Commerce Launches New Kansas Small Business Office

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the official launch of the Kansas Small Business Office. The division is dedicated to empowering small businesses across the state with the resources, connections and support they need to prosper, serving as a vital link between entrepreneurs and state government.

“While large corporations relocating or expanding in Kansas tend to grab the headlines, we fully acknowledge small businesses are key drivers of our state’s robust economy,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “With the creation of this new division, we are committing resources to double down on that growth.”

The focus is warranted, as more than 99% of all businesses in Kansas are small businesses.

The Kansas Small Business Office consolidates key Commerce resources and creates a centralized point of contact in state government for entrepreneurs navigating business development, certifications, permitting, capital access, mentorship and more. One of the office’s unique offerings will be ConnectKS, a new online platform that will simplify access to business resources statewide. Powered by EcoMap, ConnectKS is designed to help entrepreneurs, small business owners and ecosystem builders connect with programs, funding opportunities, support organizations and events.

The platform provides a real-time, searchable database of resources available across the Kansas entrepreneurial ecosystem. The digital hub is tailored to meet the needs of users at every stage of business development.

“The Kansas Small Business Office is making it easier than ever for Kansans to find the resources they need to start and grow a business,” Kansas Small Business Office Director Taylor Overton said. “Whether launching a first venture or scaling a successful company, our office provides clarity, connectivity and confidence to our Kansas businesses.”

For more information about the Kansas Small Business Office, click here.