Kansas SBDC at FHSU
History of the Kansas Small Business Development Center
In October 1983, the U.S. Small Business Administration and eight Kansas institutions of higher education entered into a cooperative arrangement to establish the Kansas Small Business Development Center (Kansas SBDC). Participating Kansas institutions included Emporia State University, Johnson County Community College, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, the University of Kansas, Washburn University, Wichita State University, and Fort Hays State University.
The fundamental goal of the Kansas SBDC was to become an efficient and effective provider of management assistance to new and existing small businesses. Specific objectives included:
- To assist entrepreneurs in development of new small business enterprises and the expansion of existing small businesses.
- To assist small business and industry managers in improving returns on investment and in making more efficient use of resources.
- To reduce business failures through education and application of sound business principles and practices.
Wichita State University was the statewide host of the program from 1983 to 1996. At that time, Fort Hays State University was awarded the contract and has been the grant administrator and statewide host since then.
The Kansas Small Business Development Center Today
While the people may have changed since its inception, the Kansas SBDC still holds fast to the initial objectives. Participating Kansas institutions now include Emporia State University, Johnson County Community College, Seward County Community College, Pittsburg State University, the University of Kansas, Washburn University, Wichita State University, and Fort Hays State University.
The Kansas SBDC helps new entrepreneurs realize their dream of business ownership and assists existing businesses in their efforts to remain competitive. SBDC services enable Kansas entrepreneurs to make better, more informed business decisions, to avoid costly mistakes, and to prepare thorough and complete business plans needed both to obtain financing and to effectively manage their operation.
Our primary purpose is to assist business owners and prospective business owners achieve financial independence and contribute to the economic betterment of their communities by growing their business (Sales) and hiring people.
- 195 New business starts
- $32.2 Million in capital raised
- $39.8 Million in client sales increase
- 4,320 Jobs supported
- 1,326 Businesses helped
- Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with State of Kansas (Department of Commerce) and Fort Hays State University.
- Grant funded national organization providing professional consulting & training to businesses in Kansas.
- Most services are No-Cost and workshops are usually offered at a low cost.
- All data and information remains confidential.
- Our work with you is a partnership. Our job is to advise and guide, help you make informed decisions, and provide resources. Your job is to complete the work. We do not do the work for you!
| Our mission: Help more people. |
| Our vision: Grow Kansas one small business at a time. |
| Our values: Kindness; Integrity; Inclusion; Trust; Ingenuity. |
What We Do
Business Advising
Our clients come to us at a point where they need a team from the outside to provide a fresh look into their businesses. They need help with planning and what needs to happen next. We provide facilitation, support, and market research. We help our clients develop strategies they can live and work with while meeting their current obligations and future goals. We break down the complexity of strategic planning and make it manageable for small businesses to stay focused on their current day-to-day operations while helping them develop plans for the future.
Market Research
Our clients often cannot afford extensive research and become overwhelmed when deciding what data to use. They want to know where to locate and which markets to pursue or avoid. Kansas SBDC provides in-depth market research from a variety of sources. Our team breaks down the complexity of market research. We help operations, sales, or the marketing side of business by finding the data they need and how to use it to make critical marketing decisions.
Training
The Kansas SBDC at FHSU provides various in-person and online training workshops. A list of Kansas SBDC training events are available at Workshops.
Sign up here to become a client!
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.