Kerri Falletti

Kerri Falletti has been hired as a consultant for the new Wichita State University Kansas Small Business Development Center's (KSBDC) Cowley College Outreach Center.

Falletti will provide free consultation services and affordable training to business owners and prospective business owners in a six-county area.

Prior to her new position, Falletti served as community and economic developer with Cowley First.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Friends University. She also earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council.

"Kerri's impressive reputation in providing economic development support to small businesses makes her an ideal business consultant for the KSBDC program," said WSU KSBDC Regional Director Marcia Stevens. "We are pleased to have Kerri on our team as we expand our services in rural Kansas."

The Outreach Center is a partnership between WSU, Cowley College, the Cowley County Economic Development Partnership and the Sumner County Economic Development.

Because of this partnership, the KSBDC will be able to provide increased services to entrepreneurs in Cowley, Sumner, Barber, Harper, Pratt and Stafford counties.

"Cowley College is committed to supporting the community through partnerships and public service programs," said Pat McAtee, president of Cowley Colleg. "The Cowley College KSBDC Outreach Center partnership will afford business owners increased access to key services and lead to a stronger business climate."

The center will co-locate with the Cowley County Economic Development Partnership at Strother Field.

"Kerri's experience in economic development in Cowley County will ensure a smooth transition; and we are looking forward to working with her in this new capacity," said Heidi Hill, director of Cowley First – Cowley County Economic Development Partnership.

Kerri will also routinely work out of the Sumner County Economic Development Office in Wellington.

"We are excited to have Kerri on board," said Janis Hellard, Sumner County Economic Development director. "She will be a great asset in working one-on-one with our businesses and providing business training classes to Sumner County."

The KSBDC network includes eight regional and seven outreach centers. Each assists established firms, growth companies and start-up enterprises.

Any individual interested in starting or growing a small business may receive free assistance with business plan development, strategic planning, financial projections, marketing, management and other issues.