Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition

Douglas County Market of Farms - Lawrence, KS
2025-03-29 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Flory Meeting Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St, Lawrence, KS, 66046, United States
Shop Kansas Farms is coming to Douglas County!
Vendors from across the state will be selling beef, pork, poultry, eggs, honey, jams and jellies and more!
Our vendor spaces are sold out for the Shop Kansas Farms Market of Farms on March 29 in Lawrence at the Flory Meeting Hall on the Douglas County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.!
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Lawrence, we have a room block at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, 2176 East 23rd Street in Lawrence. You can book your room here.
For more information, please visit the website: https://shopkansasfarms.com/douglas-county-market-of-farms

Empowering Your Business with AI
2025-04-10 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: Thursday, April 10th 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, April 7th, 2025.
Supported by Kansas SBDC.

Accounting for Non-Accountants
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00
Accounting for non-accountants
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: Thursday, April 10th, 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, April 7th, 2025.
Supported by Kansas SBDC.

Decoding Social Media Buzzwords - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-04-10 13:30 - 14:30
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.

Office Hours: Farm Stand Expansion and Value-Added Strategies in Nebraska
2025-04-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-23 16:30 - 17:30
The Heartland Regional Food Business Center invites you to join our upcoming Office Hours sessions focused on “Farm Stand Expansion and Value-Added Strategies in Nebraska.” Whether you’re looking to grow your existing farm stand or exploring value-added opportunities, this session will provide practical guidance and answer your specific questions.

SESSION DETAILS:
– Wednesday: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM CT
– Thursday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT
TOPICS INCLUDE:
– Expanding existing farm stands for increased customer traffic
– Implementing value-added strategies to enhance profitability
– Navigating regulations and requirements for farm direct sales
– Marketing tactics to boost visibility and sales
– Potential funding opportunities through the Business Builder Subaward program
HRFBC NEBRASKA TEAM:
– Rulon Taylor – Host
– Benjamin Jewell – TA Provider
– Timothy Thielen – Co-Host
REGISTRATION LINKS:
– Wednesdays 4:30-5:30pm: https://unl.zoom.us/meeting/register/RkpAju7ySlmtLvDhfITvoQ
– Thursdays 12-1pm: https://unl.zoom.us/meeting/register/pCES2bT2TyiFiWV3HUYchw

These sessions provide a great opportunity to get your specific questions answered in a supportive environment. Both new and experienced producers are welcome! Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who might benefit from this information. We look forward to seeing you!

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.

Office Hours: Farm Stand Expansion and Value-Added Strategies in Nebraska
2025-04-24 12:00 - 13:00
The Heartland Regional Food Business Center invites you to join our upcoming Office Hours sessions focused on “Farm Stand Expansion and Value-Added Strategies in Nebraska.” Whether you’re looking to grow your existing farm stand or exploring value-added opportunities, this session will provide practical guidance and answer your specific questions.

SESSION DETAILS:
– Thursday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT
TOPICS INCLUDE:
– Expanding existing farm stands for increased customer traffic
– Implementing value-added strategies to enhance profitability
– Navigating regulations and requirements for farm direct sales
– Marketing tactics to boost visibility and sales
– Potential funding opportunities through the Business Builder Subaward program
HRFBC NEBRASKA TEAM:
– Rulon Taylor – Host
– Benjamin Jewell – TA Provider
– Timothy Thielen – Co-Host
REGISTRATION LINK:
– Thursdays 12-1pm: https://unl.zoom.us/meeting/register/pCES2bT2TyiFiWV3HUYchw

These sessions provide a great opportunity to get your specific questions answered in a supportive environment. Both new and experienced producers are welcome! Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who might benefit from this information. We look forward to seeing you!

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.

First Friday e-Call Regional Food Business Centers Rural Grocery Initiative
2025-05-02 09:30 - 10:30
Please join us from 9:30 – 10:30 am CT on May 2nd to hear from Jenny Doty and Quinlan Carttar with the Heartland Regional Food Business Center and Rural Grocery Initiative.
For more info and registration: https://ksre-learn.com/ecall

National Rural Grocery Summit, Fargo, ND
2025-05-05 09:00 - 2025-05-07 17:00 | Holiday Inn, 3803 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND, 58103, United States
The Rural Grocery Initiative is excited to co-host the 2026 Summit with two organizations that have a long history of supporting rural grocers in their states: the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC).
The National Rural Grocery Summit, hosted every other year, is the premier networking and resource-sharing venue for independent grocers and rural food access stakeholders. It brings together grocery store owners and managers, community leaders, food suppliers, academic researchers, healthy food access stakeholders, policy makers, and funders to connect and share lessons learned. The event is focused on sustaining locally-owned rural grocery stores and improving access to healthy food in rural communities.
Don’t miss an announcement! Be the first to know when registration opens by signing up for email updates.
Key Information
The 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit will be held at the Holiday Inn – Fargo in Fargo, ND.
Opportunities to present will be launched in Summer 2025.
This event is not possible without sponsorship. Reach out to rgi@ksu.edu for more details on sponsorship.
Registration will open early 2026.
Summit Objectives
Explore the connections between rural grocery operations and community vitality
Provide rural grocery store owners and rural grocery stakeholders the opportunity to network and learn from each other
Highlight innovative models and strategies for strengthening healthy food retail in rural communities
Chart a path for robust rural food systems that improve the health and well-being of rural communities
For more info on attendance cost, travel, and more: Rural Grocery Summit 2026

Unlock AI for Your Business: A Day of Innovation (El Dorado, Kansas)
2025-05-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Kansas Oil Museum, 383 E Central Ave, El Dorado, KS, 67042, United States
Step into the future of small business success with our immersive, day-long workshop designed especially for Small Business Owners. In the heart of Kansas, discover how artificial intelligence can streamline your operations, spark creative innovation, and elevate your marketing strategy—all tailored to your unique needs.
Session Highlights:
-Streamline & Save: Learn how AI can transform your daily operations by saving time, boosting efficiency, and simplifying your business processes.
-Master Prompt Engineering: Dive into the art of crafting powerful prompts to create eye-catching videos, vivid images, and detailed SOPs, putting cutting-edge technology at your fingertips.
-Everyday Uses: Get hands-on with practical marketing & financial analysis, while learning about cybersecurity.
Join us, Monday, May 5th, 2025, for an engaging and interactive day of learning, where you’ll gain actionable insights and practical tools to unlock the full potential of AI for your small business needs. Whether you’re looking to optimize operations, create compelling content, or revolutionize your marketing, this workshop is your gateway to a more streamlined, innovative future.
Reserve your spot today, as spots are limited, and take the first step towards transforming your business with AI
Date: Monday, May 5th, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: HELD IN EL DORADO, KS
383 E Central Ave, El Dorado, KS 67042, Kansas Oil Museum
Link for more information: 05/05/25 – Unlock AI for Your Business: A Day of Innovation

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

Farm & Food Business Workshop - Lincoln, NE
2025-05-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherry Creek Rd, Suite A, Lincoln, NE, 68528, United States
Farm & Food Business Workshop
Hosted by the Heartland Regional Food Business Center and the University of Nebraska Extension
Basic Information
Join us for a specialized business development workshop for food and farm entrepreneurs. In this workshop, you will learn about: Resources Available from the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, Marketing Best Practices, General Business Development, Distribution Strategies, and more. At each workshop, we will be joined by several resource providers, including the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Center for Rural Affairs, No More Empty Pots, and others (please note that resource providers may vary by location).
Other Details
You will receive a confirmation email with dates, locations, and times based on the workshop you registered for. Three workshops will be held and in three separate locations for your convenience! We will have one in Lincoln, one in Scottsbluff, and one in Grand Island! Click the Qualtrics link below to obtain more information. Thank you!
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
For questions, contact:
Rulon Taylor – rtaylor31@unl.edu

Unlock AI for Your Business: A Day of Innovation (Wichita, KS)
2025-05-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th ST. N., Wichita, KS, 67260, United States
Step into the future of small business success with our immersive, day-long workshop designed especially for Small Business Owners. In the heart of Kansas, discover how artificial intelligence can streamline your operations, spark creative innovation, and elevate your marketing strategy—all tailored to your unique needs.
Session Highlights:
Streamline & Save: Learn how AI can transform your daily operations by saving time, boosting efficiency, and simplifying your business processes.
Master Prompt Engineering: Dive into the art of crafting powerful prompts to create eye-catching videos, vivid images, and detailed SOPs, putting cutting-edge technology at your fingertips.
Everyday Uses: Get hands-on with practical marketing & financial analysis, while learning about cybersecurity.
Join us, Friday, May 9th 2025 for an engaging and interactive day of learning, where you’ll gain actionable insights and practical tools to unlock the full potential of AI for your small business needs. Whether you’re looking to optimize operations, create compelling content, or revolutionize your marketing, this workshop is your gateway to a more streamlined, innovative future.
Reserve your spot today, as spots are limited, and take the first step towards transforming your business with AI
Date: Friday, May 9th, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: HELD IN WICHITA, KS
5015 E. 29th St N. Wichita, KS. Hughes Metropolitan Complex
Link for more information: 05/09/25 – Unlock AI for Your Business: A Day of Innovation

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

Farm & Food Business Workshop - Scottsbluff, NE
2025-05-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Panhandle REC, 4502 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361, United States

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

Farm & Food Business Workshop - Grand Island, NE
2025-06-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Hall County Extension, 3180 W Highway 34, Grand Island, NE, 68801, United States

Missouri Meat/Poultry Producers & Small Scale Farmers - Roadmap to Business Success
2025-06-04 09:00 - 14:30 | The LINC Center, 1299 Lafayette Street, Room 205, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, United States
The Small Ruminant Program and the Small Business Development Center at Lincoln University cordially invite you to attend:
Missouri Meat/Poultry Producers & Small-Scale Farmers: Roadmap to Business Success

Date/Time:

General Session
6/4/2025
9:00 AM
– 2:30 PM (CDT)

Session #1-Meat & Poultry Processing 101

10:00 AM
– 11:15 AM (CDT)

Session #2-Pricing for Profit

11:30 AM
– 12:30 PM (CDT)

Session #3-Financial Farming with QuickBooks

1:00 PM
– 2:30 PM (CDT)

Fee: No Fee
Point of Contact: Lauren Carter
Location: The LINC Center 1299 Lafayette St, Jefferson City MO 65101-3562
Training Topics: Business Financing, Cash Flow Management, Managing a Business, Other
Description:
Workshop Goals: · Increase understanding of meat and poultry processing options and compliance · Equip farmers with tools to calculate costs, set pricing, and manage finances · Support the development of scalable business models and marketing plans · Provide practical knowledge and connections to state and federal resources 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Check-in, Coffee, and Networking 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Welcome & Workshop Overview · Introduction to Missouri SBDC resources · Setting goals and expectations for the training 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM Session 1: Meat & Poultry Processing 101 · Understanding USDA and state inspection · Processing options: on-farm, mobile, custom exempt · What you can and can’t do legally in Missouri 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM Break 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Session 4: Pricing for Profit 1. Wholesale vs. retail pricing 2. Avoiding undercharging and burnout 3. Setting prices based on cost and perceived value 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch (provided) 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Session 3: Financial Farming with QuickBooks · Getting started with QuickBooks for small farms · How to set up accounts, categories, and inventory · Using reports to make informed decisions

Sign up at: https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/26244

What's on Your Label? -A Bite-Sized Food Labeling Course for Small Food Businesses
2025-06-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Polk County Extension and Outreach, 1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A, Altoona, IA, 50009, United States
We’re excited to offer a new hands-on workshop this summer titled “What’s on Your Label? A Bite-Sized Food Labeling Course,” designed to help small food businesses navigate the complexities of food labeling regulations.
Important Details
Held on June 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in Altoona, Iowa, at
Polk County Extension and Outreach
1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A
Altoona, IA 50009
(Virtual option available)
Led by Troy Crowe, a food scientist with over 30 years of experience in product and process development, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, technical solutions, formula optimization, plant operations and management, and Quality Systems.
Workshop registration is $50, and space is limited to ensure a quality experience for all participants.
Please register by June 2, 2025.
Seats are limited, and registration closes June 2, 2025.
Click here to register
Questions
Email Alex Van Alstyne, Food Business Specialist, Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
alexv@iastate.edu

QuickBooks Online for Beginners
2025-06-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th ST. N., Wichita, KS, 67260, United States
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, June 10 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: $199.00
Location: In Person. Hughes Metropolitan Complex 5015 E. 29th ST. N. Wichita, KS 67260
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, June 9th, 2025
For more information: 06/10/25 – QuickBooks Online for Beginners
