Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition

Sales and Use Tax Class for Small Business (Kansas)
2024-10-22 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Date: 10/22/2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (CDT)
Registration Deadline: 10/22/2024 8:00 AM (CDT)
Fee: No Fee
Point of Contact: Brenda Hampton (785) 628-4563
Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Tax Planning
Description:

Presented by Kansas Department of Revenue

Kansas Retailers’ Sales Tax and Compensating Use Tax
Goods and Services subject to Sales Tax
Record Keeping and Filing Requirements
Form Preparation
Exemption Certificate
Withholding Requirements

Registration Policies:

Registration and Fees: Payment of fees may be made online by credit card in advance to reserve seating. If you need to make other arrangements, please contact ksbdc@fhsu.edu.
Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend, you may also elect to send a substitute in your place with advance notice. If the event is cancelled, all fees will be returned.
Special Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities if made at least two weeks in advance by contacting ksbdc@fhsu.edu. Registration is required for reasonable accommodation requests.
Website: https://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/28469

The Power of Storytelling in Today’s Media Landscape
2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:00
Is your small business ready to share its story with the community? Join Monique Farmer, APR and WOWT News Anchor and Reporter for The Power of Storytelling in Today’s Media Landscape—your introduction to media relations and how to leverage the art of storytelling to connect with the media and your customer audience/clients. Whether you’re looking to get your business featured in the media or simply strengthen your brand, this session will give you the tools you need to tell your story in a way that gets noticed. Don’t miss out on this essential media relations 101 discussion!
Can’t attend? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording!
Register here: Webinar Registration – Zoom

Grant Writing Basics Course – K-State Research & Extension
2024-12-03 18:00 - 2024-12-05 20:30
K-State Research & Extension is offering a Grant Writing Basics course consisting of two (3-hour) online live sessions with many additional resources. We’ve organized a two-part series specifically for our food system partners, farmers, and food business owners interested in grant writing. Whether you’ve never written a grant proposal before and have no idea where to start, or for those who have experience but are looking for ways to improve your approach, we encourage you to attend. Participants are encouraged to bring their grants or grant ideas to share.
December 3-5, 2024, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Topics include:

Sources of data for community needs
Where to find grants
Elements of a great grant proposal
Practicing the grant elements: Problem, Outcome, Activity, Evaluation, Budget

For more information, please contact:
Nancy Daniels
nkdaniels@ksu.edu
*Refunds are not available for this program

Free webinar explores funding for small farmers, food producers
2024-12-12 18:00 - 19:00
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a free webinar to explore grant, loan and cost-share opportunities for small farm and food business operators. The webinar is 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12.
MU Extension horticulturist Justin Keay says the workshop is timely. “In the past several years, we have seen a variety of new federally supported programs developed targeting small farms and food producers. This is a good opportunity to learn about these programs while funding is available,” Keay says.
The webinar covers grants through the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Heartland Regional Food Business Center, loans from the Farm Service Agency and cost-share programs from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“This will be a great webinar bringing together partners who support small farms and food businesses,” he says. As a bonus, one attendee will win a free registration to the 2025 Great Plains Growers Conference (www.GreatPlainsGrowersConference.org) in St. Joseph, which Keay says is the premier fruit and vegetable growers conference in the region for learning, networking and growing your farm.
Register for the free webinar at http://muext.us/SPSF2024.

State Sales Tax for Retailers
2024-12-16 09:00 - 12:00
This webinar is presented in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Revenue and is devoted to explaining the differences between the Kansas Retailers’ Sales Tax, the Kansas Retailers’ Compensating Use Tax, and the Kansas Consumers Compensating Use Tax.
You will gain a basic understanding of the goods and services subject to sales tax. It will also explain the record keeping and filing requirements, form preparation, how to use exemption certificates, and Withholding Tax.
Date: January 21st , 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on January 20th, 2025

Accounting for Non-Accountants - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-01-07 12:00 - 13:00
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by financial terms like “balance sheet” or “income statement”?
This introductory session, designed specifically for those new to accounting, is the perfect starting point. By gaining a grasp of financial cornerstones, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions that contribute to the success and growth of your business.
Date: January 7th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: None Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on January 6th, 2025

Startup and Start Right - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-01-14 12:00 - 13:00
Ready to turn your business idea into reality?
This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through ten essential steps. We’ll navigate licenses, taxes, business structure, funding, and more with clear explanations and actions to take!
Date: January 14th, 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: None Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on January 13th, 2025

Crack the Code on Pricing: Maximize Profits in Local Markets
2025-01-14 12:00 - 13:00
Are you a small-scale farmer or food-based entrepreneur struggling to find the sweet spot between profit and customer satisfaction? Join the Heartland Regional Food Business Center for this dynamic webinar where we’ll demystify the art of pricing your products. Dr. Mallory Rahe from the University of Missouri will share practical strategies to set prices based on your cost of production and show you how to create different financial scenarios for business planning. Whether you’re selling at the farmers’ market, online, or through a CSA, this session will empower you to price with confidence and boost your bottom line!
To learn more, register here: https://unl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrcOCsrzIuGNzKUu0uM_XdpAOyv6d73Or4

Unlocking Opportunities with the 8(A)Small Business Development Program
2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for an in-depth look at the 8(A) Small Business Development Program.
This webinar will cover key eligibility requirements, the application process, and the benefits of becoming a part of this exclusive government program, giving your business access to federal contracting opportunities and valuable business development resources
Date: January 16th, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on January 13th, 2024

Join a Rural Grocery Peer Group!
2025-01-17 08:00 - 17:00
Running a rural grocery store is tough, and at times, isolating. Many grocers value learning from each other and want more opportunities to connect.
To help bridge this gap, RGI will be facilitating Rural Grocery Peer Groups. By providing space for mutual support and knowledge exchange, these groups will help foster a stronger, more connected rural grocery community.
WHO: Owners and managers of independent rural grocery stores located in the Heartland Regional Food Business Center (NE, IA, MO, KS, OK, AR)
WHAT: Peer groups will be composed of no more than 12 non-competing rural grocers. Each group will meet for one hour once a month to ask each other questions, share advice, learn best practices, speak directly with industry experts, and motivate each other.
WHEN: February through October 2025 (dates and times TBD)
WHERE: Zoom
COST: Free!
Interested grocers should complete a brief online application by Jan. 17, 2025.
From there, the RGI team will organize participants into peer groups and coordinate monthly meetings with participants.
Due to capacity limitations, we cannot guarantee there will be space for everyone who applies. However, we will do our best to accommodate you.
Questions? Email Erica Blair at elblair@ksu.edu.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women
2025-01-21 17:00 - 20:00
Multiple Day Event – Please Read:
This four-part farm succession planning workshop series is produced through a partnership by extension professionals at Kansas State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Purdue University. Each session will be held at in-person sites across Kansas, Nebraska, and Indiana. The program will feature a livestreamed keynote presentation and local hands-on activity to motivate participants to create farm succession plans and facilitate family and business conversations around this vital topic. Sixty-three in-person sites are available across these three states, as well as a fully online version of the program.
Program Description
According to US Census data, 70% of U.S. farmland will transfer to the next generation in the next 20 years. The impact of farms transitioning, either successfully to the next generation or unsuccessfully in the form of a land and estate sale, has implications for rural communities and rural prosperity. As farms become fewer and larger, population decline has hurt many rural areas, affecting the economic viability of more than just those directly on farms.
This hands-on evening workshop series will provide educational presentations and resources to motivate participants to start the farm transition planning process or review their current transition plan. Communication, financial, and legal aspects will all be covered. The goal is for participants to acquire knowledge they can apply directly to their own farm/ranch situation.
Participants must register for the entire 4-part series, as sessions will build upon each other.
This program is just one example of K-State Research and Extension’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. While the program is designed to highlight women’s issues in agriculture, it is open to any participant without regard to sex.
For more information, contact Robin Reid, K-State Agricultural Economics at 785-532-0964 or robinreid@ksu.edu(link is external).
Program Schedule
**Note that times listed are in Central Time Zone. For the Syracuse & Goodland locations, all session will start at 4:30 pm Mountain Time***
January 21st, 2025:
5:00 pm Registration & Dinner
5:30 pm Motivation for Succession Planning – A Personal Story
7:00 pm Local Activity/Discussion
8:00 pm End
January 28th, 2025:
5:00 pm Dinner
5:30 pm Family Communication around Estate and Transition Planning – Ashlee Westerhold and LaVell Winsor, K-State Ag Economics
7:00 pm Local Activity/Discussion
8:00 pm End
February 4th, 2025:
5:00 pm Dinner
5:30 pm Financial Aspects of Estate and Transition Plans – Jessica Groskopf, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
7:00 pm Local Activity/Discussion
8:00 pm End
February 11th, 2025:
5:00 pm Dinner
5:30 pm Legal Aspects of Putting Your Plan into Place – Holly Dobbs, Esq., Dobbs & Folz, LLC
7:00 pm Local Activity/Discussion
8:00 pm End
Registration Information
The registration fee for in-person attendance is $60.00 before Jan. 12th, 2025, which includes all four nights meals and educational materials. The fee increases to $75.00 after Jan. 12th, 2025, and a workbook is not guaranteed. For in-person registration, the fee will be collected at the local site the first night of the program. In-person participation is HIGHLY encouraged, if at all possible.
A fully online option is available for $75.00 for family members that may live out of state or people that cannot participate in an in-person site.

Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs
2025-01-28 11:00 - 12:00
The North Central Food Safety Extension Network is offering a 3-part webinar series on topics relative to food entrepreneurs. Register and you will receive a Zoom link to attend. All webinars will be held from 11:00am-Noon CST.
Jan 28: Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs
Feb 4: Freeze Drying Foods: Science, Safety, and Cottage Industry
Feb 11: Sourdough Starters: Care, Safety, and Preservation

Date: January 28, 2025
Resource: Food Safety Best Practices for Local Food Entrepreneurs | NDSU Agriculture
Dr. Julie Garden-Robinson, North Dakota State University Extension
Karen Blakeslee, M.S., Kansas State University Research and Extension
For more information: North Central Food Safety Extension Network (NCFSEN) | North Central Region Center for FSMA Training, Extension, and Technical Assistance

Sustainability 101: Practical Steps for Small Businesses
2025-02-04 10:00 - 11:00
This workshop introduces small businesses to the basics of sustainability, focusing on Pollution Prevention (P2) strategies and the principles of Environmental Justice (EJ). Learn how implementing sustainable practices can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and support underserved communities. We’ll also touch on compliance considerations relevant to small businesses, leveraging resources from the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP).
Join us to discover actionable steps to build a greener and more equitable future for your business and community.
Date: February 4th, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 pm
Cost: none
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 3rd, 2025.

Freeze Drying Foods: Science, Safety, and Cottage Industry Webinar
2025-02-04 11:00 - 12:00
The North Central Food Safety Extension Network is offering a 3-part webinar series on topics relative to food entrepreneurs. Registration link is below and you will receive a Zoom link to attend. All webinars will be held from 11:00am-Noon CST.
Date: February 4, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. to Noon
Description: This webinar session will cover the science and food safety aspects involved in producing freeze-drying foods for sale to consumers.
Dr. Mary-Grace Danao, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
For Registration: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Hiring Your First Employee
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:00
Your small business is growing! Let’s get you ready to successfully hire and retain your first employee. Join us as we discuss required employee documentation, payroll and whether you can handle in-house or outsource, necessary tax reporting, and other human resource points you should consider.
This webinar will also help current employers review and improve their processes
Date: Tuesday, February 4th, 2025.
Time: 12:00 pm– 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 3rd, 2025

Starting and Sustaining a Farmers Market Lunch N' Learn Webinar Series
2025-02-04 12:00 - 2025-02-06 13:00
Are you interested in starting a farmer’s market in your community? Are you part of a recently established market looking to learn more? Join MU Extension and Missouri Farmers Market Association for this lunch n’ learn series to explore the steps and strategies for starting and sustaining a farmer’s market.
Learn the nuts and bolts of market rules and regulations, creating a market identity, and liability considerations, along with how Missouri Farmers Market Association and MU Extension can support farmers market managers. Join the panel discussions as established farmers market managers share their insights and lessons learned from starting a farmer’s market to how to develop partnerships and sponsorships that have supported their markets success and longevity. Registration for the Tuesday session only is free and part of the Missouri Farmers Market Association Tuesday Talks. Register for the full series for $10.

Tuesday – Starting a Farmers Market – Regulations, Rules, Market Identity and Liability, and resources from Missouri Farmers Market Association and MU Extension
Wednesday – Startup Lessons and Insights – Farmers Market Manager Panel Discussion
Thursday – Building Partnerships and Sponsorships to Support Market Success and Longevity – Farmers Market Manager Panel Discussion

This webinar series will provide information that will be explored further in The Missouri Farmers Market Association Conference, February 23rd and 24th, where you can learn and network in person with current and aspiring market managers from across Missouri in interactive and engaging sessions.
To register, visit: Personal Information – Starting and Sustaining a Farmers Market Lunch N’ Learn Webinar Series
Find out more details about the Missouri Farmers Market Association Annual Conference https://www.missourifarmersmarkets.org/

Home Vegetable Garden Basics - 8 Sessions
2025-02-06 12:00 - 2025-03-27 13:30
Learn how to grow your own vegetables! Start with garden planning and soils, learn about cool and warm season vegetables plus herbs, and how to problem solve those pesky weeds, insects, and diseases.
Cost: $80 for 8 sessions
Questions? Contact Katie Kammler, kammlerk@missouri.edu or 573-883-3548
Noon to 1:30, every Thursday from February 6 to March 27
To register and more info on the total of 8 sessions: Personal Information – Home Vegetable Garden Basics

2025 CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series
2025-02-07 13:30 - 2025-12-05 14:30
Join us for the 2025 CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series, a webinar series dedicated to showcasing the power of collaboration in rural Missouri communities. In 2025, we spotlight successful stories of collaboration that are driving innovation, strengthening connections, and creating lasting impact in our small towns and rural regions.
Attendees will hear real stories with real impact directly from community leaders, organizations, and individuals who have successfully worked together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. At the end of each webinar, we leave time for Q&A sessions with speakers and peers to exchange ideas and build networks.
Whether you’re an economic development or nonprofit professional, local official, business owner, or simply passionate about rural development, the CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series is your go-to for inspiration, learning, and connection.
No fee to attend.
Contact: Jackie Spainhower, spainhowerj@missouri.edu, 816-752-8662
Sessions are the first Friday of each month at 1:30 pm, starting in February,
(No webinars scheduled in January, July and October.)
February 7, 2025, 1:30 pm – December 5, 2025, 2:30 pm

For registration information: Personal Information – 2025 CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series

Grant Writing Basics Course - K-State Research & Extension
2025-02-10 13:30 - 2025-02-11 16:30
K-State Research & Extension is offering a Grant Writing Basics course consisting of two (3-hour) online live sessions with many additional resources. We’ve organized a two-part series specifically for our food system partners, farmers, and food business owners interested in grant writing. Whether you’ve never written a grant proposal before and have no idea where to start, or for those who have experience but are looking for ways to improve your approach, we encourage you to attend. Participants are encouraged to bring their grants or grant ideas to share.
February 10-11, 2025: This class is only available to those producing Kansas foods or helping write grants for local food access.
Topics include:

Sources of data for community needs
Where to find grants
Elements of a great grant proposal
Practicing the grant elements: Problem, Outcome, Activity, Evaluation, Budget

For more information, please contact:
Nancy Daniels
nkdaniels@ksu.edu
*Refunds are not available for this program

Startup and Start Right
2025-02-11 12:00 - 13:00
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through ten essential steps. We’ll navigate licenses, taxes, business structure, funding, and more with clear explanations and actions to take!
Date: Tuesday, February 11th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 10th, 2025.

An Intro to Building Your Brand Story
2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:00
In this engaging virtual session, discover why the most successful brands lead with purpose, not products. Learn from powerful examples like Red Bull, Patagonia, and other purpose-driven companies who’ve mastered the art of championing their ‘why.’
What You’ll Learn:
-How to uncover your company’s authentic ‘why’
-The proven 80/20 rule for engaging content
-Strategies to translate your purpose into powerful stories
-Real examples from brands who lead with purpose
**NOTE: This virtual session is your first step toward our comprehensive in-person workshop experience held on March 4th.
Date: Thursday, February 13th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 10th, 2025.
https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=5645&SINGLESTORE=tru

Crafting your Roadmap to Success: Business Planning for Food & Farm Entrepreneurs
2025-02-18 12:00 - 13:00
Calling all small-scale farmers and food-based entrepreneurs! Are you ready to grow your business and thrive in your local market? Join us for an engaging webinar where you’ll learn how to create a practical, personalized business plan tailored to your business’ unique needs. From setting achievable goals to mastering marketing strategies, this session is packed with tools to help you plant the seeds for a profitable future. Don’t miss out—turn your vision into action and watch your business flourish!

Social Media Analytics
2025-02-20 13:00 - 14:00
Struggling to understand your social media data? This course clarifies how to find valuable insights on Meta, Pinterest, and TikTok. We’ll decode key metrics within each platform’s analytics suite, empowering you to pinpoint winning content and refine your targeting strategy.
Date: Thursday, February 20th, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 2025

QuickBooks Online for Beginners
2025-02-25 09:00 - 12:00
Learn how to use QuickBooks Online software to help manage your company’s finances from anywhere using the cloud. This webinar covers setting up your company account, navigating the user interface, recording common transactions, and running reports to assess your company’s performance. Learn how to set up products and services, customers, vendors, sales tax, and more. Presenter Charnea Bell is a Master Accountant, Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumna of Wichita State University, and local business owner.
Date: Tuesday, February 25th 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: $199.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 24th, 2025.

QuickBooks Online for Intermediate Users
2025-02-27 09:00 - 12:00
Build on the skills learned in the Beginners course and learn how to make the most of this cloud-based accounting software to manage your company’s finances more efficiently. This webinar covers more complex concepts including setting up sales tax, creating estimates, recurring transactions, inventory management, journal entries, and payroll. Also learn how to manage accounts receivable and accounts payable, reconcile accounts, and analyze reports. Presenter Charnea Bell is a Master Accountant, Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumna of Wichita State University, and local business owner.
Date: Thursday, February 27th , 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: $199.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.

The Power of Pinterest
2025-02-27 13:00 - 14:00
“Heard of Pinterest? Maybe you have already started pinning, but did you know that Pinterest is actually really helpful for driving traffic to your website? Attend this webinar to learn the benefits of using Pinterest as part of your small business social media strategy. This session aims to cover the “often overlooked” way of using Pinterest in a more “hands on” approach.”
Date: Thursday, February 27th 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025

Selling at the Farmer's Market
2025-03-10 12:00 - 13:00
Producers selling local foods at the farmers market can learn about marketing strategies, state regulations, value added products, and business planning, in this five-part online series. This lunch-and-learn webinar is presented by University of Missouri Extension.
Participants will hear from farmers, MU Extension specialists, and representatives from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and Missouri Small Business Development Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas.
Registration for this event is $10.00. Sessions will be recorded. Attendees will have access to the recordings for 45 days after the workshop
The workshop runs March 10th to March 14th, 2025, from 12 pm to 1 pm.
Partners:

Missouri Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
Heartland Regional Food Business Center

For more information on registration: Personal Information – Selling at the Farmers Market 2025

Marketing Workshop with AI
2025-03-13 10:00 - 11:00
Learning how to market with AI will not only allow you to iterate faster, but also create real-world photos with stunning results and effects. Explore AI-driven tools that generate copy, design visuals, and automate ad placements to speed up your marketing efforts. Learn how midwestern businesses are using AI to craft social media campaigns and boost online engagement without extra hours. Then we will dive into interactive session where you’ll learn how to use AI content generators.
Date: Thursday, March 13th 2025
Time: 10:00 am- 11:00 am
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, March 10, 2025

Price:

$10.00
Supported by Kansas SBDC

Manage Your Own Social Media - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:00
Developing a strategy, creating content, and managing your social media can seem like a daunting undertaking. Paying someone to do all of that can ALSO be challenging or out of budget. Join us to learn budget friendly tips and tricks for being your own social media manager.
Date: March 13th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1: 00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, March 10th, 2025
For more information: 03/13/25 – Manage Your Own Social Media

Woman-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-20 10:00 - 11:00
Join the Small Business Administration for an in-depth discussion about the WOSB certification program. The Federal Government’s goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned businesses each year.
Date: March 20th, 2025
Time: 10: 00 am – 11:00 am
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, March 17th, 2025.
For more information: 03/20/25 – Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program
