Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition

Creating Sales Strategies for YOUR Business - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-12-03 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
The term “Sales” has become one of the most avoided parts of a business, and it’s still by far the most important as it pertains to the longevity of a company. This mini-course will cover concepts of building a pipeline, leveraging proximity to your target market, establishing proper value propositions and best practices conducting meaningful follow-ups with prospects.
Date: Wednesday, December 3rd 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Cost: $5.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, December 1st 2025.
Please note that all class registrations are final. SBDC is unable to offer refunds or credits, so we encourage careful planning before enrolling.
Registration and info: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6270&SINGLESTORE=true

Tax Security Awareness for Small Businesses - Webinar by USDA, IRS, and SBA
2025-12-03 12:00 - 14:00
Greetings,
Tax scams are on the rise, and small businesses are often prime targets. Cyber criminals use phishing emails, fake tax filings, and identity theft to steal sensitive information that can cost you time, money, and even your reputation. Being aware of these threats helps you:

Protect your business finances
Safeguard employee and client data
Stay compliant with IRS requirements
Respond quickly and effectively

By staying informed, you can strengthen your defenses and ensure your business remains secure during tax season and beyond.
The United States Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service and Small Business Administration have partnered to bring to you a tax webinar entitled “Tax Security Awareness for Small Businesses”. The webinar has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET. To register for the webinar, please click HERE.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact: Jacqueline.davis-slay@usda.gov.

QuickBooks Online Training for Intermediate Users - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-12-04 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 December 4th 2025 (room request)
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, December 1st 2025
Please note that all class registrations are final. SBDC is unable to offer refunds, so we encourage careful planning before enrolling.
Registration and info: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6152&SINGLESTORE=true

Re-evaluating your Social Media Strategy - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-12-04 13:00 - 14:00
Is your current strategy working or is there room for improvement? Join us as we discuss evolving your social media strategy as your business gains traction online, how to identify if what you are doing is bringing you success, and tips and tricks on how to “stay up with the times” on social media.
Date: Thursday, December 4th, 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, December 1st, 2025.
Please note that all class registrations are final. SBDC is unable to offer refunds or credits, so we encourage careful planning before enrolling.
Registration and info: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6265&SINGLESTORE=true

IRS Lesson 3: Business Use of Your Home - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:00
Not sure which expenses qualify when using your home for business purposes? In this session, we’ll walk through the IRS requirements for claiming the home office deduction, how to calculate the appropriate business-use percentage, and the different types of allowable expenses. We’ll also cover deduction limits, the best documentation practices, and highlight commonly overlooked deductions on Schedule C that could save you money.
Gain clarity and confidence in maximizing your home office deductions.
Date: Wednesday, December 10th 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: $5.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, December 8th 2025.
Please note that all class registrations are final. SBDC is unable to offer refunds or credits, so we encourage careful planning before enrolling.
Registration and info: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6226&SINGLESTORE=true

Goal Setting and Accountability for Small Business Owners - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-12-11 09:30 - 10:30
In the 4th Management Series class, learn how to set clear, actionable goals and create systems of accountability that drive small business success. This interactive workshop will equip you with practical tools for turning vision into measurable results, supported by peer sharing and real-world exercises. Goal Setting and Accountability for Small Business Owners is the fourth session in our Management Skills series, designed to help entrepreneurs build stronger, more sustainable businesses.
Date: Thursday, December 11th 2025
Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Cost: $5.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, December 8th 2025
Please note that all class registrations are final. SBDC is unable to offer refunds or credits, so we encourage careful planning before enrolling.
Registration and info: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6182&SINGLESTORE=true

Your Guide to Instagram - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00
Our “Beginner’s Guide to Short Form Videos” explores popular platforms, introduces user-friendly editing apps, and delves into Adobe Rush specifically. We’ll cover creating content with templates, adding captivating sounds and music, and even guide you on watermarking your creations.
Date: Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: $5.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, December 8th, 2025
Registration and info: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6165&SINGLESTORE=true

Business Ops: Re-Evaluating your AI Strategy - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-12-16 09:00 - 10:00
In this hands-on session, we will walk through a Service Design Thinking Blueprint, which you’ll actively complete during the training to reframe and reimagine how AI fits into your business operations. We’ll identify key friction points, assess your current workflows, and explore how AI tools can streamline processes, enhance customer experience, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Date: Tuesday, December 16th, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, December 15th, 2025
Please note that all class registrations are final. SBDC is unable to offer refunds or credits, so we encourage careful planning before enrolling.
Registration and info: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6155&SINGLESTORE=true

Start Up and Start Right - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-12-16 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, December 16th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: $5.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, December 15th, 2025
Please note that all class registrations are final. SBDC is unable to offer refunds or credits, so we encourage careful planning before enrolling.
Registration and info: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6149&SINGLESTORE=true

Find Your Market: Defining and Reaching Your Ideal Audience - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-12-17 11:30 - 12:30
Marketing only works if it’s aimed at the right people. This one-hour class will help you get clarity on your best customers and reach them more effectively. You’ll walk away able to:
-Use data and simple tools to identify who your best customers really are
-Segment and target audiences for stronger return on every dollar spent
-Match your message and channels to the people most likely to buy
-Build a repeatable process for refining your audience as your business grows
This session is for business owners who want to stop wasting time and money and start connecting with the customers that matter most
Date: Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: $5.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, December 15th, 2025
Registration and info: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6189&SINGLESTORE=true

Succession Planning 101 - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-12-18 12:00 - 13:00
The goal of succession planning is to have contingency plans to ensure that your business continues to grow despite inevitable market disruptions and personnel changes. Succession planning also encompasses your Exit Plan to sell your business for the highest value possible. This webinar will cover how and when to start a succession plan, preparing for the process, the key components of business valuation, and proven strategies to implement.
Date: Thursday, December 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, December 15th, 2025
Registration and info: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21797_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6179&SINGLESTORE=true

Online Master Gardener Training – Become a Master Gardener and join a regional chapter to volunteer in your community
2026-01-02 00:00 - 2026-04-27 00:00
The Extension Master Gardener program was established in Missouri in 1983 and provides in-depth horticultural training for Missourians who wish to share their knowledge of gardening. The mission of the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener program is to support MU Extension by providing trained volunteers to assist in public horticulture education.
This course prepares Extension Master Gardeners in topics related to soils, plant nutrition, vegetables, fruits, ornamental woody plants, herbaceous plants, plant propagation, disease and insect control, lawn care, residential landscape, environmental stewardship, and safe use of pest management strategies. Extension Master Gardener volunteers assist MU Extension by utilizing unbiased research-based information to educate, answer frequently asked gardening questions, teach through demonstration gardens, donate produce, present as speakers’ bureaus, and share information. To become trained as an Extension Master Gardener, an individual must attend core training and provide 30 hours of volunteer service back to their community.
For additional class and program information or to register: Missouri Master Gardener Online Core Training – Spring 2026 | MU Extension

Great Plains Growers Conference: Connect. Learn. Grow.
2026-01-08 08:00 - 2026-01-10 17:00
January 8, 9, 10th | Missouri Western University, St. Joseph, MO.
Welcome and Keynote Address, featuring
CURTIS MILLSAP ~ Owner/ Operator, Millsap Farms | Springfield, MO
CONFERENCE TRACKS : January 9th & 10th

Business Development/Marketing
Tree Fruits
Small Fruits
Vegetable Production
Cut-flower production
Ag Machinery and Technology
Integrated Pest Management
Organic/Regenerative Agriculture
Protected Culture (Tunnels)
North-Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Farmer Forum

To register and obtain more information, please visit their website: GREAT PLAINS GROWERS CONFERENCE – 2025 Great Plains Growers Conference
GPGC c/o Buchanan County Extension ~ 4125 Mitchell Ave. ~ St. Joseph, MO 64507 ~ 816-279-1691 ~ Buchananco@missouri.edu

High Tunnel Production Webinar Series: MU Extension’s Guide to Growing Specialty Crops in Tunnels for High Yields & Low Risks
2026-01-20 18:30 - 2026-04-14 20:00
Location: virtual on Zoom
Time: Tuesdays January 20th-April 14th, 6:30-8:00pm
Join University of Missouri Extension and partner institutions for a practical 12-session webinar series on growing specialty crops in high, low, and caterpillar tunnels. Learn directly from Extension specialists and researchers as they cover tunnel construction, irrigation and fertility management, pest and disease control, specialty crop production, and economics. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your tunnel production year-round, this series offers trusted, research-based guidance to help your farm thrive.
Live attendance is encouraged, but all sessions will also be recorded.
Series will be followed by in-person field days offered across the state in late spring and early summer. Locations and dates TBD.
Cost: $96-140
This course is offered with a tiered pricing model to provide greater access for all community members. To determine your course enrollment fee please review the Sliding Scale Table (https://i.emlfiles4.com/cmpdoc/9/4/0/0/9/1/files/27861_sliding-scale-fee-2026-tunnel-to-table-1.pdf) select a promo code based off of your annual household income. Use this promo code at the end of Registration to reduce your course fee.

We also offer a limited number of scholarships for those who are experiencing underemployment or similar financial challenges. If you are interested in a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Interest Form. Scholarships are generously offered by the Missouri SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) Program.

Food is Medicine Webinar
2026-01-21 12:00 - 14:00
The United States Department of Agriculture and Small Business Administration is collaborating with Cox Consulting to bring to you a webinar to discuss creative market expansion based on successful models across the southeast. The webinar will focus on healthcare systems and building resilient food systems for local economic development, and regional rural prosperity.
The “Food is Medicine”, theme is broadly recognized in its importance and the impact that dietary and food patterns play in combatting many health challenges, preventing diseases, and treating medical conditions. We will elaborate on partnerships and opportunities between the healthcare and agricultural industries.
The webinar is scheduled on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET. (Noon to 2pm CST). Please click HERE to register.
