Small/Minority/Women Business Development

Small/Minority/Women business development can help the prospective or new business owner identify and evaluate existing programs. There are myriad programs which can be of assistance to small, minority, and women entrepreneurs who are starting or expanding their businesses. The office, through the Kansas Department of Commerce, assists socially and economically disadvantaged businesses become certified to do business with large companies or government entitities. Other activities include training programs, seminars, conferences, one-on-one counseling, and business loans.

The Chamber's business development programs offer these services for small businesses and woman- and minority- owned businesses:

• First Step FastTrac entrepreneurial training program
• Washburn SBDC Seminars
• Mentors/Tutors
• First Connection Opportunity Fund micro loan program
• Business Incubator
• Retail Incubator

This office also works with the Topeka/Shawnee County Purchasing Roundtable to facilitate development of business relationships between large and small businesses in the community. The Purchasing Roundtable sponsors the Topeka Small Business Networking Breakfast on a quarterly basis.

For information email Clark Trammell or call him at 785-231-6000.