We hope you enjoy this monthly GO Topeka newsletter geared toward small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups. We'll provide all the local business-related news you need to know about upcoming events, opportunities and much more! To offer feedback or suggestions, contact GO Topeka's Erin Young at Erin.Young@TopekaPartnership.com.
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Cradle-To-Career Momentum Survey Seeking Responses
The GTP, Momentum 2027 executive committee, and "Cradle-to-Career" collaborative coalition (a task force of Momentum 2027) are seeking survey feedback from Partnership members, boards and community professionals to gauge area students' exposure to work-based learning, a set of instructional strategies that engages employers and schools in providing learning experiences for students. The purposes of work-based learning are to build student awareness of potential careers, facilitate student exploration of career opportunities, and begin student preparation for careers. This survey is confidential and shouldn't take more than five minutes. We appreciate your time and input!
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U.S. Chamber Foundation Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Resources
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has resources to help the business community prepare for the next disaster. Whether it’s flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, or hurricane season preparedness, please bookmark these resources so that you and your members are prepared and can recover should disaster strike.
- Readiness for Resilience (R4R) Program
The U.S. Chamber Foundation's R4R Program, developed in partnership with FedEx,
guides businesses on building an emergency action plan through an easy-to-follow
checklist found here. Once a business completes that checklist, they become eligible
to receive a $5,000 grant should FEMA issue an Individual Assistance declaration in
their county.
- Disaster Help Desk for Business
The Disaster Help Desk for Business offers one-on-one expert assistance to small
business owners before, during, and after a disaster strikes. From preparing for
hurricane and wildfire season to unexpected floods or power outages, our team can
help businesses in any disaster stage. By dialing 888-MY-BIZ-HELP or contacting us at
BizHelpdesk@USChamber.com, you’ll be connected to experts who will assist your
business in any disaster stage.
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Small Business Council
The Small Business Council is a leadership group of area entrepreneurs dedicated to work with the support of GO Topeka to promote small business in Shawnee County and equip those businesses for success. GO Topeka empowers small business by relying on local business leaders to influence and shape the conversation about how best to support existing businesses, and assist those who wish to learn how they can grow.
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Disaster Field Operations Center West: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Kansas Small Businesses
Small nonfarm businesses in 12 Kansas counties and neighboring counties in Missouri are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Director Jeffrey Lusk of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Sept. 5.
Primary Kansas counties: Douglas, Johnson and Shawnee;
Neighboring Kansas counties: Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Miami, Osage, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee and Wyandotte;
Neighboring Missouri counties: Jackson and Cass.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Lusk said.
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Business Resources
There are many resources available for businesses. If you can’t find what you are looking for or have questions, please reach out and talk with us!
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Our 2023 State of the Community Is Coming Up
Mark your calendars for Thursday, Nov. 9, and join us at Topeka/Shawnee County's 2023 State of the Community! This year's event will feature comments by Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla and Shawnee County Commission Chair Bill Riphahn, as well as timely and informative panel discussions you won't want to miss. Click the button below to snag your tickets today. Thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this event possible.
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Small Business Council Training Series Presents:
Networking 101 & Beyond
Meetings in person are back, And so are business meals, retreats and networking events. It can feel overwhelming to mix and mingle. But networking is essential for every small business! Register today!
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Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week is a global celebration that occurs from November 13-17, 2023. People come together through local, national, and global events to create solutions for worldwide economic growth. This year, we want to bring Entrepreneurship Week to Topeka to help celebrate our Dream Chasers, Opportunity Makers, and Success Creators who launch startups and bring ideas to life. We want to provide a week full of events that provide knowledge and substance to the entrepreneurs of Topeka! Our goal is to have a robust list of events put on by organizations and people throughout the city for community members choose from during the week!
11/14
- Washburn University's Ichabods of Industry: Ken Schmanke
- GTP Business Unwind: WIBW
11/15
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Kansas Chamber's Kansas Women in Business Conference
- Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Kickoff
11/16
- Propeller End of Year Celebration
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Equity & Opportunity Pitch Contest
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Propeller End of Year Celebration
Join us for an exciting opportunity to learn more about Propeller and celebrate a year of entrepreneurial growth and success. Our end-of-year celebration will feature a captivating keynote address from Tara Dimick, as well as a proclamation by Mayor Michael Padilla in support of Small Business Saturday. This event, held over lunch, is entirely free, and it's a fantastic chance to network, gain insights, and be inspired. Register now to secure your spot and discover the thriving Propeller community. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Equity and Opportunity Pitch Contest
Get ready for our Equity & Opportunity Pitch Contest! We're giving away a total of $38,000 in prizes, four incredible opportunities to win for minority and women entrepreneurs!
Come out and see the different businesses give their pitches for a chance to win big!
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Business Unwind
The Partnership's next Business Unwind is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 5-7 p.m.! Our November networking event is being hosted by WIBW at 631 SW Commerce Pl., Topeka, KS 66615. Business Unwind is a special networking experience hosted by GTP members, for GTP members. It's a great way to expand your network, learn more about the Topeka business scene and have a little fun along the way! To register, click the link below, or mark yourself "going" on the event's Facebook page.
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Small Business Awards Nominations: Now Open!
Exciting News! Nominations for the 2024 Small Business Awards are officially open. GO Topeka has been hard at work behind the scenes to make this year's nomination process even better. Now is your chance to recognize the outstanding businesses that embody the spirit of success in our community. To nominate a deserving business, simply click the link [insert nomination link] and share their story. As nominations come in, these remarkable businesses will be featured on our website. Stay tuned as the journey unfolds, from nominees to finalists, and ultimately to our deserving winners. Your support and participation make these awards a true celebration of local success. Nominate a business today!
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Shop Small, Shop Local Contest
GO Topeka's Shop Small, Shop Local Contest is here! From 11/7 to 11/26, support local businesses by shopping small in Topeka. After your purchases, visit the Welcome Center at 719 S Kansas Ave to snap a photo with your treasures in front of the beautiful painted window. Share your picture as a comment on the original contest announcement post on Facebook for a chance to win. Three lucky winners will be revealed on 11/27. Show your love for our community and take part in this fantastic contest!
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Telemundo: Choose Topeka Goes Viral
We're thrilled to share that Choose Topeka made waves in the digital world, thanks to the viral sensation sparked by Telemundo's coverage! Our mission to showcase Topeka's unique charm and opportunities gained widespread attention, as Telemundo's feature brought our message to countless new eyes and hearts. The enthusiastic response from viewers and social media shares has been overwhelming, reaffirming our belief in the potential of Topeka. We're grateful for the momentum this partnership with Telemundo has generated, and we're more committed than ever to help individuals choose Topeka as their next great adventure.
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Ribbon Cuttings Held in October
- Mission Creek Camp
- Topeka West ReCharger
- CWC Electric
- La Reina's Tequila Lounge
- IHOP
- Wildcat Companies
- Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home
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"Small Business isn't for the faint of heart. It's for the brave, the patient, & the persistent. It's for the overcomer."
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