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The bootcamps will focus on training and instruction in three areas — Strategies for Improving Financial Management, Thrifty Marketing, and Using AI Tools to Support Business Management — and are free for business owners to attend.
The workshop series is being funded by a $100,000 federal grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to the Kansas Small Business Development Lead Center, which is partnering with the Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University.
In August 2023, Gov. Laura Kelly declared a drought emergency for 55 counties, issuing warnings or watches for the remaining 50 counties. The economic repercussions of this prolonged drought have been profound. The Kansas Department of Agriculture estimates that the drought has taken a toll of approximately $1.8 billion on the state's economy.
Within the three focus areas, workshop attendees can expect to learn critical topics such as managing cash flow, planning for profitability, and facilitating access to capital; how to connect with customers, low-cost marketing techniques, and leveraging the potential of social media to reach a broader audience; and how to utilize AI tools to enhance managerial capacity and unlock innovative solutions and growth opportunities.
“The specialized assistance we are planning aims to tackle the distinctive economic challenges faced by small businesses,” said Kansas SBDC Director Greg Jordan.
Business owners should register for the March 1 Bootcamp at pittstate.edu/businessbootcampchanute
Bootcamps also will be held on March 14 in Emporia, March 18 in Hutchinson, March 20 in Dodge City, March 22 in Hays, and March 26 in Concordia. Business owners may register for those at pittstate.edu/businessbootcamps
Questions? Email Laurie Pieper, Kansas SBDC assistant state director, or call 785-628-4563.
The Kansas Small Business Development Center serves approximately 3,500 distinct clients annually through its one-on-one advisory centers located across 13 offices throughout the state, including the Kansas SBDC Regional Center at Pitt State. The Pitt State SBDC is headquartered at Block22 in Downtown Pittsburg and is part of the Economic Development and Community Engagement division of the university. Details: pittstatesmallbusiness.com
