On Thursday, May 2, 2024, we're celebrationg
National Small Business Week in a big way!
Join us for the Building a Better Business Growth & Sustainability Conference,
Shop to Celebrate NSBW Market, and E3 Awards Ceremony.
Building a Better Business - A Conference on Growth & Sustainability
Looking for ideas to grow your business, or need some fresh motivation? The Building a Better Business Conference will be filled with actionable strategies, insights, and networking opportunities, all aimed at propelling your business forward. Join us 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 & Bookkeeping Tips
• Everything Human Resources
• Marketing Plans, and much more!
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $25.00 includes lunch
Location: WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex
A special Thank You to our Conference Sponsors
Shop to Celebrate - A Small Business Popup Market
It's always a good day to shop and support local entrepreneurs! Come discover unique products from over 30 local vendors and Mother's Day is right around the corner. Shop to Celebrate NSBW!
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Cost: No Cost to Shop; $20.00 Vendor Fee
Location: WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex
E3 Awards Ceremony & Reception
Every year, regional Kansas Small Business Development Centers choose three clients that exemplify success as an Existing, Emerging, or Exporting (E3) Small Business. The goal is to highlight both the impact small businesses have in our Kansas communities and economy. This year we have also partnered with Wichita State University Strategic Initiatives to also honor local SBIR awardees. The ceremony starts at 4:00 p.m. followed by a brief reception.
Business to be recognized:
• Dibs Boat and RV Storage, 2024 Emerging Small Business of the Year
• Chase Me if You Can Productions LLC, 2024 Existing Small Business of the Year
• Bluewater Aviation, 2024 Exporting Small Business of the Year
• Utopia Modern Salon Suites, 2024 Emerging Small Business of the Year (Kansas SBDC Capital Access Center)
• Burchell Professional Group, SBIR Phase I Award from the Dept. of Defense (Army) & SBIR Phase II Award from the
Dept. of Defense (Navy)
• Fairmount Technologies, LLC, SBIR Phase I Award from the Dept. of Defense (Air Force) & SBIR Phase II Award from
the Dept. Of Defense (Army)
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Cost: No Cost
Location: WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex
NOTICE: Participants in Kansas SBDC events and workshops agree to allow the Kansas SBDC staff and official photographers to photograph and record them in the context of the event. Images captured may be used on Kansas SBDC websites, posted on social media, shared with media outlets, and/or used in future print and electronic promotional materials. For questions or concerns, please call 316-978-3193 or email ksbdc@wichita.edu.
The Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.