FAQ: Class Registration

Are you dreaming of a new business idea or ready to position your existing business for growth? ELEVATIONLAB launched in the fall of 2017 to help businesses at all stages with classes and workshops designed for entrepreneurial success.

ELEVATIONLAB is THE training program of the Missouri SBDC and SBTDC at UMKC, offering classes and workshops that are targeted for every business stage:

  • SPARK classes for start-ups
  • SCALE classes for growth
  • SURGE classes for technology and innovation

Participants can learn everything from the basics of writing a business plan to making financial projections, pitching to investors, winning government contracts, creating social media strategies and more. Feature programs include:

  • ELEVATIONLAB NEW VENTURE
  • ELEVATIONLAB GROWTH VENTURE
  • ELEVATIONLAB TECH VENTURE
  • ELEVATIONLAB CONSTRUCTION VENTURE

The SBDC has been helping entrepreneurs start and grow businesses in Kansas City since 1987. ELEVATIONLAB courses are built on SBDC business development programs that in 2017 created:

  • $49.9 million in increased sales
  • $259 million in loans and equity
  • 654 new jobs
  • 75 new businesses

Each training program offers participants an opportunity to learn from experienced business owners and consultants. Participants will get peer-to-peer interactions, strategic action items and opportunities to network with the experts and fellow entrepreneurs. Instructors bring years of business experience to each class, giving participants the opportunity to tap resources, get access to funding opportunities and leading-edge business tools.

Go to the Training and Events Calendar and click on the class to register and pay by credit card. If you need to use a different payment, email elevationlab@umkc.edu to make arrangements.

We have some scholarships on a limited basis. These can include scholarships from generous funders and donors in response to the COVID 19 crisis. When you apply for a class, your application will be reviewed for these opportunities. Please go to our scholarship page (under classes/calendar) for more information.

Registration closes 24 hours prior to the beginning of class. Many classes reach full enrollment well before that, so register as early as possible.

No walk-ins are accepted.

Refunds will be offered for cancellations at least three business days prior to class start OR prior to receiving class materials (whichever comes first). For cancellations after that time, you will receive information on the next available class or sending someone in your place.

Our grant requires that we add all class participants to our system as training clients. Therefore, you will receive a link to create an account in our system when we receive an application or payment for a class. This process also allows you to seemlessly transition to counseling services at our center should you need those after class.

We learned a lot about this question in 2020! Yes, we do cancel in person classes in response to city and health recommendations as we move through the pandemic. At this time, all classes are virtual through December 31, 2021 and will be re-evaluated in 2022. When we are in person, occasionally classes are cancelled for inclement weather or low enrollment. In the case of inclement weather, you will be notified as soon as possible. We follow the UMKC campus weather policy, if campus is closed, so are we! If a class is cancelled for low enrollment, you will receive an email at least 24 hours in advance when possible. You will be offered a refund or will be moved to the next available class.