ELEVATIONLAB™ NEW VENTURE (in person) 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 program helps aspiring entrepreneurs look at all aspects of their business idea, exploring the feasibility of their new venture and learning how to develop a viable business. This business creation program is fast-paced, interactive, fun and energizing. The Small Business Development Center at UMKC’s ELEVATIONLAB™ offers the program in an accelerated time frame to let potential entrepreneurs get started with their businesses as soon as possible. Guest speakers and entrepreneurs bring their real-world experience to make topics come alive. Participants develop their businesses through the group activities and coaching from professional business counselors. The class materials include FastTrac, GrowthWheel® and other elements with step-by-step activities and in-depth information. You don’t just learn about business, you work on your own business venture throughout the program.
Dates: August 20 – September 17, 2024 (attendance at all five sessions is expected)
Time: Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
Fee: $649 ($150 with scholarship opportunity)
Scholarships: May be available. Your application will be reviewed for these opportunities.
APPLY for scholarships and the class HERE

This session includes classes on 9 consecutive Wednesdays. Attendance at all 9 sessions is HIGHLY encouraged. The Formula 8 combines classroom and online coursework to teach 8 essentials of an entrepreneurial mindset using the business canvas process to inspire and engage participants. We will focus on customer discovery and acquisition for both start-up and existing businesses. Hearing from unlikely yet successful entrepreneurs, participants will learn to evaluate business opportunities from a practical method inspired by the life story of Clifton Taulbert. This course is a revolutionary learning program designed to inspire and engage participants in the fundamental aspects of an entrepreneurial mindset and the unlimited opportunities it can provide. The overall objective is to empower learners through entrepreneurial thinking and immerse them in entrepreneurial experiences that will enable them to develop entrepreneurial skills. With market testing, you will also be using a canvas tool to test assumptions rather than utilizing traditional business planning.
Dates: TBD (Attendance at all nine sessions is expected.)
Times: Wednesdays from 5:30pm-8:30pm
Fee: $649 ($150 with scholarship opportunity)
Scholarships: May be available, your application will be reviewed for these opportunities.
Apply for scholarships and the class here.

Join us to get answers to the most frequently asked questions by aspiring entrepreneurs, including:

*Are grants real and available?
*Will the bank lend me money?
*Do I need a business plan?
*Will anyone buy what I’m selling?
*What comes first?
Let us help put your next steps in order after the myths are busted! Leave the session with an ACTION PLAN to continue your journey to business ownership and know if you are ready!

Dates: July 23, 2024
Time: 9am – Noon
Location: Zoom

Who: Entrepreneurs ready to start or ready to learn what you might have missed at the start

 

How: These virtual sessions are available through Zoom. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required. The class takes place on five consecutive Tuesdays from Noon to 1pm.

 

Week 1: Definition of a business and the “startup loop of despair”

 

Week 2: Identifying your paying customer

 

Week 3: Getting real proof of concept

 

Week 4: Marketing

 

Week 5: Startup sales

 

Leave each week with an assignment to apply what you have learned and an opportunity to meet with a business counselor to review your progress.

Dates: March 19 – April 16, 2024 (attendance at all five sessions is expected)
Time: Tuesdays from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m online
Fee: Free

Reading and Understanding Financial Statements (virtual/Zoom) Learn how to identify key business information that is captured on an income statement and balance sheet in this basic financial class. Participants will learn to calculate several ratios and understand what those ratios mean in terms of business productivity and success. Leave this session with a greater understanding of how to read and interpret financial documents and how to use that information to drive business decisions.
Dates: February 27, 2024 OR October 1, 2024
Times: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $49
Make your payment on our Marketplace

Social Media Mindset: Build Relationships not Clicks! (virtual/Zoom) Social media can be an amazing tool for your small business. Learn how to use those channels to create content that can equal not just sales, but lifelong customers!
Dates: February 20 OR September 24, 2024
Times: 5:30 -8:30 p.m.
Fee: $49
Make your payment on our Marketplace

Rebecca has been an amazing mentor to me through our business consulting relationship. Her insight is invaluable and she never hesitates to tell you the truth – even if it’s difficult to hear. That’s what makes her stand out. She’s always going to support you and do what’s needed to help you succeed but she’s not afraid to tell you if something is amiss. She’s quirky and brilliant. She’s your biggest cheerleader but also your unbiased critic. I’m so grateful to have her. Dani Hatch Founder/CEO Glownar