Best Small Business Resources in the Overland Park Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Kansas has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Overland Park area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in Kansas.
Resources Available in your Area
Enterprise Center in Johnson County
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The ECJC offers several different workshop series on topics including but not limited to marketing, sales, and budgeting. You can schedule consultations to learn about important startup skills, such as using accounting systems like Quickbooks or practicing your pitch. The ECJC can also link entrepreneurs to local angel investors and other sources of funding. Through this org, you can apply for a mentoring team to advise you. With such a rich variety of services being offered, this enterprise center is sure to be of immense value to anyone looking to start a new business.
Restrictions
Johnson County businesses only.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
4220 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 350B
Fairway, KS 66205
913-438-2282
info@ecjc.com
Kansas SBDC at JCCC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Kansas Women's Business Center
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available
Restrictions
The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
8527 Bluejacket Street
Lenexa, KS 66214
913-492-5922
bstitt@kansascitywbc.com
Overland Park SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Plexpod
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
At Plexpod, you can sign up for coworking plans and book rooms ranging from small offices to large event spaces for your business. The amenities include printing/scanning, cleaning services, locker storage, and even a fitness room. This resource is best for businesses that have already launched or are very close to doing so.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
The Grid
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
The Grid is primarily a coworking organization where your business can rent space and access community resources. These spaces include not only generic offices and conference rooms but also a photography studio. This resource is best for businesses that have already launched or are very close to doing so.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
12022 Blue Valley Parkway
Overland Park, KS 66213
913-754-4743
info@connectatgrid.com