Partners - Great Plains Technology and Manufacturing Cluster

Commercialization and Entrepreneurship

TDI provides a broad range of services and project management resources to both private industry and university researchers to advance the commercial readiness of new products and technologies. TDI employs several industrial experienced engineers and business professionals that work directly with clients to identify tasks that need to be

TDI provides a broad range of services and project management resources to both private industry and university researchers to advance the commercial readiness of new products and technologies. TDI employs several industrial experienced engineers and business professionals that work directly with clients to identify tasks that need to be complete to move projects forward. These tasks include product engineering and prototyping, intellectual property, commercialization, R&D, design and fabrication, and simulation component analysis.

The KSU Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship works to enhance the talent pipeline to help build economic and social prosperity through innovation and the entrepreneurial mindset. The purpose of the college is to provide excellent undergraduate and graduate degree programs that will prepare students to become successful professi

The KSU Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship works to enhance the talent pipeline to help build economic and social prosperity through innovation and the entrepreneurial mindset. The purpose of the college is to provide excellent undergraduate and graduate degree programs that will prepare students to become successful professionals in an increasingly diverse and interconnected workplace. KSU Entrepreneurship also provides online non-credit courses about creating Effective Business Plans and Strategic Innovation.

https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/departments/center-advancement-entrepreneurship/
785-532-1301
1056 Business Building | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS 66506

Throughout its history, KSU Global Campus has provided educational opportunities for adult learners. An accredited institution of higher education, KSU has offered thousands of conferences, seminars, courses and degree programs to distance education students and work professionals in all 50 states and 41 countries. They continually utiliz

Throughout its history, KSU Global Campus has provided educational opportunities for adult learners. An accredited institution of higher education, KSU has offered thousands of conferences, seminars, courses and degree programs to distance education students and work professionals in all 50 states and 41 countries. They continually utilize the latest technology for distance delivery, standing behind 50 years of success and progress in distance education.In addition to distance education, KSU Global Campus provides coordination of professional meetings, conference and professional development through their conferences and noncredit programs office.

Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS) serves as the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) for the state of Kansas. Since 1991, the non-profit has provided highly affordable consulting services of all kinds to small and medium sized manufacturers in Kansas. Many of their solutions incl

Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS) serves as the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) for the state of Kansas. Since 1991, the non-profit has provided highly affordable consulting services of all kinds to small and medium sized manufacturers in Kansas. Many of their solutions include: Continuous Improvement, Workforce Development, Quality and Compliance, Sustainability, Business Optimization, and more. Their programs are available for all manufacturers to utilize to achieve goals and solve challenges.

Central Kansas Manufacturing Network is the peer association of Kansas City Manufacturing Network, which was started in 1993. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent there was a engagement gap in the central Kansas manufacturing community. CKMN’s objective is to close this gap and be a resource for the manufacturing

Central Kansas Manufacturing Network is the peer association of Kansas City Manufacturing Network, which was started in 1993. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent there was a engagement gap in the central Kansas manufacturing community. CKMN’s objective is to close this gap and be a resource for the manufacturing industry’s growth in central Kansas. CKMN is an organization for manufacturers led by manufacturers. As a result, manufacturers select topics for meetings and sub-groups, assist in leading the meetings and sub-groups, and participate by networking and sharing their expertise.

Entrepreneurship throughout Kansas City is all connected through KCSourceLink. Several organizations have partnered with KCSourceLink across an 18 county bi-state metro area to provide rsources for entrepreneurs and busines sowners to start, grow and accelerate their business. Services include connecting with funding resources, help with

Entrepreneurship throughout Kansas City is all connected through KCSourceLink. Several organizations have partnered with KCSourceLink across an 18 county bi-state metro area to provide rsources for entrepreneurs and busines sowners to start, grow and accelerate their business. Services include connecting with funding resources, help with starting/growing your business, resource rail and events and more.

HirePaths is a Kansas-originated, statewide educational campaign to inform and excite parents about options their child can pursue after high school to quickly and affordably launch a well paying, in demand career. The goals of the program are to inform parents about the educational paths available to their children for achieving successf

HirePaths is a Kansas-originated, statewide educational campaign to inform and excite parents about options their child can pursue after high school to quickly and affordably launch a well paying, in demand career. The goals of the program are to inform parents about the educational paths available to their children for achieving successful careers, broadening parent's viewpoints about their child's future by informing them about well-paying, in-demand careers that do not require a bachelors degree, and reinforce that a young person going straight to work or attending a technical program is not in any way a failure.

The Kansas State University Prevention Institute offers environmental assistance to Kansas businesses primarily through the SBEAP an P2 internship programs. Their services include on-site visits, hotline contacts for questions regarding pollution concerns, internship programs assistance, and tools for pollution regulations.

The Rural Education and Workforce Alliance (REWA) was established in 2019 to address the workforce shortage and workforce issues for the Southwest Kansas region. The efforts were initially focused on bringing bachelor level healthcare programs to Southwest Kansas structured to compliment the working adult to obtain the degrees needed to

The Rural Education and Workforce Alliance (REWA) was established in 2019 to address the workforce shortage and workforce issues for the Southwest Kansas region. The efforts were initially focused on bringing bachelor level healthcare programs to Southwest Kansas structured to compliment the working adult to obtain the degrees needed to meet the workforce needs including a Master of Social Work and RN to BSN program. Efforts have expanded to work with all of the universities across the state to bring in degree programs and certifications to meet the workforce needs of all types of businesses in our region. REWA provides profession training programs, training events, and has training room rentals available.

ToolingU-SME forms the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of manufacturing-specific, professional development training products, and services. They have continuously evolved and increased their ability to provide manufacturers and educators with workforce development solutions that help them develop their people. ToolingU-SME offers

ToolingU-SME forms the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of manufacturing-specific, professional development training products, and services. They have continuously evolved and increased their ability to provide manufacturers and educators with workforce development solutions that help them develop their people. ToolingU-SME offers many services such as manufacturing training, classes, technical support and more.

The UMKC Innovation Center, Whiteboard2Boardroom program, provides access to innovations available for licensing from over twenty bi-state universities and hospitals as a basis for a new company or as new product opportunities for established companies. Services include identification of CEO talent/mentors for new companies, access to in

The UMKC Innovation Center, Whiteboard2Boardroom program, provides access to innovations available for licensing from over twenty bi-state universities and hospitals as a basis for a new company or as new product opportunities for established companies. Services include identification of CEO talent/mentors for new companies, access to innovations developed at regional institutions and research organizations, strategic partnerships, and identification of capital.

Economic Development

NetWork Kansas is cultivating an entrepreneurial environment throughout Kansas by overseeing a robust and collaborative partner network. NetWork Kansas also provides a variety of matching loan programs designed to support private capital for startups and expanding businesses and offers a statewide resources referral series that connects e

NetWork Kansas is cultivating an entrepreneurial environment throughout Kansas by overseeing a robust and collaborative partner network. NetWork Kansas also provides a variety of matching loan programs designed to support private capital for startups and expanding businesses and offers a statewide resources referral series that connects entrepreneurs with expertise, education, and economic resources throughout the state. Network Kansas provides many services such as regional classes, funding opportunities, resource connections and more.

Great Plains Development Inc. provides professional leadership and technical assistance in financing, loan packaging, and business planning to individuals, businesses, and government agencies to stimulate economic development within their 28 county district.

The Innovation Center (formally Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center) is a private operating foundation working in the twenty-six northwest Kansas counties. They provide economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses and entrepreneurs as well as provide capital for entrepreneurs to develop business concepts. Innovation Cente

The Innovation Center (formally Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center) is a private operating foundation working in the twenty-six northwest Kansas counties. They provide economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses and entrepreneurs as well as provide capital for entrepreneurs to develop business concepts. Innovation Center's programs include Rural and Remote, Connect NWK, Childcare Assistance, Business Loan Program, and Business Development Program.

The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) provides a broad range of programs and services including, community planning and development, business finance, housing, weatherization, information technology, and health/safety-related initiatives.

WKREDA is a coalition of people in the 55 western Kansas counties who have decided to pool their resources, both human and financial, to work together for the common good of Western Kansas. WKREDA's members maintain a collaborative affiliation with each other so that they can achieve both individual and collective rural development goals.

WKREDA is a coalition of people in the 55 western Kansas counties who have decided to pool their resources, both human and financial, to work together for the common good of Western Kansas. WKREDA's members maintain a collaborative affiliation with each other so that they can achieve both individual and collective rural development goals. The organization meets quarterly in different locations in western Kansas to discuss event and program opportunities for rural communities.

Serving the South Central Kansas region, SCKEDD promotes regional strategies, partnerships, and solutions to strengthen the economic competitiveness and quality of life. Many of their business services include small business loans, weatherization, community grants, and community housing programs.

The Junction City - Geary County Kansas Ec. Dev. Commission consists of over 320 businesses and individuals who invest their time, talent, and resources to advance the civic, industrial, commercial, agricultural, and general interest of Geary County Kansas and the region. The JCDCED can assist with small businesses, workforce support, edu

The Junction City - Geary County Kansas Ec. Dev. Commission consists of over 320 businesses and individuals who invest their time, talent, and resources to advance the civic, industrial, commercial, agricultural, and general interest of Geary County Kansas and the region. The JCDCED can assist with small businesses, workforce support, education and more.

Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission assists the counties and cities in Northwest Kansas with obtaining federal grant funds for community improvements, along with Pioneer Country Development Inc in providing financing options for start-up businesses in Northwest Kansas.

The Keystone Community Corporation (KCC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit created in 2018 to bring together regional universities, philanthropic leaders, corporations and entrepreneurs with the goal of planning, developing and operating a diverse and thriving innovation community in downtown Kansas City. Keystone strives to advance r

The Keystone Community Corporation (KCC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit created in 2018 to bring together regional universities, philanthropic leaders, corporations and entrepreneurs with the goal of planning, developing and operating a diverse and thriving innovation community in downtown Kansas City. Keystone strives to advance regional goals and accelerate economic opportunities in the KC area.

GO Topeka creates county-wide economic success for all companies and citizens through implementation of an aggressive economic development strategy that capitalizes on the unique strengths of the community.

Sunflower Electric Economic Development is a collective initiative of Sunflower and its members, who continue to take pride in being pioneers, in seeing the potential in our communities and businesses, in trying new ways of doing things, and remaining committed to our goals. Their services include business development, site selection, mar

Sunflower Electric Economic Development is a collective initiative of Sunflower and its members, who continue to take pride in being pioneers, in seeing the potential in our communities and businesses, in trying new ways of doing things, and remaining committed to our goals. Their services include business development, site selection, marketing and promotion, and community readiness.

KCRise Fund is an initiative of KCRising, a long term vision for the greater KC region to build capacity, bring existing businesses to scale, and fully realize the KC region's potential. KCRise Fund is a KC based venture capital firm which invests in Seed and Series A stage technology companies.

https://www.kcrisefund.com

State

The Kansas Department of Commerce serves as the state's lead economic development agency and strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Some of the programs and services they provide include business development and recruitment, international division, community development, workforce servi

The Kansas Department of Commerce serves as the state's lead economic development agency and strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Some of the programs and services they provide include business development and recruitment, international division, community development, workforce services, creative arts industries commission, athletic commission, and Kansas Commerce reports and publications.

The Kansas SBDC is a part of the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States. They help new business owners realize their dreams of owning a business and assist existing business owners in their efforts to remain competitive. Their services include starting/growing/exiting a business, funding, tech commercial

The Kansas SBDC is a part of the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States. They help new business owners realize their dreams of owning a business and assist existing business owners in their efforts to remain competitive. Their services include starting/growing/exiting a business, funding, tech commercialization, cybersecurity, market research, and live/webinar trainings.

info@ksbdc.net
785-296-6514 - Central Office
Locate your local SBDC office at https://www.kansassbdc.net/contact

The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is the nation's first state department of agriculture. The agency is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas ag sector, including farmers, ranchers, food establishments and agribusiness. They are dedicated to providing support and assistan

The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is the nation's first state department of agriculture. The agency is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas ag sector, including farmers, ranchers, food establishments and agribusiness. They are dedicated to providing support and assistance to make Kansas businesses successful and encouraging more farms, ranches and other ag based businesses to expand in or relocate to Kansas. Services include licensing guides, grants and cost share programs, Kansas Commodity Commissions, export inspections, weed free forage inspection, administrative services, ag business services, ag marketing, animal health, conservation, water resources, ag growth summit event.

Federal

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. Some services that the SBA provides is access to capital, entrepreneurial development, government contracting, and advocacy. The SBA offers business plan assistance, funding programs, federal contracting and more.

Wichita District Office

wichita

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. Some services that the SBA provides is access to capital, entrepreneurial development, government contracting, and advocacy. The SBA offers business plan assistance, funding programs, federal contracting and more.

Wichita District Office

Kansas City District Office

kansascity_do@sba.gov
816-426-4900
www.sba.gov/offices/district/mo/kansas-city

USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. They offer loans, grants, and loan guarantees to help create jobs, support economic development, and essential services such as housing, healthcare, first-responder services and equipment, and communications infrastructure. USDA offers

USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. They offer loans, grants, and loan guarantees to help create jobs, support economic development, and essential services such as housing, healthcare, first-responder services and equipment, and communications infrastructure. USDA offers directives, business programs and services, regulations, guidance and more.

785-271-2700
www.rd.usda.gov/ks