August 04, 2020EntrepreneurshipWorkforceplacemakingsmall business

KSBDC helps Wichita entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses

By Matthew Ferguson, Marketing Intern

  • On July 30, 1983, KSBDC set out to help Wichita entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. 
  • Marcia Stevens is the regional director of KSBDC.
  • Over the past five years, KSBDC has helped start 250 businesses, create or retain more than 4,000 jobs, access almost $130 million in capital, and increase sales by more than $215,000,000.

Shortly after COVID-19 struck the United States, businesses all over the country were forced to temporarily shut down. Many of them, though, had to close their doors for good due to a lack of cash flow.

Wichita State University’s Kansas Small Business Administration (KSBDC) is doing its part to provide aid to Wichita entrepreneurs as they try to resume normalcy.

“We want to be an economic driver for Kansas,” said Marcia Stevens, regional director of KSBDC.  

KSBDC helps businesses learn how to write a business plan, develop marketing strategies, create a business valuation, locate market research, and develop websites and social media. 

“We look at all aspects of the business, identify issues and help them decide on their next steps,” Stevens said. 

KSBDC offers webinars, conferences, advising and training. One of their webinar series is called “Start Your Side-Gig” and teaches people how to create a low-investment business to bring in additional income.

We are a free service, so I hope people will take advantage of what we offer.
Marcia Stevens
Regional director of KSBDC

KSBDC is one of many small business development centers across the United States. These centers are federally funded and offer most of their services for free. 

“The majority of our training is free, and all of our advising is free,” Stevens said. 

KSBDC clients have gone on to be very successful. Some noteworthy clients include Reverie Coffee Roasters, Eric Fisher Academy, Ember Technology Inc., and Fiber Dynamics.  

“One of the greatest benefits of working with the KSBDC has been the connections with individuals who can aid and serve as a resource,” said Darrin Teeter, founder and CEO of Fiber Dynamics Inc. 

Over the past five years, KSBDC helped 250 businesses create or retain more than 4,000 jobs, access almost $130 million of capital, and increase sales by more than $215,000,000.

“We’ve helped a lot of people,” Stevens said. 

She believes entrepreneurs need just a little support to turn their dreams into reality. She hopes KSBDC can be a part of their journey. 

“We are a free service, so I hope people will take advantage of what we offer,” Stevens said.

For more information, call 316-978-3193 or visit KSBDC.