Many Kansans dream of owning their own business. Yet the process can be daunting. The professional consultants at the KSBDC have worked with thousands of people going through this process. Working with the KSBDC through the startup stage is like having your own personal guide. The KSBDC can help entrepreneurs expedite the startup process, improve the likelihood of success, and make the process more enjoyable.

Individual, confidential assistance. The KSBDC maintains a staff of full and part-time professional consultants with various areas of expertise. Each request for assistance is matched with a consultant that can provide appropriate assistance. For example, if a business requested assistance with advertising, the consultant assigned to them would have professional advertising and marketing experience. The consultant will meet with you at your business, review your situation and provide written recommendations to address the business' request.

What are some examples of assistance the KSBDC has provided small businesses?

1. Helping a contractor understand how to use his financial statements for better management decisions.
2. Helping the owner of an auto repair business identify the most efficient way to market to his customers.
3. Helping the owner of a retail store develop a record keeping system that helps her identify the profitability of all departments in her store.
4. Helping a manufacturer identify the best time to expand his business.
5. Helping a partner in an insurance company plan financing his partner's buyout.

Do the consultants have practical experience? All KSBDC consultants that work with small businesses have education and successful work experience. They have worked in small businesses, have owned small businesses, and fully understand the challenges that face small organizations.

How much does the individual assistance cost me? The confidential, one-on-one assistance is offered free of charge to the business client. The KSBDC programs are funded completely from state and federal sources.

In order to serve your needs, we need to know a few key things about you. Give us a call at 785-628-5615 or email us at ksbdc@fhsu.edu, so that we can develop a plan that will cater to your specific business needs.

Here are some questions that we may ask you:
Q: Have you attended one of our Start up sessions?
Q: Have you ever owned your own business?
Q: What experience do you have in business?
Q: Have you started on a business plan?
Q: What type of business are you considering?
Q: How did you hear about us?

We would also like you to complete some basic information at the following link:

Request for Counseling

After you have submitted your information, a KSBDC representative will contact you to develop your personal plan.

If you have questions about this process or any of the forms/requirements, please contact our office at ksbdc@fhsu.edu or at (785) 628-5615.