Starting a Business? Get Everything You Need with These Missouri Classes, Workshops

Starting a Business? Get Everything You Need with These Missouri Classes, Workshops

No entrepreneur can go it alone. Fortunately, you don’t have to! There are tons of programs and classes designed to help Missourians like you start their businesses.

Maybe you have a big idea but need to test feasibility. Or perhaps you need to learn how to think like an entrepreneur. Or maybe your to-do list includes writing a business plan, developing a market strategy, selecting a business structure, getting answers to legal questions and figuring out business finances. No matter your need, there’s a class to show you the way.

Check out these upcoming programs around the state and online. Get ready to learn, grow and thrive!

 

1 Million Cups

Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs who want to connect with other business owners and gain insight on how to improve their ventures.

What is it? Local entrepreneurs give short presentations about their startups to potential partners, mentors and investors. Then, there’s a discussion with feedback and questions. The people presenting and those listening learn what it takes to build a successful business.

When: Every week

Where and how to apply:

· Columbia: Wednesdays, 9 a.m., online and Regional Economic Development Offices, Columbia, Missouri

· Joplin: Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m., Advanced Training and Technology Center, Joplin, Missouri

· Kansas City: Tuesdays, 9 a.m., online and Plexpod Westport Commons, Kansas City, Missouri

· Sedalia: Wednesdays, 10 – 11 a.m., Thompson Conference Center, State Fair Community College, Sedalia, Missouri

· Springfield: Wednesdays, 9 a.m., Bambino’s Café, Springfield, Missouri

· St. Louis: Wednesdays, 9 a.m., Center for Emerging Technologies, St. Louis, Missouri

Cost: Free 

 

SCORE – St. Louis How to Start and Manage Your Own Business

Who’s it for? People who want to know if they have what it takes to start and run a business.

What is it? This workshop will help you assess your prospects and give you the initial direction you need to start a business. You’ll have the opportunity to network with other business-minded people and come away inspired.

When: Saturday, Feb. 5 or Saturday, March 5, 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here for March 5. 

 

Score – St. Louis Startup 101

Who’s it for? People who have an idea for a startup but don’t know where to begin.

What is it? This lunch and learn will cover value proposition, target market, revenue models and more. You’ll learn how to forecast revenue and expenses and find out what you need to do legally to start a business. Get ready for lots of information and inspiration.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 16 or March 23, 12 – 1 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here for March 23. 

 

Missouri SBDC at UMKC The First Steps to Starting a Business

Who’s it for? Anyone who’s ready to learn the basics of starting a new business.

What is it? Get an overview of what you need to do to start a business. You’ll learn how to assess your strengths and weaknesses in terms of business ownership. The course will also explore the importance of planning, meeting legal requirements and identifying funding.

When: Thursday, Feb. 17 or Thursday, March 17, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri

Cost: $49; scholarships may be available

Apply here.

 

Missouri SBDC at UMKC The Basics of Writing a Business Plan

Who’s it for? Business owners and managers who need to know how to create a business plan.

What is it? This course will teach you why business plans are important and what they should include. You’ll get tips on how to write and format your business plan and walk away with a better understanding of what your business plan should look like and say.

When: Thursday, Feb. 17 or Thursday, March 17, 1 – 3 p.m.

Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri

Cost: $49; scholarships may be available

Apply here. 

 

SCORE – St. Louis Understanding Financial Statements

Who’s it for? Business owners or future entrepreneurs who need to learn the basics of financial statements.

What is it? In this workshop, you’ll learn accounting terms and basic accounting rules. With that background, you’ll then dive into balance sheets, profit and loss and cashflow. You’ll come away understanding how financial statements can help you monitor and control your business.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 23, 12 – 1 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

SCORE KC Business Planning Tools

Who’s it for? New entrepreneurs, business owners adding new products or services and leaders in industries that are undergoing significant change.

What is it? This session will explore the value proposition canvas and business model canvas. You’ll learn how to use these tools to define why you’re in business and what customer problems you’re trying to solve. The result will help you build a business plan for funding, marketing and more.

When: Thursday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

Kirkwood Public Library Tax Tips

Who’s it for? Individuals and small business owners who have tax questions.

What is it? In this session, you’ll learn about common tax mistakes and what you should look out for when you’re filing.

When: Friday, Feb. 25, 10 – 11 a.m.

Where: Kirkwood Public Library, Kirkwood, Missouri

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

TechStars Startup Weekend

Who’s it for? People who are interested in the world of startups.

What is it? This 54-hour workshop will be packed with mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors. You’ll learn how to get more done faster and get inspired to start that business.

When: Friday, Feb. 25, 4:30 – Sunday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.

Where: 5710 Bull Run Drive, Suite 700, Columbia, Missouri

Cost: $50 – $99

Apply here.

Missouri SBDC at UMKC ELEVATIONLAB New Venture

Who’s it for? New and aspiring entrepreneurs

What is it? Do you dream of owning your own business? Are you ready for a realistic perspective on whether or not people really want to buy what you want to sell? This accelerated program helps aspiring and newer entrepreneurs look at all aspects of their business idea, explore the feasibility of their new venture and learn how to develop a viable business.

When: Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 1 – April 5

Where: UMKC Innovation Center, 4747 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri

Cost: $150 with scholarship

Apply here.

 

Missouri SBDC Painting the Tech Business Model Canvas

Who’s it for? Technology startups who need to develop their early concept business model.

What is it? This three-session workshop will introduce a framework that focuses on customer problems and potential solutions. You’ll learn how to develop a value proposition and conduct customer discovery interviews. The feedback you receive will help you determine next steps for your startup.

When: Thursdays, March 3, 10 and 17, 1 – 4 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

Missouri SBDC Meramec Community College Starting and Managing a Small Business

Who’s it for? People who are considering starting a business or have recently started a business.

What is it? This two-session workshop will discuss the basics of business ownership. Planning for success, business regulations and marketing will be covered. You’ll leave this course with an overview of financial considerations, recordkeeping and information management, too.

When: Saturdays, March 5 and March 12, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: $75

Apply here.

 

SCORE KC Business Concept

Who’s it for? Potential entrepreneurs who want to explore their business idea.

What is it? This session will teach you how to research your idea, market and competition. Topics include identifying target markets, describing products and collecting competitive information to support your feasibility plan.

When: Tuesday, March 8, 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

SCORE – St. Louis Utilizing the Library for Business Research

Who’s it for? Business owners who need info about their market or competition.

What is it? This workshop will show you how to save time, money and resources by turning to the St. Louis County Library for research. You’ll learn how to use library tools to pull lists of potential clients and investors as well as find information about competitors.

When: Wednesday, March 9, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

Kirkwood Public Library Facebook Marketing 101

Who’s it for? Small business owners who want to get the most out of Facebook marketing.

What is it? Presented by the SBDC, this session will cover the basics of branding and marketing on Facebook. You’ll learn how to develop a unique brand and create relevant and engaging content. The class will also discuss how to get the most from Facebook advertising.

When: Wednesday, March 9, 1 – 2 p.m.

Where: Kirkwood Public Library, Kirkwood, Missouri

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

SCORE KC Marketing Strategy/Social Media Marketing

Who’s it for? Business owners who could use an overview of marketing strategies.

What is it? This session will introduce the marketing tools that can help maximize your customer reach. By the end of the class, you’ll know how to outline your marketing strategy, test your marketing message and choose the right sales channel.

When: Wednesday, March 9, 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

KC Prospect Business Association Business Basics Series

Who’s it for? Business owners who want to create or enhance their business operations.

What is it? This series of four classes will walk participants through legal, marketing, financials and accounting. You’ll come away with an understanding of these functions and how they can increase your business’s productivity and success.

When: Mondays, March 14, March 21 and April 11, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and either Tuesday, April 12, 1 – 3 p.m. or Tuesday, April 19, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Where: TBD

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

SCORE KC Franchising: Start a Business – Keep Your Day Job

Who’s it for? People interested in semi-absentee franchise ownership.

What is it? Learn about semi-absentee franchise ownership and get examples of some of the different options. This course will teach you how to decide if franchising is right for you and how to research legitimate opportunities.

When: Monday, March 14, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

SCORE KC Developing Your Online Presence

Who’s it for? Business owners who want to learn how to create an online marketing presence.

What is it? This session will help you get your business in the most active marketplace around: the internet. You’ll learn how to connect with customers, build your inventory of online assets and get started on social media. SEO and email marketing will be covered, too.

When: Tuesday, March 15, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

SCORE – St. Louis What Every Small Business Owner Should Know about SEO

Who’s it for? People who own small businesses and want potential customers to find them online.

What is it? This session will show you how to use search engine optimization. You’ll learn the key concepts of SEO and how to apply them to your website. By the end of the class, you’ll know how to build a content strategy and compete for local listing rankings.

When: Tuesday, March 15, 12 – 1 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

SCORE KC Business Financial Literacy

Who’s it for? Business owners who need to learn about prices, costs and more.

What is it? Build a strong foundation for your venture. In this session, you’ll learn about financial statements and how they can help you make smart business decisions. Raising prices, reducing costs and increasing sales volume will be discussed.

When: Tuesday, March 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Apply here.

 

Missouri SBDC at UMKC Entrepreneurial Mindset Training

Who’s it for? People who have a business idea but don’t know where to start or those who want to learn how to be an entrepreneur.

What is it? This nine-week program combines classroom and online coursework to inspire and engage participants. You’ll learn the business canvas process, develop entrepreneurial skills and explore how to evaluate business opportunities. And you’ll hear from successful entrepreneurs, too.

When: Wednesdays, March 30 – May 25, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri

Cost: $649; scholarships may be available

Apply here.

 

Find other opportunities for your Missouri business

Not finding the program that speaks to your needs? MOSourceLink has hundreds of other options for you to check out:

· Classes & Events Calendar: This ever-expanding list includes all the happenings for Missouri entrepreneurs.

· Personal Action Plan: Get a free, customized to-do list to help you reach your business goals. Our Network Navigators can make it happen.

· Resource Navigator: This tool lists hundreds of organizations across Missouri that can help you meet the people, gain the skills and get the funding your business needs.

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