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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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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Fundamentals of Export Control Compliance
Export control compliance can be complicated. With export control classification, licensing, restricted party screening, technology transfer risks (and more) to keep in mind, compliance newcomers often wonder where to begin.
CTP's upcoming webinar, "Fundamentals of Export Control Compliance," is a great first step to build your knowledge base and recognize your export compliance requirements and priorities. Join us on Wednesday, December 6th from 1-2pm EST for a 60-minute webinar presented by industry experts Rick Phipps & Dominica Dul.
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Propeller Mentorship Network
The Propeller program offers a comprehensive entrepreneurial experience by pairing aspiring business owners with seasoned mentors. This dynamic partnership provides invaluable guidance and support throughout the journey of launching or growing a business. Through a minimum of three dedicated meetings, the program fosters a strong connection between the entrepreneur and mentor, ensuring a personalized approach that accommodates both parties' schedules. This flexible scheduling underscores Propeller's commitment to convenience and effectiveness, empowering entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of business ownership while benefiting from the wisdom and insights of experienced mentors.
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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 Vaerus Aviation!
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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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Funding Options for Disabled Entrepreneurs
Disabled entrepreneurs face challenges in the workforce. Here’s a list of funding sources, programs, and resources to help them succeed.
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9 Small Business Growth Strategies for 2024
Business leaders and entrepreneurs share their top small business growth strategies for the year ahead. These small business growth strategies, as told by entrepreneurs, can serve as a guide for both new and seasoned business owners as we head into 2024.
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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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The Must-Know Ways Small Business Will Change in 2024
Business leaders share their expert predictions on how the state of small business will change this coming year.
From technological advancements to shifts in consumer and employee demand, small businesses must continuously adapt to market changes. With 2023 winding down, many entrepreneurs are looking ahead to 2024 and adjusting their strategies to meet the needs of the business climate.
To help entrepreneurs position themselves for success in the coming year, seven business leaders share their predictions on how small business will change in 2024.
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5 Steps To Take Immediately If Your Business Is Hacked
Cyberattacks cripple company operations, but swift action can reduce damage. Here’s how to respond to a security incident.
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Net Promoter Score Survey
Hey Topeka and Shawnee County, as part of the Momentum 2027 initiative, we're eager to hear your thoughts on our community's support and pride levels. We've launched a Net Promoter Score survey to make it super easy for you to share your insights!
This metric allows us to consistently measure how our community feels about itself over time, helping us gauge the overall success of Momentum 2027. It's a quick and straightforward survey that won't take up much of your time – in fact, you could probably complete it faster than you read this post!
We'd greatly appreciate your participation in this survey. Your input is invaluable, and it helps us make our community even better. Click the link or scan the code to get started and have your say today!
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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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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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Congrats to our Equity and Opportunity Pitch Contest Winners!
The Greater Topeka Partnership and GO Topeka are excited to announce four winners were selected from participants of the 2023 Equity and Opportunity Pitch Competition held Thursday evening in downtown Topeka. The pitch contest offered a chance for aspiring entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups to present their innovative ideas to some of the area’s business decision makers, competing for a portion of the $38,000 prize pool.
Eleven entrepreneurs and new business owners participated in Thursday’s pitch contest. Taking home first place was Chef Lamona Scroggins, who pitched her frozen gumbo product that will soon be offered in local grocery stores. Chef Lamona is well known for her gumbo and will offer chicken and sausage gumbo; a shrimp, chicken and sausage option; as well as a vegetarian option. Her frozen gumbos may be taken home and prepared according to directions, making her coveted creole cuisine even more accessible. Scroggins secured $15,000 from the pitch contest to make that expansion into stores possible.
The following pitch contest winners were also recognized:
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2nd place – The Grind Coaching & Consulting, Fatima Luthi for a new mobile app ($10,000)
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3rd place – Paletas Royale ice cream, Estaban Polanco ($8,000)
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4th place – Topeka Treats, Jaime Davis ($5,000)
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Shop Small, Shop Local Contest
The winner of the GO Topeka's Shop Small, Shop Local Contest is Karen Douglas-Tanquary! Thank you Karen for shopping small and shopping local, especially this holiday season!
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Ribbon Cuttings Held in November
- Wildcat Companies
- Vetco Total Care
- Build-A-Bear @ Bonkers
- McCrite Plaza Memory Care
- 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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