Free Resources (KCMO)

State & Local Government (KCMO)

https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/human-relations/certification-and-compliance/minority-women-and-disadvantaged-business-enterprise-mwdbe

Obtain your Minority, Women and Disadvantage Business Enterprise certification. Attend certification workshops held monthly. 

https://www.kcmo.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8184/637831905824100000

Mentor and Protégé Program assisting small business seeking to move to the next level.  Develops and builds working relationships between business mentors and certified proteges. See brochure link for more info. 

https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/general-services/procurement-services/procurement-frequently-asked-questions

FAQ about Procurement and doing business with the city. Covers topics like becoming a Vendor or Supplier, find out about upcoming bid opportunities. 

https://www.kcvworks.org/business

Business services page for employers looking for workforce services like customized training programs, creating and posting jobs, work-based learning programs such as internships, apprenticeships, On-the-Job Trainings, and skill development for your employees.  Wages and salaries may be covered depending on program.

https://dhewd.mo.gov/WDB/

Missouri Workforce Development Board representing individuals, businesses and organizations across the State. The mission is to engage employers, education providers, economic development and other stake holders to help the workforce development system achieve the purpose of WIOA (Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act). 

Small Business (KCMO)

https://sbtdc.umkc.edu/urban-growth-initiative-training-programs/

A selection of Urban Growth Initiative Programs includes various Elevation Labs for growth, technology and new ventures. Must live or own a business in Kansas City, MO. Accepted participants pay $75 for one training and additional single training at no cost.  Other training includes Social Media Roadmap for Business and Pitching to Investors. 

https://community.umkc.edu/engagements/umkc-innovation-studio/

The Innovation Studio is available for community use and provides access to new technologies for rapid prototyping. Take your idea from the earliest stages to production. 

https://community.umkc.edu/engagements/entrepreneurial-and-intellectual-property-legal-services-clinic/

Small businesses unable to afford legal advice at the market rate can participate in this Legal Services Clinic and Intellectual Property Clinic. The clinic serves new or established entrepreneurs.  Free services. 

https://www.kcsourcelink.com/

Your guide to entrepreneurship in Kansas City; Start your business, Find Funding and Get Help. No cost.

https://www.kcsourcelink.com/scale-up

Scale Up! Kansas City. Helping small businesses transition from running their business to growing them.  Four-month immersion program for business owners in courses that will connect them with a high caliber network of peers, resources and mentors to change the trajectory of their business. 

https://www.kcsourcelink.com/blog

A variety of blogs to follow the latest on Protecting your Business from Cybersecurity attacks and hackers, Prepping your KC business for 2023 like a Boss, Connections going into 2023 and Beyond. 

https://sbtdc.umkc.edu/elevationlab/scholarship-programs/

Missouri SBDC at UMKC offers scholarships on a first come, first served basis for training. Other scholarships are available. See the link for training classes available.  https://sbtdc.umkc.edu/events/

https://heartlandblackchamber.com/

Nonprofit organization partnering with all types of business owned and operated by black business entrepreneurs. Core focus on launching, developing, promoting, sustaining and growth of the black community.  Covers Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. 

https://kansascitywbc.com/grow-your-business/growing-your-business

The Women’s Business Center has Growth Mentoring Services for growing your business. The program connects experienced entrepreneurs with a team of skilled volunteer mentors. This group mentoring approach meets in sessions to provide practical, day-to-day advice and coaching.  Workshops, seminars and one-on-one consultations.  No cost. Services the entire metropolitan area of Kansas City on both sides of the State line. 

ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRY

https://www.kcsourcelink.com/resource-navigator

Resource navigator to search over 200 business resource organizations in the Kansas City area.  Find the right resource to reach your next milestone.

https://www.kcsourcelink.com/gew

Global Entrepreneurship Week is an international celebration of the makers, innovators and job creators who launch startups, bring ideas to life and advance entrepreneurship. Sign up for the Newsletter and get a free custom plan for your business. 

https://connectionstosuccess.org/success-accelerator/

Success Accelerator membership network and training to help other organizations and groups break the cycle of poverty in their communities. Offer evidence-based strategies tailored to your goals and your participants. 

Grants/Funding (KCMO)

https://www.kcsourcelink.com/capital-match

Entrepreneurs can indicate what kind of capital they are seeking. Alerts about early-stage investment opportunities fitting the criteria will be sent to investors. 

https://hccgkc.com/hispanic-chamber-wells-fargo-fresco-marketing-grant/

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Wells Fargo and Fresco Marketing awarding 10-$10,000 grants to Hispanic owned business. You do not have to be a Hispanic Chamber member to apply. Cost for membership applies. 

https://docs.kclibrary.org/#/community-reference/nonprofit

The Kansas City Public Library is a Funding Information Network Partner of the Foundation Center, a grants research center based in New York. Schedule an appointment with the library’s Small Business Engagement Specialist to assist in conducting industry research or developing a marketing plan.   There are links for grant and non-profit resources.