Small Business. Big Resources.
Small businesses are often the pathway to success, and Lawrence is always ready to support aspiring entrepreneurs, microenterprises, and small businesses with big resources. Whether you are an existing business that needs new opportunities, an established company ready to take the next step, or a young up-and-comer preparing to put down roots, our collaborations with small business can result in new jobs, revenue, and sustainable growth for the Lawrence economy.
KU Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The KU-SBDC makes its free one-to-one advising services available to Kansas entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in expanding or improving their existing companies, selling a business, or those ready to purchase a business.
SBDC Services
As one of 13 Small Business Development Centers in the state, the center partners with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDOC), the University of Kansas School of Business, and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.
Douglas County
Douglas County Entrepreneurship Support
Douglas County supports local entrepreneurs through resources, partnerships, and initiatives designed to foster a thriving small business environment. Their entrepreneurship efforts focus on inclusive economic growth, access to funding opportunities, and connections to local and regional support networks.
Metropolitan E-Community Program
NetWork Kansas Entrepreneurship (E-) Communities create a revolving loan fund that is reviewed at the local level. The loans are intended as gap financing to help entrepreneurs start or grow a business in a specific community. The loan program matches public sources of capital and bank loans, and can provide up to $45,000 per project. Funds are flexible and can be used for a variety of business purposes, including:
Startup Costs
Purchasing an Existing Business
Business Expansion
Working Capital
Inventory
and more!
CORE
It is the mission of CORE, a community initiative, to support entrepreneurs in Lawrence and Douglas County to launch and grow their businesses. The organization offers help in the way of resources and experts to assist with the challenges that many of today’s businesses face.
Monthly meetings and CORE’s 1 Million Cups, weekly get-togethers where small businesses can introduce themselves, provide the opportunity to network and develop the connections that can make the difference in achieving success.
Lawrence Sourcelink
Sourcelink is a national network providing organizations across the U.S. with resources and tools to power entrepreneurship-led economic development. SourceLink provides Lawrence entrepreneurs with the ability to identify and connect to our community’s resources, along with searchable databases, thought leadership, and support.