We hope you enjoy this monthly GO Topeka newsletter geared toward small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups. We'll provide all the local business-related news you need to know about upcoming events, opportunities and much more! To offer feedback or suggestions, contact GO Topeka's Erin Young at Erin.Young@TopekaPartnership.com.
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Small Business Survey
Please take a few minutes to fill out our small business survey. This will help shape programming and resources to better serve our small business community.
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Cradle-To-Career Momentum Survey Seeking Responses
The GTP, Momentum 2027 executive committee, and "Cradle-to-Career" collaborative coalition (a task force of Momentum 2027) are seeking survey feedback from Partnership members, boards and community professionals to gauge area students' exposure to work-based learning, a set of instructional strategies that engages employers and schools in providing learning experiences for students. The purposes of work-based learning are to build student awareness of potential careers, facilitate student exploration of career opportunities, and begin student preparation for careers. This survey is confidential and shouldn't take more than five minutes. We appreciate your time and input!
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Cyber Safety Tips for Small Business Owners
E-commerce is no longer the future of business—it is the now. More than half of small and midsize businesses in the U.S. prioritize e-commerce and digital services in their operations. It’s not difficult to see why. The internet creates all kinds of cutting-edge possibilities for entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, it creates opportunities for bad actors as well. Cyber criminals disproportionately target small businesses. In fact, according to a recent study from Accenture, 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses, and yet, only 14% are adequately prepared to defend themselves.
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How the SBA is Helping Women Entrepreneurs Level the Playing Field
The story of the American small businesswoman is one of unparalleled perseverance, grit, and ingenuity. At the time of the first Women’s History Month, women still needed a male relative to co-sign if they were interested in applying for a business loan. Fast forward 35 years, and women-owned businesses represent more than 41% of the nation’s total firms—according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. As Women’s Small Business Month, October is a great time to celebrate the monumental strides women entrepreneurs have taken toward creating parity in the marketplace. The observance also gives the SBA an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to empowering women-owned small businesses through counseling, capital, and contracting support.
Learn about the ways we help women entrepreneurs continue to move the needle forward.
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Small Business Council
The Small Business Council is a leadership group of area entrepreneurs dedicated to work with the support of GO Topeka to promote small business in Shawnee County and equip those businesses for success. GO Topeka empowers small business by relying on local business leaders to influence and shape the conversation about how best to support existing businesses, and assist those who wish to learn how they can grow.
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SBA Launches New Military Spouse Small Business Training Program
Military spouses are resourceful, creative, and resilient – characteristics that make great entrepreneurs. Small business ownership can be a transportable, flexible option that complements a military career and there is an abundance of resources to help military spouse business owners at any stage of entrepreneurship.
This July, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched a new program to help military spouses better access employment by becoming their own boss.
The SBA's Military Spouse Pathway to Business program offers free training to military spouses on key elements of entrepreneurship, including market research, economics, legal considerations, and finances. Attendees will connect with the many resources available to help military spouse business owners raise capital, receive technical assistance, earn contracting opportunities, and find local mentors.
This new program supports the White House Executive Order 14100, which aims to strengthen economic opportunity for military and veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors.
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Business Resources
There are many resources available for businesses. If you can’t find what you are looking for or have questions, please reach out and talk with us!
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Save the Date: Our 2023 State of the Community Is Coming Up
Mark your calendars for Thursday, Nov. 9, and join us at Topeka/Shawnee County's 2023 State of the Community! This year's event will feature comments by Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla and Shawnee County Commission Chair Bill Riphahn, as well as timely and informative panel discussions you won't want to miss. Click the button below to snag your tickets today. Thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this event possible.
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Path To Profitability
Get an in-depth understanding of business financials and how you can work towards increasing profitability by reviewing expenses, clients, and services.
*This is apart of the Small Business Councils training series that will be occurring bi-monthly.
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Propeller
The Propeller program offers a comprehensive entrepreneurial experience by pairing aspiring business owners with seasoned mentors. This dynamic partnership provides invaluable guidance and support throughout the journey of launching or growing a business. Through a minimum of three dedicated meetings, the program fosters a strong connection between the entrepreneur and mentor, ensuring a personalized approach that accommodates both parties' schedules. This flexible scheduling underscores Propeller's commitment to convenience and effectiveness, empowering entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of business ownership while benefiting from the wisdom and insights of experienced mentors.
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Equity and Opportunity Pitch Contest
Get ready for our Equity & Opportunity Pitch Contest! We're giving away a total of $38,000 in prizes, four incredible opportunities to win for minority and women entrepreneurs!
Save the date for November 16th and start polishing those pitches!
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Business Unwind
The Partnership's next Business Unwind is coming up on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 5-7 p.m.! Our October networking event is being hosted by Carpet One Floor & Home, 5131 S.W. 29th St. Business Unwind is a special networking experience hosted by GTP members, for GTP members. It's a great way to expand your network, learn more about the Topeka business scene and have a little fun along the way! To register, click the link below, or mark yourself "going" on the event's Facebook page.
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Congratulations to Member Business Phoenix Marketing Group
GTP member Phoenix Marketing Group was recognized this month by KC Media Mix as 2023 Advertising Agency of the Year for the state of Kansas! Started in April 2021, Phoenix Marketing Group was nominated in 2022 for Advertising Agency of the Year, Media Campaign of the Year (a collaboration with Mammoth Creative Co.), and Media Buyer of the Year after just one year in business. In its second year, 2023, Phoenix was again nominated for Media Campaign of the Year and was nominated and took home the award for 2023 Advertising Agency of the Year. We hope you'll help us congratulate them on this esteemed honor!
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Topeka Community Foundation Recognizes Member Chris McGee
Local financial advisor Chris McGee, founder of GTP member business Endeavor Private Wealth, was recently recognized by the Topeka Community Foundation for his philanthropic efforts, receiving the foundation's 2023 Distinguished Partner in Philanthropy Award. TCF presented the award at an event at the Topeka Country Club earlier this month. We hope you'll help us congratulate Chris on this incredible honor! We thank him and the community foundation for all they do to make the greater Topeka area better.
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Two Topeka Businesses will celebrate their anniversaries with Dolly Parton-themed Event
Have a Cup of Ambition at Rogue Event Studio and celebrate musical icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton.
Rogue is celebrating one year in business by launching its Icon Events series this month. The public is invited to attend “Parton Me Darlin’, It’s Our Birthday” from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 13. The event will mark Rogue’s one-year anniversary, as well as Chinell’s Floral and Event Design’s sixth birthday this fall.
Ariel Unselt, owner of Rogue and Chinell’s, said the event center plans to host an Icon Event each quarter to honor cultural icons.
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Juliet Abdel Appointed As President of Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Topeka Partnership and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the appointment of Juliet Abdel as the new President of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. Abdel currently serves as President and CEO of the Westminster Chamber of Commerce in Westminster, Colorado. She will assume her role in Topeka in November 2023.
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Glenda Washington Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary, Announces Retirement
This week the Partnership celebrates Glenda Washington's ten year anniversary with GO Topeka, and the Greater Topeka Partnership. Glenda announced her retirement earlier this month. She will officially leaver her role November 30th. We look forward to celebrating her impact on the Topeka community before she leaves. Please join us in thanking Glenda Washington for what she has accomplished!
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GO Topeka Announces Israel Sanchez as Director of Equity and Business Development
GO Topeka is proud to announce that Israel Sanchez will be the new Director of Equity and Business Development, following the retirement announcement of Glenda Washington.
Sanchez expressed his excitement for the opportunity, saying, "I am truly honored to step into this role. My experience coming to the United States as a refugee from Cuba as a child has given me a unique perspective. I have seen what the American Dream can be, and I firmly believe that this dream is alive and well in Topeka. I am eager to continue the work of ensuring that all businesses feel represented, heard, and have access to the resources they need to achieve their dreams."
Israel will assume his new role on November 6th, 2023.
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Ribbon Cuttings Held in September
- Pepperjax Grill
- Topeka Center for Peace & Justice
- Envista Credit Union (10th & Jewel Branch)
Ribbon Cuttings Scheduled for October
- Mission Creek Camp - 10/5/23 at 10am - 7240 SW Douglas Rd
- The ReCharger (TWHS) - 10/5/23 at 1pm - 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd
- CWC Electric - 10/11/23 at 4pm - 4100 SW Topeka Blvd
- Brennan Mathena - 10/18/23 at 4pm - 800 SW 6th Ave
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"Small Business isn't for the faint of heart. It's for the brave, the patient, & the persistent. It's for the overcomer."
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