SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESS START-UP IN KANSAS
Start Up?
Start Smart.
Find Your Focus with real-world business training, one-to-one counseling, and resources to help you get your start up off to a smart start.
Start Up?
Ready to Make Your Big Idea a Business Reality?
Whether your business idea is still in the back-of-the-napkin stage or you’re in the early stages of bringing it to life, it’s important to get on the smartest path possible. And there’s so much to do, it can be hard to know what to focus on next. We can help.
The Small Business Development Center of Missouri at UMKC offers start-up entrepreneurs:
Classes to get you equipped to take the next best steps for your business
Access to local, seasoned professionals who’ve been where you are and give honest advice that comes from experience
Connections to peers, vetted resources, and opportunities for partnerships and funding
Classes for Start-Up
Entrepreneurs
Proof to Profit
Feb 3, 2026
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.
Learn More
StartSmart: Your Business Foundations
Feb 3, 2026
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.
Learn MoreReading & Understanding Financial Statements
Mar 10, 2026
Learn how to read and interpret financial documents, calculate ratios that give you insights into productivity and success, and how to use that information to drive business decisions.
Learn MoreShow Me the Money! Navigating Funding Options for your Business
Mar 17, 2026
Every business needs fuel to grow—and funding is often the key. Show Me the Money! helps entrepreneurs understand their funding options and choose the right path for their business.
Learn MoreBuild your Brand & Marketing Blueprint
Mar 24, 2026
Marketing your small business doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This course helps you slow down, get clear, and build a strong foundation so your marketing actually works for you.
Learn MoreSocial Media Strategies
Mar 31, 2026
Winning on social media isn’t about posting everywhere or chasing trends—it’s about having a clear strategy that fits your brand and your audience.
Learn MoreContent Creation with AI
Apr 7, 2026
AI is transforming how we brainstorm, write, and design—but using it well takes strategy. In this hands-on masterclass, you’ll learn how to use tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and Descript to streamline your creative process without losing your authentic voice.
Learn MoreReading & Understanding Financial Statements
Jul 7, 2026
Learn how to read and interpret financial documents, calculate ratios that give you insights into productivity and success, and how to use that information to drive business decisions.
Learn MoreShow Me the Money! Navigating Funding Options for your Business
Jul 14, 2026
Every business needs fuel to grow—and funding is often the key. Show Me the Money! helps entrepreneurs understand their funding options and choose the right path for their business.
Learn MoreBuild your Brand & Marketing Blueprint
Jul 21, 2026
Marketing your small business doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This course helps you slow down, get clear, and build a strong foundation so your marketing actually works for you.
Learn MoreSocial Media Strategies
Jul 28, 2026
Winning on social media isn’t about posting everywhere or chasing trends—it’s about having a clear strategy that fits your brand and your audience.
Learn MoreContent Creation with AI
Aug 4, 2026
AI is transforming how we brainstorm, write, and design—but using it well takes strategy. In this hands-on masterclass, you’ll learn how to use tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and Descript to streamline your creative process without losing your authentic voice.
Learn MoreReading & Understanding Financial Statements
Oct 20, 2026
Learn how to read and interpret financial documents, calculate ratios that give you insights into productivity and success, and how to use that information to drive business decisions.
Learn MoreShow Me the Money! Navigating Funding Options for your Business
Oct 27, 2026
Every business needs fuel to grow—and funding is often the key. Show Me the Money! helps entrepreneurs understand their funding options and choose the right path for their business.
Learn MoreBuild your Brand & Marketing Blueprint
Nov 3, 2026
Marketing your small business doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This course helps you slow down, get clear, and build a strong foundation so your marketing actually works for you.
Learn MoreSocial Media Strategies
Nov 10, 2026
Winning on social media isn’t about posting everywhere or chasing trends—it’s about having a clear strategy that fits your brand and your audience.
Learn MoreContent Creation with AI
Nov 17, 2026
AI is transforming how we brainstorm, write, and design—but using it well takes strategy. In this hands-on masterclass, you’ll learn how to use tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and Descript to streamline your creative process without losing your authentic voice.
Learn MoreSBDC is Helping StartUp Entrepreneurs Like You
Joel, I wanted to tell you how much our conversation helped me. Honestly, I was drowning and feeling very much incompetent to handle the work ahead. The things you shared with me changed my outlook. I have heard so many people tell me why it won’t work. I know inside myself (selves if you ask my husband) it’s going to. It has to. Now I know that if it gets dark again, which I know it will, I have a lifeline and you have no idea what that means as I have been doing this alone. Besides for that, your after work was awesome and I am so excited to dig in to them first thing in the morning. Thank you so much again, I look forward to becoming one of the stories of success you can share and helping others find the same thing myself. Have a great evening.”
—Deona
How Can We Help You?
Your 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.