Business & Startup Scene in Wichita, Kansas, United States

Wichita, United States, Wichita, Business & Work, Business & Startup Scene

Business & Startup Scene in Wichita, Kansas, United States

1. Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce

Networking hub for local businesses, offering events, resources, and advocacy to foster economic growth.
  • Business Networking: Provides opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals.
  • Resource Center: Offers a wealth of business resources, including training and workshops.
  • Policy Advocacy: Advocates on behalf of local businesses to government officials for favorable policies.

2. Wichita Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI)

A business incubator and resource center dedicated to supporting startup growth in Wichita.
  • Business Incubation: Provides physical space, resources, and mentorship for new businesses.
  • Entrepreneurial Education: Offers classes and workshops to help entrepreneurs refine their ideas and strategies.
  • Collaborative Environment: Facilitates collaboration between startups, fostering a community of innovation.

3. Innovation Kitchen

A coworking space for tech and creative startups offering resources and networking opportunities.
  • Coworking Space: Provides flexible workspace solutions for startups and freelancers.
  • Tech-Focused: Specializes in supporting tech-driven startups and innovators.
  • Events & Networking: Hosts a variety of events to facilitate collaboration and networking within the tech community.

4. Wichita Startup Grind

A chapter of Startup Grind, a global startup community that educates, inspires, and connects entrepreneurs.
  • Educational Workshops: Offers workshops on various topics related to entrepreneurship.
  • Networking Events: Hosts events to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors.
  • Speaker Series: Brings in successful entrepreneurs for talks and Q&A sessions.

5. Wichita Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Helps small businesses grow by providing resources, training, and counseling.
  • Business Counseling: Offers one-on-one business counseling to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges.
  • Training & Workshops: Provides training and workshops on various aspects of starting and running a small business.
  • Access to Capital: Assists businesses in accessing capital through loan packaging, financial analysis, and other resources.

6. Wichita Angel Investment Network (WAIN)

A network of angel investors providing funding for early-stage startups in Wichita.
  • Funding Opportunities: Connects startups with potential investors to secure funding.
  • Mentorship Program: Offers mentorship to help startups navigate challenges and grow their businesses.
  • Startup Support: Provides resources and support to help startups prepare for investment opportunities.

7. Wichita Metro Area Small Business Development Corporation (Metro SBDC)

A non-profit organization that provides business loans, counseling, and resources to small businesses.
  • Business Loans: Offers affordable loans for small businesses unable to secure financing elsewhere.
  • Counseling Services: Provides one-on-one counseling to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges.
  • Small Business Resources: Offers a variety of resources, including training and workshops, to help small businesses succeed.

8. Wichita Area Technical College (WATC)

Provides vocational and technical education to prepare students for careers in various industries.
  • Vocational Education: Offers training programs in a variety of technical fields.
  • Workforce Development: Helps meet the workforce needs of local businesses by providing trained professionals.
  • Continuing Education: Provides opportunities for lifelong learning and career advancement through continuing education programs.

9. Wichita Technology Corporation (WTC)

A non-profit organization that fosters economic development by promoting technology-based businesses.
  • Technology Incubator: Provides resources, mentorship, and support to tech startups.
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in the technology sector.
  • Collaborative Environment: Encourages collaboration between startups, researchers, and industry professionals.

10. Wichita State University's Sedgwick County Extension Office

Provides educational programs for small businesses and farmers in the Wichita area.
  • Business Education: Offers workshops, seminars, and online resources to help small business owners succeed.
  • Agricultural Support: Supports farmers through educational programs and research.
  • Community Engagement: Engages with the community to address local needs and challenges.

11. Wichita Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC)

A non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing Wichita's downtown area through economic development and urban planning.
  • Downtown Revitalization: Works to improve the economic vitality of downtown Wichita.
  • Urban Planning & Development: Manages planning and development efforts in downtown Wichita.
  • Community Engagement: Engages with the community to create a vibrant, sustainable downtown.

12. Wichita Young Professionals (WYP)

A network for young professionals in Wichita, offering networking events, professional development opportunities, and community engagement.
  • Networking Events: Hosts events to connect young professionals with peers and potential mentors.
  • Professional Development: Provides resources and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Community Engagement: Encourages young professionals to get involved in their community through volunteer opportunities and advocacy efforts.

13. Wichita Original Street Art (WOSA)

A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Wichita's local arts scene through public murals and events.
  • Public Murals: Commissions local artists to create murals throughout the city.
  • Arts Education: Provides arts education programs for students and adults.
  • Community Engagement: Engages with the community to create vibrant, public art spaces that reflect local identity.

14. Wichita Independent Businesses Association (WIBA)

A membership organization supporting independent businesses in Wichita through advocacy and networking.
  • Independent Business Support: Provides resources, support, and advocacy for independent businesses.
  • Networking Opportunities: Offers networking events to connect independent business owners with peers and potential collaborators.
  • Community Engagement: Promotes the importance of independent businesses in Wichita's local economy and community.

15. Wichita Area Small Business Fair

An annual event that brings together small business owners for networking, education, and resources.
  • Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities for small business owners to connect with peers and potential mentors.
  • Educational Workshops: Offers workshops on various topics related to starting and running a small business.
  • Resource Fair: Showcases resources available to help small businesses grow and succeed.