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

Small Business Awards


Exceptional finalists have been selected and announced for the 2024 Small Business Awards!

Get ready to celebrate their achievements with us!



Date: May 9, 2024

Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm

Townsite Ballroom


Check out the website to learn about each business and purchase your tickets today for the awards luncheon!

Purchase Tickets

Small Business Council Training

Dept. of Commerce Certification for Minority and Women Owned Businesses

Join us for an exclusive certification training designed to equip historically underrepresented business with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's competitive market. Featuring the Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Minority and Women Business Development, this comprehensive session aims to empower entrepreneurs by providing essential insights into the certification process.




Date: April 11, 2024

Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Greater Topeka Partnership

St. Francis Community Board Room, 6th Floor

Register Here

Small Business Media Basics With India Yarborough

A crash course in mastering media engagement!

Date: April 17, 2024

Time: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Omni Circle

1301 SW Topeka Blvd

Register Here

Take Part In The Athena Leadership Program's Next Cohort


Calling all aspiring female leaders! Registration is now open for the next session of Topeka's Athena Leadership Program, dates TBD. This empowering initiative is designed to nurture and cultivate the next generation of women leading in business, politics, and beyond. Are you ready to step into your power with purpose? Then, join us on this transformative journey as we break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and embrace the power of unity and collaboration! Together, we'll pave the way for a more diverse, inclusive future. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your potential and make a lasting impact. For more information, visit GoTopeka.com/BecomingAthena or click the link below!

More Info

Doing Business with the City

Ready to tap into new opportunities?

Join us for "How to Offer Your Goods and Services to the City of Topeka!"

Gain insider tips on procurement, contracts, and building strong partnerships. Plus, enjoy a free lunch! Secure your spot now. Registration is required, event is FREE!


Date: April 30, 2024

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Greater Topeka Partnership

St. Francis Community Board Room, 6th Floor

Register Here

Fasttrac - Information Session

Accelerate your entrepreneurial journey with Fast Trac New Venture's 8-week business cohort! Gain essential skills and expert guidance to turn your ideas into reality. Join us and unlock your potential for success!


Date: April 22, 2024

Time: 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm

Zoom

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: Invest 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

Non-Profit 101: Legal Considerations for New Organizations

During this workshop we will discuss the formation process and tax exemption topics including State and Federal level filing. We will also discuss governance areas such as Bylaws, policies and procedures you should have in place for your organization. 


Date: April 11, 2024

Time: 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm

Washburn University School of Law

2073 SW Washburn Terrace E, Rm 150

Register Here

SAVE THE DATE: Education & Industry

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 breakout sessions tailored for all attendees.


 

Date: July 25, 2024

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Topeka Performing Arts Center

Register Here

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

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 11:30 am

See Previous Episodes

Kansas Community Investment Fund

NetWork Kansas introduces the Empower Fund to assist minority for-profit businesses and non-profit entities looking to obtain funding for business projects. This no-match program, a subset of the Kansas Community Investment Fund (KCIF), was created to further the mission of increasing access to funding in socially-disadvantaged populations. For the purposes of this loan program, “minority-owned” is defined as any organization that is at least 51% owned by a non-white person, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latino, and People of Color.

Learn More

How to Get to Know Your Customers better & Why It's Important

It’s not enough to conduct a survey every so often. Engage with customers regularly to understand what they value.

Learn More

Financing Women Owned Business

It’s not enough to conduct a survey every so often. Engage with customers regularly to understand what they value.

Learn More

How to "Spring Clean" Your Business

Spring cleaning can boost motivation and help your business run more efficiently. Here’s how to do it.

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 March and Early April

  • God's Storehouse East
  • Sylvan Learning of Topeka
  • Crunch Fitness
  • UNITS of NE KS
  • Pulito Closets
  • The Mix
  • Wingstop


Ribbon Cuttings Coming Up In April

  • Jamie Hornbaker State Farm
  • 4/9/24 @ 12pm - 2704 NW Topeka Blvd


If you like what you see but aren't yet signed up to receive our "Big News for Small Business" emails, subscribe now at the following link:

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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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