10/28/25

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – The Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently achieved renewed accreditation through 2029 from America’s SBDC, the national organization that provides oversight to SBDC networks across the country. The Kansas network, based at Fort Hays State University, manages a network of six regional centers and works with other partner organizations throughout Kansas.

“We are very excited to once again achieve full accreditation from our national network,” said Kansas SBDC State Director Dan Lara. “Accreditation is a lengthy and rigorous process that ensures we are providing high quality business advising and education for Kansas small businesses.”

The Kansas SBDC offers one-on-one counseling and training to small businesses to provide tools and other resources to support start-ups and existing business operations. Services include capital access assistance, business planning and strategy development, financial management, marketing, export assistance, succession planning, and support in other areas needed to improve business management and operations.

“Fort Hays State is proud to lead the SBDC network in Kansas and to be a leader in providing important technical assistance to small businesses,” said Dr. Jill Arensdorf, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This renewed accreditation shows the strength and quality of the Kansas network and the services the University provides.”

Fort Hays State has served as the lead institution for the Kansas SBDC since 1996. Over the past five years, the network has helped clients start more than 700 small businesses, find $571 million in capital infusion, help more than 13,000 existing businesses, and support 41,000 jobs in the state.

The Kansas SBDC can provide its counseling services to business clients free of charge, as well as provide low-cost training, through the generous support of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Kansas Department of Commerce, Fort Hays State, university matching grants, and other local public and private partnerships.

To contact your nearest SDBC office, visit our website at: https://www.kansassbdc.net/state-and-local-offices