Kansas City Kansas Community College wants local and area business to be seen and to do so, the College is launching unique new services called SEEN.
An acronym for the Sustainable Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Network, SEEN is a membership-based network cultivating an environment for innovation by connecting businesses with one another through key resources, training and expert advice.
By being a member of SEEN, businesses will have access to a variety of networking events, information and training workshops, computer labs, availability of physical office space and much more.
“Difficult economic climates often provide great opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to find new and creative ways to grow,” says Jay Matlack Workforce Development coordinator at KCKCC. “SEEN will provide a network that can improve the business vitality of Kansas City’s passionate and dedicated community entrepreneurs during this time of great opportunity.”
In order for business and entrepreneurs to connect, Matlack said SEEN has created networking opportunities linking businesses to community leaders, other members and valuable resources.
“Businesses need to sell, market themselves appropriately and have access to the resources that help them do these things,” says Matlack, “To assist them, SEEN has created a suite of educational workshops and events that will provide growth opportunities to businesses.”
Three levels of annual membership ranging from $90 to $1,500 have been established. For $90, LEVEL 1 offers the following:
Consulting Sessions – Confident and comprehensive business consulting provided by the Kansas mall Business Development Center on the KCKCC campus.
Innovation Center (upon availability) – Includes access to Wi-Fi, computer labs, projector screens, business resources and conference space.
Minority Certification Workshop – For women and minority-owned businesses looking to increase their opportunities to win contracts.
Writing Workshop – Designed for the entrepreneur who presently does little or no writing in his or her work environment but has the desire to advance careers.
Business Solution Series – A networking breakfast held once a month to give business an opportunities to hear experts on various business topics.
The LEVEL 2 program offered at $250 provides the same access to Level 1 opportunities along with the addition of one of the following three programs:
QuickBooks – Offered at introductory or intermediate levels, these workshop will teach participants how to chart accounts and invoices, receive payments, track credit purchases and balances and produce customized statements.
Lean Enterprise Overview – Provides the valuable tools needed to put lean practices to work for process-driven companies.
Small Business Builder: First Step – An 11-week opportunity to work closely with skilled business coaches assisting in developing business feasibility plans. Featuring dynamic speakers and entrepreneurs bringing real world experiences to the classroom, the program is offered in partnership with the Kansas Small Business Development Center and admittance requires and application and meeting qualifications.
The LEVEL 3 program offered at $1.500 provides access to both the Level 1 and 2 programs along with the addition of a customized training program for a group of employees.
Businesses and entrepreneurs interested in becoming a SEEN member can do so by calling KCKCC Workforce Development at 913-288-7659 or by e-mail to Jay Matlack at jmatlack@kckcc.edu or Marisa Gray at mcgray@kckcc.edu.
