The SBDC helps businesses at all stages and phases. We help entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business, business owners needing help growing or making their business more profitable and we also help business owners who are at the stage where they are ready to exit the business through transitioning leadership to an employee or through selling the business.

We value your time & effort in meeting with us, so we recommend setting an appointment to ensure we are available. To help ensure you get the assistance you need, we also have Live Assistance at our 7-day-per-week Statewide Call Center. While the Statewide Call Center may not be as knowledgeable about your specific location or need as your local center would, the Call Center will be able to guide you through our online tools & resources, including our VIDEO LIBRARY of on-demand training, and be able to get you connected with the appropriate Advisor or 3rd party for more advanced topics.

The way you access our SBDC services is totally up to you. You can certainly schedule an in-person meeting at one of our locations with us or meet with us remotely via phone, email, or video conference. The true value of the SBDC is our expert local knowledge of available resources in your area that can help your particular business.

Not for sure the SBDC can help? Contact us anyway! If we can’t help you, we will direct you to the person that can. To use our full suite of services you need to be signed up as a Client. Becoming a Client also ensures your information is kept private thru our strict client confidentiality policies.

Visit our site at BECOME A CLIENT for more information.

Cory Johnson established Fields and Ivy Brewing and approached the SBDC to help develop their business plan and assist with their cash flow analysis.

Johnson had a vision to create a brewery that offered his community beers produced from homegrown grains in Kansas. Before his dream could turn into reality, Johnston needed help getting started and was immediately connected with University of Kansas Small Business Development Center. Johnson shared that the “expert advice and unexpected networking opportunities” made his experience stand out when he worked with the Kansas SBDC. KU SBDC had a few words to say about their experience helping Johnston. “Cory has done a fantastic job of communicating a vision, then executing on that vision. “As often happens, there have been some roadblocks that could not have been anticipated. F&I has shown a lot of resilience in overcoming.”

Johnson successfully developed a business plan and was also assisted with their cash flow analysis. To any individuals looking to start up a business of their own, Johnston shared a small 

piece of advice. He said, “Have access to capital, use consultants if you’re not an expert, hire the best talent you can afford.” 

About Fields and Ivy Brewery: Fields and Ivy Brewery can be found at 706 E 23rd St, Lawrence, KS 66046. Learn more about them by visiting their website at https://fieldsandivy.com/ 

About the Kansas SBDC: The Kansas Small Business Development Center serves as the state advising resource for the small business owner. Whether it’s an existing business looking to boost sales or a start-up trying to get off the ground, we provide our clients with quality, professional, and personal care all in a confidential setting. The Kansas SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Learn more about the Kansas SBDC at www.KansasSBDC.net or call (800) 949-7661.