Free July and August events focus on business and economic development

From seasoned chief executive officers to beginners interested in learning about entrepreneurship, everyone can benefit from the 2010 Small Business Summit’s five July and August events. The summit is organized by the UMKC Small Business and Technology Development Center – an affiliate of the University of Missouri System’s Office of Research and Economic Development and Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Centers.

Each free event will feature light refreshments; a 5:30 p.m. registration and networking session; 6 p.m. introductions and expert panel discussions; and a 6:45-7:30 p.m. question-and-answer session with legislators. Accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Carmen DeHart at (816) 235-6063 for more information.

Following are event dates and locations:

• Tuesday, July 27, University of Central Missouri Elliot Union Ballroom, Union 307, Warrensburg, Mo.
• Tuesday, Aug. 10, Summit Tech Center, 850 N. Chipman Rd., Door #54, Lee’s Summit, Mo.
• Tuesday, Aug. 17, Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave., Independence, Mo.
• Tuesday, Aug. 24, UMKC Campus, Pierson Auditorium, 5100 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
• Thursday, Aug. 26, Gladstone Community Center, 6901 N. Holmes Rd., Kansas City, Mo.

Legislators will lead panel discussions on topics, such as state and national legislative actions, and how they may affect small businesses; the present and future economy, and its effects on small businesses; credit crunch and lending practices affecting small businesses; local bank resources, lending practices, and support for small businesses; U.S. Small Business Administration and Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Center resources, consulting and training; and marketing, finance and human resources.

“Everyone in attendance will benefit from these events,” said Blake Koger, a student in the Henry W. Bloch School of Business and Public Administration‘s Master of Business Administration program who is helping to organize the events. “This is a wonderful opportunity for small business owners, workers and entrepreneurial-minded individuals to come listen and discuss small business, economic and legislative issues facing our city.”

About the UMKC Small Business & Technology Development Center:

The UMKC Small Business & Technology Development Center strives to provide small businesses and technology venture firms in the Kansas City region with the analysis, consultation and training support they need to confidently grow and develop. The center offers confidential one-on-one counseling and access to expertise and educational programs covering a wide range of issues facing small business owners. Members of the Center are current and former business owners, executives and coaches, but most of all, partners in shaping the future of its clients businesses. To reach the Small Business & Technology Development Center, contact (816) 235-6063 or umkcsbtdc@umkc.edu.

About the University of Missouri-Kansas City:

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.