25 resources in Wichita for starting a new business

So you want to start a business?

Whether it's just an idea buzzing around in your head or you're ready to prototype a product — chances are no matter what stage you're in, there's an organization ready and willing to try and make it happen.

Below is a list of 25 resources in Wichita geared toward supporting entrepreneurs build a business.

1 Million Cups

Every week, entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community, refine their pitch, access training programs, and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth.

Accelerate Venture Partners

A network of active investors from diverse professional and industry backgrounds investing in early-stage, high-growth companies in Wichita and the Midwest.

Campfire

Campfire is a 12-week tech startup course held at Groover Labs intended for tech startup entrepreneurs and companies.

Center for Entrepreneurship

The office at Wichita State University supports the startup community from pre-seed to early-stage development, including a number of accelerator programs, competitions and networking groups.

Entrepreneurship Research Workshops

From the Wichita State University library is a series of workshops to help inventors and entrepreneurs learn how to protect their intellectual property and support their business through research.

GoCreate

Makerspace open to creators of all ages and experiences, including tools and equipment, as well as expert training and a supportive community, that can help make your prototypes, projects and dreams come true.

Greater Wichita Partnership

The Greater Wichita Partnership can provide labor force research, real estate and site selection assistance, and economic incentives assistance for businesses looking to relocate or expand in the Wichita region.

Groover Labs

A collaborative working environment to fuel product development, featuring coworking office spaces, five maker labs and a 275-person event hall.

GROWKS Loan Fund and GROWKS Equity Programs

These programs, administered by NetWork Kansas and the Kansas Department of Commerce, will provide loans and equity investments that match private capital investment, designed to focus on underserved geographies, such as a rural or urban-distressed communities, and underserved populations, including minority- and women-owned businesses.

ignitor

A program from the WSU Center for Entrepreneurship, ignitor is a series of entrepreneurial classes for those with ideas they'd like to spark into a startup, or people who are at the beginning of developing a business.

Kansas Family Business Forum

A program from the WSU Center for Entrepreneurship, this organization is geared toward the challenges and opportunities faced by family-owned businesses, including promoting sustainable growth and succession planning.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

Offers confidential, no-cost advising to help start or grow a business, along with hosting more than 75 training events each year.

MakeICT

A 22,000 square-foot makerspace including tools and equipment to help members of the community create things.

NetWork Kansas

A nonprofit dedicated to developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kansas by cultivating resources to start and grow small businesses, including matching loan programs.

NXTUS, Inc.

Serves as a catalyst for the region's startup ecosystem, including entrepreneurs ready to grow, angels ready to invest, and corporate partners looking to contribute — through a series of programs

NXTSTAGE

A program of NXTUS, the NXTSTAGE programs help early-stage companies grow scalable companies and better engage with prospective customers. Programs include a Customer Traction Cohort; the Enterprise Engagement Series; the Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition; and the Financial Technology Pilot Competition.

SCORE

Powered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the SCORE Wichita chapter offers small business entrepreneurs confidential business counseling serves at no charge, as well as free local workshops connecting small business owners with the people and information they need to start, grow and maintain their businesses.

Shocker New Venture Competition

The three-round business competition is open to students, recent alumni and community members, in which seasoned business owners, successful entrepreneurs, subject matter experts and faculty members serve as judges throughout the competition process.

Small Business Digital Transformation Program

A workshop that instills small business owners with a digital mindset to future-proof a business for the next disrption, and provides seed-funding for these transformations.

South Central Kansas Economic Development District

SCKEDD provides capital for Kansas entrepreneurs unable to gain traditional commercial loans, working with both startup and existing businesses to secure small business loans.

Startup Grind

The Wichita chapter hosts occasional startup events to teach, inspire and connect local entrepreneurs, including fireside chats with local founders.

Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce

An advocacy group working to advance a competitive business environment for its 1,400 business members and their employees, including informational events, awards programs, leadership training, a business-to-business trade show and more.

Wichita Independent Business Association

Works to advance the growth and impact of Wichita businesses through educational seminars, advocacy and member groups, such as the Startup PLUS Community geared toward companies just starting out up to about three years old.

Wichita Startups

Supported by the Wichita Entrepreneurship Coalition, a collaboration between WSU and NXTUS, supports local entrepreneurs at every stage, including a directory of startups, partners, capital providers and other resources.

Wichita Startup Week

In partnership with Techstars, Wichita Startup Week involves five days of free sessions — scheduled this year for Oct. 10-14 — to help turn your business idea into reality, including a business trade show, pitch competition and more programming.