Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition

Decoding Social Media Buzzwords - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-04-10 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
Feeling lost in the world of social media? You’re not alone! From “SEO” to “engagement”, the terminology can be overwhelming. But understanding these terms is crucial for growing your business online. Join our webinar, Decoding Social Media Buzzwords, and we’ll break down the essential social media jargon into easy-to-understand language.
Date: Thursday, April 10th2025.
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, April 7th, 2025.
For more information: 04/10/25 – Decoding Social Media Buzzwords

Marketing Workshop with AI
2025-04-17 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
Accelerate Your Campaigns: Explore AI-driven tools that speed up your marketing efforts.
Inspiring Case Studies: See how midwestern businesses are using AI to boost online engagement.
Hands-On Experience with AI generators.
Learn Smart Automation to streamline repetitive marketing tasks.
Date: Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 am
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, April 14th, 2025.
Supported by Kansas SBDC.

QuickBooks Online for Beginners
2025-04-22 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, April 22nd, 2025 (room request 128)
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, April 21st, 2025.
Supported by Kansas SBDC.

QuickBooks Online for Intermediate Users
2025-04-24 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, April 24th, 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, April 21st, 2025.
Supported by Kansas SBDC.

Scaling Your Reach: Your Guide to Social Media Advertising - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-04-24 13:00 - 14:00
Unlock the full potential of social media advertising and take your business to new heights. This webinar will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to effectively leverage paid ads and influencer marketing. We will first go over how to determine if you are ready for paid advertising and what steps you should take prior.
Date: Thursday, April 24th 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, April 21st, 2025.
For more information: 04/24/25 – Scaling Your Reach: Your Guide to Social Media Advertising

Startup and Start Right
2025-04-29 12:00 - 13:00
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through 10 essential steps. We’ll navigate licenses, taxes, business structure, funding, and more with clear explanations and actions to take!
Date: Tuesday, April 29th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon Monday, April 28th, 2025.
Supported by the Kansas SBDC.

Why We Click: Psychology Secrets for Social Media Growth - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-05-08 13:00 - 14:00
Ever wondered why some social media posts go viral while others fall flat? Or why some of us get burnt out so easily on social media? The answer lies in understanding the psychology behind human behavior. Join this training and discover how the principles of psychology can transform your social media strategy.
Date: Thursday, May 8th 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, May 5th, 2025.
For more information: 05/08/25 – Why We Click: Psychology Secrets for Social Media Growth

Choosing the Right Legal Structure: A Webinar for Small Food & Farm Businesses.
2025-05-12 12:00 - 13:00
Join this informative webinar designed specifically for small food and farm entrepreneurs to explore the pros and cons of different business legal structures. Learn how to choose the right entity—whether it’s a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or corporation—to protect your assets, simplify taxes, and support future growth. Omaha-based attorney, Erin Antz, will break down complex concepts into practical, actionable guidance tailored to your unique needs.
For more info: https://go.unl.edu/legal-structure

Your small business is growing! Let's get you ready to successfully hire and retain your first employee.
2025-05-13 12:00 - 13:00
Join us as we discuss required employee documentation, payroll, 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, May 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, May 12th, 2025.
For more information: 05/13/25 – Hiring Your First Employee

Building Local Collaboration Infrastructure
2025-05-15 14:00 - 15:00
Date & Time
May 15, 2025, at 02:00 P.M., CST

Description
Strong food systems depend on strong local networks—but how do you build them from the ground up with limited resources?
This session dives into collaborative infrastructure: trust-based relationships between communities, organizers, and institutions that drive lasting, community-led change.

Led by Lindsey Scalera and Rachel Kelly of the Michigan Good Food Charter, we’ll explore how to build coalitions rooted in trust, align goals, and share resources equitably—using real examples from local food systems planning. Perfect for those starting or growing a network, this interactive session offers practical tools and insights for sustainable collaboration.

For information to register: Meeting Registration – Zoom
For additional information or to contact organizers: Michigan Good Food Charter

State Sales Tax for Retailers - Kansas
2025-05-22 09:00 - 12:00
This webinar is presented in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Revenue and is devoted to explain 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: Thursday, May 22nd , 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 Monday, May 19th, 2025.
For more information: 05/22/25 – State Sales Tax for Retailers

Empowering Your Business with AI
2025-05-27 10:00 - 11:00
Want to spend less time with the minutia of busy work, and get back to making your business and own life better. This training will empower you to utilize AI in your daily business activities.
Unlock Efficiency: Discover AI tools that automate routine tasks freeing up precious hours.
Real-World Impact: Learn local businesses that have slashed admin time and boosted productivity using smart AI solutions.
Interactive Demos: Experience hands-on demonstrations of chatbots, automated report generators and more
Step-by-Step Integration: Get clear, actionable strategies to embed AI into your workflow.
Date: Tuesday, May 27th, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 am
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, May 26th, 2025.
Visit here: 05/27/25 – Empowering Your Business with AI

Startup and Start Right
2025-05-27 12:00 - 13:00
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through 10 essential steps. We’ll navigate licenses, taxes, business structure, funding, and more with clear explanations and actions to take!
Date: Tuesday, May 27th, 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, May 26th, 2025.
For more information: 05/27/25 – Startup and Start Right

Manage Your Own Social Media
2025-05-29 13:00 - 14:00
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: Thursday, May 29th. 2025.
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, May 26th, 2025.
For more information: 05/29/25 – Manage Your Own Social Media

Commercial Insurance Basics
2025-06-10 12:00 - 13:00
Business Insurance is an important but often misunderstood aspect of operating an enterprise. Join Advisor David Kreller for an overview of insurance and risk management basics including the different types of business insurance a small business may typically utilize, how they work, and factors that may impact pricing.
Date: Tuesday, June 10th
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Monday, June 9th, 2025
For more information: 06/10/25 – Commercial Insurance Basics

Canva Hacks for Social Media - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-06-12 13:00 - 14:00
Tired of generic social media graphics? Want to create eye-catching visuals that stop the scroll? Join our webinar, Canva Hacks for Social Media, and unlock the secrets to designing stunning social media content in minutes!
Date: Thursday, June 12th, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, June 9th, 2025
For more information: 06/12/25 – Canva Hacks for Social Media

Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Business Owners
2025-06-18 12:00 - 13:00
This online training covers the cyber security fundamentals that all small business owners should understand and act on. The purpose of the presentation is to address the common risk points that make most small businesses susceptible to a cyber-attack or data breach.
• Understand the risks for small businesses (they are the # 1 target), Identify weak points in your system and management policies, learn best practices, preparation & response tactics, and available resources to help prepare and protect your business.
Date: Wednesday, June 18th, 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 Monday, June 16th, 2025
06/18/24 – Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Business Owners

Artificial Intelligence & the Impact to Agricultural Enterprises and Small Businesses
2025-06-18 12:00 - 14:00
Join USDA, SBA, NASA, and other Federal and private partners and stakeholders for a discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the impact to America’s agricultural enterprises and small businesses. We will demystify AI and discuss how using data science will grow your organization.
Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (CST)
To Register: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_QVTn0ZLbTmiVJFJau979Vw#/registration

Startup and Start Right (KS)
2025-06-24 12:00 - 13:00
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through 10 essential steps. We’ll navigate licenses, taxes, business structure, funding, and more with clear explanations and actions to take!
Date: Tuesday, June 24th, 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, June 23rd, 2025.
For more information: 06/24/25 – Startup and Start Right

Engage Your Audience, Grow Your Business
2025-06-26 13:00 - 14:00
Want to transform your social media? This workshop unlocks the secrets to creating engaging content, from hooking viewers to building your brand. Learn how to implement calls to action, quality content, and audience connection to increase your engagement and ultimately grow your business.
Date: Thursday, June 26th, 2025 .
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, June 23rd, 2025.
For more information: 06/26/25 – Engage Your Audience, Grow Your Business

Get Your Business on Google Search and Maps
2025-07-09 11:00 - 12:00
If you’ve wanted to learn more about Google and how your business can be found online, take time to join us as Maria Elena Duron, Google Trainer/Digital Coach explains why showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. In this workshop, you will learn how to create and manage a Google Business Profile from start to finish. Attendees will also learn how to: * Create or claim your Google Business Profile * Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps * Use your Business Profile to connect with potential customers Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and get a copy of the presentation used by this Google Expert.
Speaker(s): Maria Elena Duron Grow with Google Trainer/Digital Coach
Date: Wednesday, July 09, 2025, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Central
Location: Online

Tax Education Webinar for Agricultural Enterprises and Small Businesses
2025-07-15 12:00 - 14:00
Please join the United States Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service and Small Business Administration for the “Tax Education Webinar for Agricultural Enterprises and Small Businesses”. We have partnered to bring tax related matters impacting small and mid-sized businesses, including agricultural enterprises (farms and ranches).
The virtual event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, EDT.
** Jul 15, 2025, 12:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)
To register, please click HERE.
If you have any questions, please contact Jacqueline Davis-Slay at Jacqueline.davis-slay@usda.gov.

MU Extension Online Class - Cover Crops & Soil Health for Vegetable Gardens
2025-09-09 18:00 - 19:30
Class Description:
Dig-in to the essentials of cover crops & soil health to help your garden grow and your soil thrive. The rubber meets the road in this session where you will learn practical steps to optimize soil health and soil function in your garden. Soil is a fascinating living ecosystem, if we understand how to harness the power of this ecosystem, we can grow great crops with less inputs and protect the environment.
Registration Link: https://extension.missouri.edu/events/cover-crops-soil-health-for-vegetable-gardens
Have questions about your garden or landscape? Contact your local horticulture specialist. Click your county on the horticulture specialist map to connect directly with your local specialist. https://ipm.missouri.edu/specialists/
Cost: $10
Contact: Justin Keay, justin.keay@missouri.edu, 573-324-5464

Marketing with AI - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-09-17 09:00 - 10:00
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
-Accelerate Your Campaigns: Explore AI-driven tools that speed up your marketing efforts.
-Inspiring Case Studies: See how midwestern businesses are using AI to boost online engagement.
-Hands-On Experience with AI generators.
-Learn Smart Automation to streamline repetitive marketing tasks.
Date: Wednesday, September 17th 2025
Time: 9;00 am – 10:00am
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
For more info: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6104&SINGLESTORE=true

Are You Lender Ready? Understanding Your Credit & Preparing Your Financials - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:00
Applying for a commercial loan may seem like a daunting task. Tune-in to this webinar to learn how lenders evaluate a potential borrower’s credit and financials.
Date: Thursday, September 18th 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, September 15th, 2025
For more information: 09/18/25 – Are You Lender Ready? Understanding Your Credit & Preparing Your Financials

Intro Into Intellectual Properties - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:00
Inventions, designs, original works of authorship, and trade secrets can provide you with economic benefits. Learn the basics of intellectual property protection. Jessica Pierpoint with the USPTO Kansas Patent and Trademark Resource Center will present.
Date: Thursday, September 18th , 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 September 15th, 2025.
For more information: 09/18/25 – Intro Into Intellectual Properties

Trademark Basics: What Every Small Business Should Know Now, Not Later - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-09-23 10:00 - 11:30
Trademark Basics: What Every Small Business Should Know Now, Not Later – Kansas SBDC at WSU
Join us for a discussion about what all entrepreneurs, small businesses, and start-ups should know about trademarks. We’ll discuss what trademarks are, the benefits of federal trademark registration, and the basics of the registration process. We’ll also talk about why it’s so important for any new business to select a trademark that is both federally registrable and legally protectable. We’ll close out the discussion with a question-and-answer session and direct you to free resources from the USPTO.
-Difference between TM, SM, and ®
-Importance of selecting a strong trademark
-Importance of conducting clearance searching before filing
-Fundamentals of the federal trademark application requirements
-How to find free and reduced-price legal services
Date: Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025
Time 10:00 am -11:30 am
Cost: None.
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, September 22nd.
For more information: 09/23/25 – Trademark basics: What every small business should know now, not later

Cold Supply Chains - Informational Webinar
2025-09-24 14:00 - 15:00
The University of Nebraska, Omaha and the Heartland Food Business Coalition are hosting a seminar on cold supply chains on September 24th, from 2-3pm. Our speaker is Steven Thauriaux from Smithfield Foods.

In the seminar, Steven will discuss the following topics:

Regulators & rules: USDA, FDA, OSHA, SQF—requirements shaping food handling and storage.
Temperature control: ≤41°F refrigeration; monitoring, calibrated probes, logs, and alerting.
Ops challenges: Labor retention, cross-functional teamwork, SOP standardization, scheduling, inventory discipline.
Tech enablers: RFID for traceability; LMS for training/productivity; WMS for execution.
Customer expectations: Transparency, speed, accuracy, safety; KPIs—OTIF and fill rate.
Case wins: Process optimization, SOP rollouts, targeted tech adoption → higher efficiency, fewer claims.

The zoom connection information is below. Please feel free to spread this invite to others who may be interested.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://unl.zoom.us/j/95767517203?from=addon
Meeting ID: 957 6751 7203

So, You’re Thinking about Selling Your Business - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-09-24 18:00 - 20:00
Whether you’re planning an exit by 2025 or a comfortable retirement a decade from now, this webinar is designed to help you navigate the business sale process.
Kansas SBDC Business Advisor and Small Business Owner, David Keller, has been involved with multiple business sales, including several of his own. He will share his insights and experience on:
-Identifying the Right Time to Sell: Key factors to consider when deciding if selling is your best move.
-Building a Winning Strategy: Essential elements for a successful sale, maximizing your return on investment.
-Taking Action Today: Actionable steps you can take right now to get your business sale-ready.
-Assembling Your A-Team: Critical team members you need by your side to ensure a smooth transition.
-A Step-by-Step Guide: A clear picture of the entire sales process, from initial discussions to closing the deal.
-Beyond the Finish Line: Important considerations for the post-sale period.
Privacy: We understand the sensitive nature of this topic. Reminder emails will include instructions for customizing your Zoom name, and for added security, only the trainer and their screen will be recorded. Join us and ask any questions you have.
Date: Wednesday, September 24th
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Cost: $25.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
For more information: 09/24/25 – So, You’re Thinking about Selling Your Business

The Power of Pinterest - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-09-25 12:00 - 13:00
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, September 25th 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, September 22nd, 2025
For more information: 09/25/25 – The Power of Pinterest
