Your Chamber at Work - January 17, 2023

FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO

One of the most satisfying things for us at the KC Chamber is helping our small businesses grow.

That’s the goal behind our new Heartland Export Accelerator (HEA), an eight-week program that is helping small businesses expand their business beyond the US market. HEA brings in subject matter experts to help business owners learn the ins and outs of global trade as well as build a strategic export plan to carry them forward.

Funded by a grant from the International Trade Administration to our World Trade Center, the HEA kicked off its first cohort of companies last fall and it was quite successful. As one participant told us, “The program was World Class right out of the gate.” Another said, “Before the program, I understood the elements of an export plan. Now I comprehensively understand them, and more importantly, all the resources available to make our execution highly successful.”

That’s what we like to hear.

We’re now recruiting for our second cohort and we encourage small business owners – especially minority and veteran-owned businesses – to apply. We’ll be holding informational sessions over the next few months, with the sessions set to begin April 6. The application deadline is February 24.

For more information, contact the Chamber’s Jessica Gall and apply online here.

You’ll finish the program with essential contacts and resources, intimate knowledge of global trade, and a fully vetted export plan.

SMALL BUSINESS SUPER STARS

New year, new opportunity to recognize your favorite small businesses. Submit your Small Business Superstars now through February 1 through the link on the top of our homepage. There’s also a downloadable form to submit more than one at a time! Tell us about your favorite shoe store, electrician, coffee shop, accountant, and more. The Small Business Superstars program recognizes for-profit businesses with fewer than 250 employees across the region. Superstars have access to special content, networking opportunities, marketing assets and even a special reception. Every Superstar is a winner! And this is not a contest. You only need to submit a Superstar one time and we’ll take it from there. Thanks to EAG Advertising & Marketing for being our Small Business Superstar sponsor!

SMALL BUSINESS CELEBRATION APPLICATION WORKSHOPS

Planning to apply for the Small Business Awards this year? It’s never too early to start thinking about how to nail your application. Join us for our upcoming Small Business Celebration application workshops February 28, 3 to 4 p.m., and March 2, 9 to 10 a.m. Both are in the KC Chamber Board Room, in the southeast corner of Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, next door to Pierpont’s.  This is a great chance to ask questions, speak with past participants, and learn more about the entire process. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: STARTLAND NEWS

This past Friday’s Neighborhood Networking was sold out, but don’t worry. There’s plenty of time to save your spot for the next one at Startland News, Friday, January 27 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Join us at their headquarters at Spark Kansas City, 1475 Walnut. You’ll meet the team behind KC’s non-profit newsroom covering small business and entrepreneurs with a unique style. Hear what they have in store for 2023 and make some connections you can develop in the new year! Register now. Neighborhood Networking is free for Chamber members and $15 for non-members. Thanks to our overall networking sponsors  Delta Dental, and our 2023 Neighborhood Networking Sponsors Kansas City Current and Unbound.

TAKING THE LONG VIEW: EMERGING TRENDS IN REAL ESTATE

Affordability, interest rates, and the cost of materials are just some of the discussion points for the next Emerging Trends event hosted by the KC Chamber and Urban Land Institute Kansas City. Taking the Long View: Emerging Trends in Real Estate will be held on February 15, 3:30 to 6 p.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room. We’re partnering to bring insights from experts across the real estate sector – including investors, developers, brokers, and more. A local panel will include Jon Copaken of Copaken Brooks, Anne Erickson of JLL, and Michael Collins of Grayson Capital. You’ll also receive a copy of the report Emerging Trends in Real Estate United States and Canada 2023 and hear how KC markets will respond. The author of the report, Steven Weisenburger of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, will deliver a keynote. Property types covered in the report include major sectors such as multifamily; single-family housing; industrial and logistics; office; retail; and hotels. Niche sectors covered include senior housing; student housing; data centers; self-storage; medical office; and life sciences (commercial laboratory real estate). This event is $45 for Chamber members and $60 for non-members, and it includes Q&A and a networking reception. RSVP here.