Businesses interested in expanding will get a jump start from Business in Motion: Making Business Expansion Easier, a new program offered by the Wichita State University Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC).
Area economic development professionals, lenders, legislators and other KSBDC partners received invitations to the Business in Motion launch event so they will better understand the program and begin referring business owners to Wichita State’s KSBDC.
The media are welcome to attend the launch event from 3:30-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 East 29th St. North. There will be a short presentation at 4 p.m.
Business in Motion targets businesses interested in expanding through export, government contracts, franchise, new products, new markets and the Web.
'Ready, set, go'
Wichita State KSBDC Regional Director Marcia Stevens explains that the program offers a simple “ready, set, go” process to take some of the struggle and stress out of business expansion.
“We will work with businesses using market research and financial analysis tools so that they can better define their growth potential,” said Stevens. “Next, we will help them with any combination of strategic planning, business planning and action planning that is appropriate for their unique situation.”
After initial meetings with business owners, the WSU KSBDC staff will put together a team to work with them on their expansion plans.
For example, when working with a business exploring export opportunities, staff might bring in representatives from the Kansas Department of Commerce Trade Development, the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance and the Kansas World Trade Center.
“With key resources around the table, the expansion process will be much easier,” said Stevens.
The WSU KSBDC will offer 19 Business in Motion workshops before the end of the year. These workshops will provide practical information for businesses ready to expand. A schedule is available at http://www.wichita.edu/businessinmotion.
Business owners interested in the Business in Motion program may call the WSU KSBDC at (316) 978-3193 to schedule an appointment.