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Need assistance with navigating local resources, expanding your network, or accessing funding opportunities? Let's connect and see how we can help propel your business forward. Contact our Director of Small Business & Entrepreneurship at Stephanie.Norwood@TopekaPartnership.com

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.

Training & Events

Global Entrepreneurship Week

November 11-15, 2024


Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an annual celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship held in over 170 countries. It aims to inspire people to explore their entrepreneurial potential and connects aspiring entrepreneurs with collaborators, mentors, and resources. This event features various activities, such as workshops, competitions, networking events, and keynote speeches, all designed to foster a culture of entrepreneurship.


This year, Global Entrepreneurship Week will be held from November 11-15. If you or your business are planning any relevant activities, now is the perfect time to get involved. Whether you’re hosting an event, offering a special promotion, or simply raising awareness about entrepreneurship, participating in GEW is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. Share your plans and events to amplify their reach and impact!


We want to help promote your event!

Email Stephanie.Norwood@TopekaPartnership.com

Learn More

Emerge Business Academy: Information Session

August 27th - November 12th.

Every Tuesday from 6pm - 9 pm

Graduation November 19th.

Learn More

Education & Industry Summit

Join us on July 25th from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (doors open at 8:30 am) for an enlightening journey at our Education and Industry Summit!


Our keynote speaker, Mark Perna, will unravel strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of work and education, empowering the next generation to soar to their highest potential. Perna is a renowned generational workforce expert and Forbes contributor, this summit promises insights that will reshape your approach to education and workforce development.


During lunch hour a boxed lunch will be served. In the afternoon, dive deep into relevant topics with engaging panel discussions tailored for all attendees.


 

Date: July 25, 2024

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Topeka West High School Auditorium


Sponsored by: KBS Constructors


Register Here

Young Innovators Market Contest

There will be learning sessions prior to the contest. All youth 7th-12th grade (2024-2025 school year) are encouraged to participate!


Learning sessions are optional, but opportunities for you to learn about creating a market booth, pricing and strategies to engage with customers.


Rules:

  • Youth must be residents or attending school in Shawnee County
  • Youth must be in 7th-12th grade
  • All products being sold must be listed in the application and must be approved prior to the contest by the contest organizers 


Date: July 12, 2024

Time: 6pm

Evergy Plaza

Register Here

Century Business Technologies

Cybersecurity: Thinking Like a Bad Actor

In real terms, businesses need a comprehensive solution that protects their employees, clients, vendors, and keeps their business operating! We will cover issues such as access point risks, how to protect business, and how to mitigate problems when they arise.


Date: July 11, 2024

Time: 11am

Webinar

Register Here

Sales Tax for Construction Contractors

If you provided plumbing, carpentry, electrical, roofing, heating/air conditioning, landscaping, oil field services, etc. you'll want to attend this specialized in-person workshop. Presented in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Revenue, we'll focus exclusively on sales tax issues for construction contractors and subcontractors. We will cover how sales tax applies to materials and labor, Project Exemption Certificates, sales tax returns, billing, etc.



Date: July 11, 2024

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Omni Circle Group

Register Here

Retail Sales Tax

This in-person workshop is presented in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Revenue and is devoted to explain the differences between the Kansas Retailers' Sales Tax, the Kansas Retailers' Compensating Use Tax. You will gain a basic understanding of the goods and services subject to sales tax. It will also explain the record keeping and filling requirements, form preparation, how to use exemption certificates, and Withholding Tax.



Date: July 11, 2024

Time: 1:00 pm 4:00 pm

Location: Omni Circle Group

Register Here

QuickBooks for Small Business

In this QuickBooks workshop you will get information that will include What the government requires, how to track your income and expenses, and understand the three main accounting reports, as well as how to use the automated software for your needs. QuickBooks is the most used finance software for small business.





Date: July 17, 2024

Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Location: Omni Circle Group

Register Here

Business Unwind


Are you looking to increase your network, explore the Topeka business scene and have some fun along the way? Then unwind with us at Security Benefit!

Register Here

Women's Forum: Investing In Her

Didn't get to register for the Spring Women's Forum? No worries! Save the date for the Fall Women's Forum, presented by Envista Credit Union.


More details to come!




Date: October 17, 2024

Time: 8:00 am- 11:00 am

Cost: $20

More Information

Rise & Thrive Conference

The Rise & Thrive Conference is an in-person experience where women from all walks of life evolve with intention to create the lives they desire.

Embark on your empowerment journey at the second-annual Rise & Thrive Conference, where women from diverse backgrounds will gather to form new connections, learn how to take action toward their goals, and expand their mindsets. 

 

Date: August 16-17, 2024

Register Here

Small Business Incentives

Omni Circle Events

Shop Small, Shop Local

RESOURCES

Skip Instant Grants

Skip Instant Grants are accepted on a rolling basis, providing funding opportunities with shorter turnaround windows. Applicants are required to participate in Skip’s YouTube livestream during the selection process. Learn more about these ongoing funding opportunities by following Skip on social media.


More Info

Intuit Quickbooks Grant Program

What would you do with $10,000 and business coaching? Whether you invest in marketing to reach new customers, upgrade old equipment, or hire a team, you'll have the resources you need to grow.


The Intuit QuickBooks Grant Program is offering $200,000 in funding for small businesses, awarding 20 U.S.-based small business owners $10,000 each, along with business mentorship resources to help drive their success. To be eligible, entrants must have been actively operating for a minimum of one year at the time they apply and must have less than 100 employees. Applications are accepted through June 30.


More Info

U.S. Chamber of Commerce - CO-100

The 2024 CO— 100 recognition program celebrates the achievements of 100 small and medium-sized U.S. enterprises, spotlighting their innovation and role in driving economic growth and community development. A total of ten businesses will be awarded $2,000 each, with one ultimate winner receiving $25,000 as America’s Top Small Business of the Year. Applications can be submitted online until July 8.


More Info

To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

Nominations are open!


This is your chance to recognize outstanding businesses and individuals who are doing great things in Kansas!


2024 award categories:

  • AgriBusiness
  • Apprenticeship Champions and Partners
  • Business Innovation
  • Healthcare/Nonprofit
  • Manufacturing/Distribution
  • Non-Traditional Talent Pools 
  • Retail/Service 
  • Under 30 Entrepreneurs 
  • Welcome Back


Nominations will be accepted until Friday, July 12, 2024

Nominate A Business

Government Gab

Join your host, Topeka Chamber President Juliet Abdel, for this broadcast of Government Gab, the weekly live broadcast keeping you connected to your chamber!





When: Every Thursday at 11:00 am

See Previous Episodes

6 Tips for Becoming a Supplier to a Big Business

Becoming a supplier for a large business is no simple task. Discover six ways to improve your marketability and scale up your business.

Learn More

A Small Business Guide to Setting up an E-Commerce Business

Startups and existing brands maximize sales through online channels. Explore e-commerce examples, costs, and technologies to build your strategy.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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!

See Business Resources

Business Startup Checklist

How Start

A Business

Workshop

Propeller

Program

Partnership Perks

Chamber Blue of Kansas

Ribbon Cuttings Held in June

  • Family Forward
  • Topeka Elite
  • April Kelsey, Farm Bureau Financial Services
  • Russell Cellular
  • Bomgaars
  • Amethyst Treasures
  • Sweat Eats by Kelly
  • Sagnom Fashion
  • Toppers Pizza
  • Rancho El Coyote Restaurant
  • Interim Healthcare


Ribbon Cuttings Coming Up In July

  • MTAA
  • 7/2/24 @ 10am - Philip Billard Airport, 3600 NE Sardou Ave
  • Topeka Civic Theater
  • 7/3/24 @ 10am - 3028 SW 8th Ave
  • Precision Studios Barber Academy
  • 7/8/24 @ 11am - 3411 S Kansas Ave, ste D
  • Higher Grounds Coffee W/ Laird Noller
  • 7/9/24 @ 3pm - 2200 SW Topeka Blvd



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Thank you to our Innovation Benefactors


If interested in becoming a sponsor, please reach out to Ashlee.Spring@TopekaPartnership.com

"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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