Author: Rebecca Ignowski

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything that has to happen before the holidays, the Last-Minute Holiday Market has you covered. Shop from over 50 small businesses for a gift for everyone on your list. Plus, grab a bite from two food trucks and don’t miss a special visit from Santa.

The holiday market is from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 in Hughes Metropolitan Complex. See the full schedule of the day below:

Shop: Noon-6 p.m.
Lunch with GH Grubz: 11:00 a.m.-1 p.m.
Santa’s visit: 2:30-6 p.m.
Dinner Shawarma UR’s: 5-6:30 p.m.

Visit wichita.edu/ksbdc/holidaymarket2024 for details including a full list of vendors and food truck menus.

Are you a local business owner or startup looking to showcase your products or services this holiday season? Join the Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for its Last-Minute Holiday Market from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex.

Cost to register as a vendor is $20-30. Service providers are welcome if you sell gift certificates.

Join the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State for the Benefits Fair for Small Businesses from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex to discover essential benefits tailored for entrepreneurs. The event will connect you with local benefits experts and plan providers who specialize in helping small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs.

As a budding entrepreneur, you’re dedicated to building a successful business, but don’t forget to prioritize your own well-being. Investing in your health and financial security can help you stay focused, energized and prepared for the challenges ahead.

Explore opportunities in:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• And more

Take the next step in building a thriving business and a fulfilling life.

Calling all Wichita entrepreneurs and supporters: The Martin Pringle #WichitaWins Small Business and Startup Trade Show from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4 in Groover Labs — 334 St. Francis — hosted in collaboration with the Kansas Small Business Development Center, is a chance to discover local businesses, network with like-minded individuals and help shape the future of Wichita’s entrepreneurial scene.

Here’s how you can be a part of the action:

• Be inspired: The event will kick off in the morning with a presentation by Startup Grind, a global community that connects startups and fosters innovation.
• Connect: Browse the trade show floor to learn about twenty innovative businesses and startups.
• Vote: Cast your vote for the most promising venture. Your vote helps determine who competes in the pitch competition for a $2,500 prize.

Wichita Startup Week, in collaboration with Techstars, offers a week of panel discussions, sessions and workshops across programming designed to transform a business idea into reality.

Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders: Get ready to take your pitch to the next level at the 1 Million Cups Wichita event starting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 in the Hughes Metropolitan Complex during Wichita Startup Week.

Instead of listening to pitches, you’re invited to be the star of the show. Grab a cup of coffee, get some quick pitch pointers and take the stage to practice your 90-second elevator pitch in a supportive and fun environment. After the pitch practice, stick around for networking, festivities and a few surprises (think popcorn and cotton candy).

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hone your pitch and network with fellow entrepreneurs. No registration required but RSVPing is encouraged.

Join the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) at Wichita State University for the 2024 Small Business Marketing Meetup from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 17 at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex.

KSBDC is excited to host local food trucks, Honey & Rue’s and Argentina’s Empanadas, as past of the 2024 Small Business Marketing Meetup.

Menu highlights:

• Argentina’s Empanadas: Gaucho Corn, Tango Beef, Mar Del Plata (Shrimp), Boca Ham or Mini Deep Dish Pizza
• Honey & Rue’s Subs: Rodeo, Buckle Bunny, Rancher, Cowboy, Barrel Racer

This event is open to the public.

Join the Kansas Small Business Development Center for 1 Million Cups, a free, weekly event designed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 17 at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex. This nationwide program brings together aspiring and experienced business owners for education, engagement and connection.

What to expect:

• Hear inspiring talks from local entrepreneurs about their journeys
• Network with fellow innovators and build valuable connections
• Get feedback and advice on your own business ideas

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your existing venture, 1 Million Cups is the perfect place to be. Come grab a cup of Reverie coffee, connect with your community and fuel your entrepreneurial fire.

Are you a small business leader feeling stuck in your marketing efforts or a hopeful entrepreneur, student or faculty curious about what insights local experts have to share? You can join the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) for the 2024 Small Business Marketing Meetup from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17 at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex.

Here’s what to expect:

• Unlock marketing expertise: Learn from industry experts on content creation, website optimization, video marketing, AI for business, and much more!
• Mastermind with movers and shakers: Network with fellow entrepreneurs and share successful strategies.
• Fuel your hustle: Discover fresh ideas and recharge your creativity.

There is no cost to attend, and the KSBDC asks that attendees show some love and grab lunch from Honey and Rue’s or Argentina’s Empanadas.

Space is limited. Registration will close at noon Monday, July 15 or when sold out.

Come discover unique products from over 30 local vendors just in time for Mother’s Day from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2 in the Hughes Metropolitan Complex.

The pop-up market is hosted by the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State as part of its day-long celebration of National Small Business Week.

The Building a Better Business Conference from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex will be filled with actionable strategies, insights and networking opportunities, all aimed at propelling existing businesses forward.

Join the conference for:

• Opening with Wayne Bell, district director at U.S. Small Business Administration
• Keynote by Janelle King of the Workroom & Garages
• Closing comments from Gene Camarena of La Raza Pizza, Inc.
• Informative workshops on
  • AI for small businesses
  • Cybersecurity obtaining financing
  • Improving your online presence
  • Tax and bookkeeping tips
  • Everything Human Resources
  • Marketing plans and much more

The conference is co-hosted by the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State and SCORE Great Wichita as part of a full day celebration of National Small Business Week. Registration is $25 Sponsorships are still available.