Kansas Small Business Development Center

The Harvest to Market Grant is now accepting applications!

This grant is designed to help local food and farm enterprises in rural Kansas and western Missouri strengthen their post-harvest and go-to-market capacity.

Priority will be given to investments in processing equipment, distribution equipment, logistics systems, and marketing investments that help local food businesses serve local and regional markets more effectively.

Apply here:

Harvest to Market Grant – Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition The Harvest to Market Grant is now open for local food and farm enterprises in rural Kansas and western Missouri. Apply today and strengthen your post-harvest and go-to-market capacity.

🌟 June Employee Spotlight: Tomasa Espino! 🌟

This month, we're highlighting Tomasa Espino, Accounting Specialist for the Kansas SBDC Lead Center. From supporting our statewide network behind the scenes to celebrating client success stories, Tomasa plays an important role in helping Kansas small businesses thrive.

We're grateful to have Tomasa on our team! Learn more about her story and catch the latest Kansas SBDC updates in our June newsletter: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Summer-Sales-Secrets--Tips-to-Thrive.html?soid=1103289319127&aid=6tZtPeOhLks

"𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴."

Behind every successful business is a story of hard work, determination, and support. We're proud to partner with entrepreneurs throughout Kansas as they navigate challenges, identify opportunities, and build stronger businesses.

Thank you to our clients for trusting us to be part of your journey.

Kansas entrepreneurs can find support no matter where they're located.

From rural communities to urban centers, Kansas SBDC advisors provide no-cost business consulting, training, and resources that help businesses start, grow, and thrive. Our statewide network ensures that entrepreneurs across Kansas have access to expert guidance close to home.

Because every Kansas business deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Verizon, in partnership with LISC, will award $10,000 grants throughout the year to eligible small businesses. Submit your application anytime in 2026 and remain eligible all year!

Learn more about grant details @ https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/funding

Behind every growing Kansas business is a story of hard work, resilience, and support. 🌱

At the Kansas SBDC, we’re proud to help entrepreneurs at every stage — from starting a business to expanding operations and strengthening their marketing, planning, and long-term strategy. Testimonials like this from Summit Hill Gardens highlight the real impact small business support can have across Kansas communities.

When Kansas entrepreneurs succeed, our local economies grow stronger. 💼✨

Starting a business takes vision, planning, and the right support system. We’re proud to help entrepreneurs turn their goals into action with personalized guidance and financial planning support.

Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey! 🎉

If you’re ready to take the next step in your business journey, the Kansas SBDC is here to help.

Congratulations to Nick and Andrea Felder, co-founders of Bright Minds Academy in Hays, on being named the 2026 Kansas Rural Small Business Persons of the Year by the SBA! 🎉

Since opening in 2020 with a licensed capacity of 59 children, Bright Minds Academy has grown into a multi-center childcare program employing 100 staff and helping serve hundreds of children across multiple locations.

During Friday’s celebration, SBA Wichita District Director Wayne Bell recognized the Felders’ incredible business growth and impact. The event also included a National Small Business Week proclamation from Hays Mayor Mason Ruder, a Congressional Record recognition presented on behalf of U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, and remarks from Grow Hays.

Congratulations to Bright Minds Academy on this well-deserved recognition and the meaningful work they continue to do for families in Kansas! 🌟

Nominations are open! 👇

Nominations are NOW open for To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards! Help us celebrate the people and businesses doing amazing things for their community and our great state.

Don’t miss this opportunity — nominate yourself or your favorite Kansas business before the June 15 deadline.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3No7St1

Starting a business doesn’t always require a huge upfront investment—it requires a smart strategy.

From lean startups to side hustles, many successful businesses begin with careful planning, market research, and the right guidance. That’s where we come in.

Kansas SBDC offers no-cost advising to help you build a plan that works for your goals and budget.