Self-Paced Learning:
The LaunchU Speaker Series offers a self-paced learning option with the aim to equip new entrepreneurs, founders and small business owners with the tools they need to launch well. This 7-week series features experts and entrepreneurs who focus on key aspects of building a business, offering actionable insights and practical steps from the people who help entrepreneurs get started, get noticed, make sales, hire the right talent and grow their businesses successfully. Select webinars from the the topic of interest to you and watch on your time for an on-demand learning experience.
Week 1: Preparing your business for a commercial loan
The first webinar in this series features Mike Simon, Executive Vice President at People's State Bank in Manhattan, KS. The topic of discussion in this webinar focuses on how to prepare your business for a commercial loan, what types of loans to consider and how to build a relationship with your lender. To be connected with a lender, or connect with Spark’s referral services, click Learn more below.
Week 2: legal considerations for your business
The second webinar in this series features Lisa Ward, Attorney at Addair Law in Manhattan, KS. The topic of discussion in this webinar focuses on various legal structures for your business or startup, including how to structure your business for investors, interacting with lenders and investors and more practical tips. To be connected with a business attorney, or connect with Spark’s referral services, click Learn more below.
Week 3: business accounting basics
The third webinar in this series features Tiffany Cutting, CPA, an accountant at Varney and Associates in Manhattan, KS. The topic of discussion in this webinar focuses on how to manage your expenses and income, bookkeeping, accounting and tax tips and more practical tools for keeping your business financials in order. To be connected with a local accountant, or connect with Spark’s referral services, click Learn more below.
Week 4: branding and marketing strategies
The fourth webinar in this series features Edward Tuttle, owner of LK Creative in Manhattan, KS. The topic of discussion in this webinar focuses on how to formulate your business’ brand identity and strategy. To be connected with a local marketing and branding agency, or connect with Spark’s referral services, click Learn more below.
Week 5: making sEO work for your business
The fifth webinar in this series features Dori Bell, owner of Blossom Creative, a website design, copywriting and SEO agency in the Greater Manhattan, KS area. The topic of discussion in this webinar focuses on understanding search engine optimization (SEO) and how to build your website so it effectively utilizes search engines to help clients find your business.
Week 6: Hiring best practices for your business
The sixth webinar in this series features Gisselle Feldkamp Rivera, owner of Happy Humans R Us, an HR consulting firm in the Greater Manhattan, KS area. The topic of discussion in this webinar focuses on hiring best practices for a new business, how to create an inclusive environment for employees to thrive and more.
Week 7: Mastering sales without being salesy
The seventh webinar in this series features Cesar Rodriguez, owner of Marta and Son Inc, a commercial cleaning company operating throughout Northeast and North Central Kansas. The topic of discussion in this webinar focuses on sales techniques to help you understand and connect with your customer and help them achieve their goals with your product or service.