tools and next steps to compete for government contracts on the federal, state or local level. After attending this class, any business may sign up for the Missouri APEX [...]
This class meets for 9 weeks on Wednesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm; Attendance at all 9 sessions is highly encouraged. You’re on the cusp of developing a cutting-edge technology or science-based business while Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community is buzzing and moving faster than ever before. You want to be part of it, but you need [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it's essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. You will learn how to: - Validate that there’s a market for your product or [...]
This class meets for 9 weeks on Wednesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm; Attendance at all 9 sessions is highly encouraged. You’re on the cusp of developing a cutting-edge technology or science-based business while Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community is buzzing and moving faster than ever before. You want to be part of it, but you need [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
This course is designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs understand the critical role of a Capability Statement in securing government contracts. Participants will learn the key elements needed to create a compelling and professional Capability Statement that effectively communicates their business’s core competencies, differentiators, and past performance to government agencies. Through real-world examples, the [...]
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it's essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. You will learn how to: - Validate that there’s a market for your product or [...]
Unlock the power of your financial statements and turn them into actionable insights that can drive the success of your business. In this class, designed specifically for business owners in all stages of business, you’ll learn how to interpret key financial data from your income statement and balance sheet. Beyond just the basics, we’ll dive [...]
This class meets for 9 weeks on Wednesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm; Attendance at all 9 sessions is highly encouraged. You’re on the cusp of developing a cutting-edge technology or science-based business while Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community is buzzing and moving faster than ever before. You want to be part of it, but you need [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
If your early-stage company has just formed a board (or are about to), Startup Boards 101 is designed for you. This series of three workshops (October 16, 23 & 30) - attendance at all three sessions is required) helps entrepreneurs and potential board members understand the whys, whats and hows of early-stage boards. Those selected [...]
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it's essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. You will learn how to: - Validate that there’s a market for your product or [...]
Build Your Brand and Marketing Plan Blueprint Marketing as a small business can feel overwhelming, but this course provides a solid foundation for long-term marketing success. By focusing on your brand identity and marketing strategy first, you’ll ensure that your marketing resonates with your target audience, creates consistency and drives breakthrough results. Plus, it allows [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
If your early-stage company has just formed a board (or are about to), Startup Boards 101 is designed for you. This series of three workshops (October 16, 23 & 30) - attendance at all three sessions is required) helps entrepreneurs and potential board members understand the whys, whats and hows of early-stage boards. Those selected [...]
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it's essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. You will learn how to: - Validate that there’s a market for your product or [...]
Every business needs fuel to grow, and funding is one of the most critical ingredients. Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, this dynamic course will walk you through a wide range of funding sources to help power your business. Explore traditional options like bank loans and SBA loans, while also diving into [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
If your early-stage company has just formed a board (or are about to), Startup Boards 101 is designed for you. This series of three workshops (October 16, 23 & 30) - attendance at all three sessions is required) helps entrepreneurs and potential board members understand the whys, whats and hows of early-stage boards. Those selected [...]
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it's essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. You will learn how to: - Validate that there’s a market for your product or [...]
What’s the secret to winning on social media? You need to define the right strategy for your brand, which means you need to know where, when and how to show up for your audience. It’s all about having a good, first impression (so they can find you!) and then consistently creating content that resonates with [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.How can GROWTH360 help your business?Supports the decision making we do every day.Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.Provides a [...]
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it's essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. You will learn how to: - Validate that there’s a market for your product or [...]
In this introductory 1.5 hour class to government contracting, we cover how to navigate, research and connect to the government marketplace. Attendees will leave with useful tools and next steps to compete for government contracts on the federal, state or local level. After attending this class, any business may sign up for the Missouri APEX [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
Global Entrepreneurship Week is a worldwide initiative that celebrates the innovators and job creators who launch businesses and drive economic growth. Founded in 2008, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. During GEW, millions of people participate in sessions, competitions and [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
This course is designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs understand the critical role of a Capability Statement in securing government contracts. Participants will learn the key elements needed to create a compelling and professional Capability Statement that effectively communicates their business’s core competencies, differentiators, and past performance to government agencies. Through real-world examples, the [...]
ScaleUP! Kansas City is a selective opportunity for business owners to participate in a multi-week session of class on Thursdays from 8:30-Noon (some classes may differ slightly in time) beginning August 7 - November 20. An agreement to attend and participate in all sessions is part of the application process. Cohort members will be chosen [...]
In this introductory 1.5 hour class to government contracting, we cover how to navigate, research and connect to the government marketplace. Attendees will leave with useful tools and next steps to compete for government contracts on the federal, state or local level. After attending this class, any business may sign up for the Missouri APEX [...]
This course is designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs understand the critical role of a Capability Statement in securing government contracts. Participants will learn the key elements needed to create a compelling and professional Capability Statement that effectively communicates their business’s core competencies, differentiators, and past performance to government agencies. Through real-world examples, the [...]
Our office is closed per UMKC policy.
Every business has value—but do you know what actually drives it? Through the Missouri Small Business Development Center, business owners gain access to the confidential Value Builder Assessment, a powerful tool that shows how valuable your business is today and how to increase that value over time.
Our office is closed per UMKC policy.
This course is designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs understand the critical role of a Capability Statement in securing government contracts.
Running a business means making decisions every day—but it’s easy to miss important details when you’re focused on just one area at a time. GROWTH360 helps business owners step back, see the bigger picture, and make smarter, more confident decisions.
Every business has value—but do you know what actually drives it? Through the Missouri Small Business Development Center, business owners gain access to the confidential Value Builder Assessment, a powerful tool that shows how valuable your business is today and how to increase that value over time.
In this 3-part series, you’ll validate your idea through customer discovery and ensure your business concept solves real problems for real, paying customers before investing a lot of time and money.
Starting a business is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a hands-on, interactive course designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs build a strong foundation.
Running a business means making decisions every day—but it’s easy to miss important details when you’re focused on just one area at a time. GROWTH360 helps business owners step back, see the bigger picture, and make smarter, more confident decisions.
In this 3-part series, you’ll validate your idea through customer discovery and ensure your business concept solves real problems for real, paying customers before investing a lot of time and money.
Starting a business is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a hands-on, interactive course designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs build a strong foundation.
Every business has value—but do you know what actually drives it? Through the Missouri Small Business Development Center, business owners gain access to the confidential Value Builder Assessment, a powerful tool that shows how valuable your business is today and how to increase that value over time.
Running a business means making decisions every day—but it’s easy to miss important details when you’re focused on just one area at a time. GROWTH360 helps business owners step back, see the bigger picture, and make smarter, more confident decisions.
In this 3-part series, you’ll validate your idea through customer discovery and ensure your business concept solves real problems for real, paying customers before investing a lot of time and money.
Starting a business is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a hands-on, interactive course designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs build a strong foundation.
This course is designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs understand the critical role of a Capability Statement in securing government contracts.
Every business has value—but do you know what actually drives it? Through the Missouri Small Business Development Center, business owners gain access to the confidential Value Builder Assessment, a powerful tool that shows how valuable your business is today and how to increase that value over time.
Running a business means making decisions every day—but it’s easy to miss important details when you’re focused on just one area at a time. GROWTH360 helps business owners step back, see the bigger picture, and make smarter, more confident decisions.
Starting a business is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a hands-on, interactive course designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs build a strong foundation.
Kansas City’s tech and innovation scene is growing fast—and if you’re developing a science- or technology-based business, this program helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Running a business means making decisions every day—but it’s easy to miss important details when you’re focused on just one area at a time. GROWTH360 helps business owners step back, see the bigger picture, and make smarter, more confident decisions.
Every business has value—but do you know what actually drives it? Through the Missouri Small Business Development Center, business owners gain access to the confidential Value Builder Assessment, a powerful tool that shows how valuable your business is today and how to increase that value over time.
Starting a business is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a hands-on, interactive course designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs build a strong foundation.
Your tech start-up breakthrough could be closer than you think. Contact us to discover how SBDC can help you find your focus and make your business a reality.