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Home > Frequent Questions Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step I need to take to get started in my business? Consultants at the KSBDC are well versed in startup issues. Connecting with your regional KSBDC office is one of the smartest first steps you can take in starting your business. They have also completed an online resource guide for startups. To access this information, click here. Additionally, contact your local KSBDC to inquire about assistance and trainings that are provided in your area. To sign up as a KSBDC client, click here. Where can I get a "Grant" for a business? Our experience shows that grant money is rarely made available to for-profit ventures for purposes of obtaining capital. Only under special circumstances where technology is involved do grant opportunities exist for private for-profit businesses. There are several web sites on which one can search for available grant monies. To learn more about grants, click here. How can the KSBDC help my business? The KSBDC provides no cost one-to-one consulting and low cost educational workshops. Business counseling is offered in financial management, accounting, marketing, human resources, operations, information technology, and many other areas. Workshops topics include exploring entrepreneurship, writing a business plan, marketing your business, introduction to QuickBooks, marketing on the internet, strategic planning, and many others. Click here to become a KSBDC client. I already own a business; can I still use the KSBDC? Yes, our KSBDC consultants have extensive professional knowledge and expertise in many areas of business operations such as marketing, management, operations, expansion, cash flow analysis, inventory control, strategic planning, and pricing your product. If your business meets the size standards of the SBA, you will be able to access the free and confidential business consulting offered by the KSBDC. If your issue is outside of the scope of your KSBDC consultants competencies, they will tap into a large network of business experts across the country to assist your company. Does the KSBDC loan money for my business startup? The KSBDC does not provide loan or grant money. The KSBDC will assist you in developing your business plan and financial projections, and identifying potential sources of capital. The planning work the KSBDC can help you with is instrumental in obtaining capital. Additionally, the KSBDC consultants are well versed in various sources of capital. The KSBDC consultants have prepared web resource guides for access to capital and for micrloans. Click on the links to visit these pages. Does the KSBDC provide legal services? The KSBDC does not provide legal services but we will provide you with a list of various legal providers in your area for specific legal services. In addition we will provide you with information about the primary forms of business (sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company and either a C-corporation or Subchapter S-corporation. You can obtain additional information on our web resource listing by clicking here. Does the KSBDC provide accounting services? A KSBDC consultant will be able to assist you in getting started with questions you need to ask your accountant/bookkeeper, what forms you need and the business regulations you need to know about. The KSBDC will also provide you a list of accounting firms and/or bookkeepers in your area that can address your needs. You can obtain additional information on our accounting web resource listing by clicking here. How often will I need to meet with the KSBDC before I can get a business loan? This depends on your ability to commit the time and energy toward the writing of your business plan. There are never guarantees as to whether or not the lending institution will provide you a loan. A business plan is a vital tool for anyone desiring to start a business or expand an existing business. Your KSBDC consultant will be able to provide more insight into the number of meetings they would suggest based on your current and individual situation. How do I know if my business needs a license? Business licensing varies by the type of business you are forming and the location of your business. To start this process, check with the following organizations:
Your KSBDC consultant can also guide you through the process of registering your business. How do I register my business name in Kansas? The first step is to check your Name Availability to see if it is already taken. Another intelligent step is to check the US Trademark Registry to see if the name has already been registered by another company. Your name will automatically registered with the state if you file corporation or LCC documents with the Kansas Secretary of State. If you wish to trademark your name, click here for more information. How do I get a Kansas Tax ID? You can apply for your Kansas Tax ID from the Kansas Department of Revenue. The publication that explains the application process can be accessed by clicking here. To access the online form for the Kansas Tax Application, click here. To print a copy of this application to complete, click here.What's a business plan and how do I write one? A business plan simply takes the ideas relating to the desired future of the business and commits them to paper in an organized format. A business plan is a great way to be proactive about designing a business that will provide you with the rewards you seek from it. A business plan is almost always necessary to access capital. A plan is also a great idea even if you do not need to access capital; startup businesses can use them to be more deliberate and organized in launching their companies and existing firms can be more strategic in their management approach. Consultants with the KSBDC are very well trained in helping clients write business plans. Working with your KSBDC consultant is an excellent step. A resource guide has been prepared to assist with writing a business plan that can be accessed by clicking here.Where are you located? The KSBDC is a network of service centers located throughout Kansas. There are 8 regional centers and 2 outreach centers in the KSBDC network. Between these 10 centers, all 105 counties in Kansas are covered. To locate the KSBDC office nearest you, please click here.Can I see a consultant without an appointment? We would suggest scheduling an appointment to meet with a KSBDC consultant. Additionally, if you are a new KSBDC client, there are some application forms which need to be completed. To learn about how to become a KSBDC client, click here.With whom does KSBDC work or partner? The KSBDC network partners with many players in the economic development world in Kansas, including Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Professions, and Lending Institutions. In addition, the KSBDC partners with governments, including federal, state, and local. Additionally, each KSBDC center is hosted by an educational institution. Click here to see a listing of our financing partners. The goal of the KSBDC is to work with all players interested in seeing entrepreneurship flourish in our communities; because of this, we seek and excel through many important partnerships. |
2007 Success Stories
Video of the 2007 award recipients. The 2007 Emerging and Existing Businesses of the Year are: A Box 4 U Wichita CHC Creative Remodeling Lenexa Chavez Restoration Lawrence and Topeka Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates Wichita Fox Pavilion Hays Front Row Sports Garnett JC Mortgage and Title Company Junction City Johnny Brusco's New York Style Pizza Overland Park KC's Cippi Salsa Hugoton and Kismet Pony Express Service Center, LLC Hanover Protown Glass and Body Protection Sensei Salon Emporia Smith Audio Visual, Inc. Topeka Sunflower Gymnastics Burlington, Emporia, and Osage City Sunflower Home Health, Inc., Garden City The Decorum, Pittsburg The Feathered Nest Belleville The Western Times Sharon Springs Wheat State Pizza Lawrence (with other locations throughout Kansas and Missouri)
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