The Growing Rural Businesses program is an eight-week certificate program customized
for rural businesses. Launched in February 2012, GRB provides practical, applied information
and examples necessary for rural communities in Kansas. Wichita State University business
professors and Center for Entrepreneurship Staff conduct fall and spring eight-week
entrepreneurial certificate programs.
Growing Rural Businesses is provided through a partnership with Network Kansas. Locations
are selected in E-Communities throughout the state of Kansas.
"Lots of great information for a minimal investment. The professors find numerous ways to relate the material to your specific industry." -MARK JOHNSON, FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES, EL DORADO
"I highly recommend this class because of the scope of information, the quality and knowledge of the presenters and the networking
opportunity with other class members. The classes spur a reaction to think outside the box and
look at your business analytically instead of emotionally." -WANDA WALDECK, GROUSE VALLEY GRILL, DEXTER
"This is a game changing opportunity if you are motivated to apply the thoughts and curriculum that is taught. If you
are a business person with experience or thinking of starting a business, this class
will make you better." -CHAD GILLILAND, NEXT TO NATURE FARM, LEAVENWORTH
Past Training Locations
Over 335 businesses have been served through this program in 19 different counties.
Learn more about the businesses served through the Growing Rural Businesses Program! Click through the counties listed below.
Type of businesses served: Photography, Boutique, Manufacturing, Library, Quilt shop, Flower & Gift shop, Sporting
goods, Cleaning services, Auto shop, Gas station
Types of businesses served: Restaurants, Insurance, Café, Art Studio, Security, Handyman, Industrial Machinery
and Equipment, Boutique, Tree Services, Oil, Landscaping, Antique Furniture, Retail,
Shipping Total number of businesses served: 17
Types of businesses served: Restaurant, Construction, Automotive, Electrical, Retail, Technology, Website Development,
Event Planning, Pet Care, Spa, Sanitation, Business Consulting
Type of businesses served: Education Institutions, Interior Design, Food Service, Hospitality, Government Agency,
Law Office, Marketing and Advertising Company, Small Business Banker, Home Improvement,
Student Start-Up
Type of businesses served: Bank, telephone company, legal practice, non-profit organization, coffee house, media
services, furniture store, marketing consultant
Type of businesses served: Retail Store, Photography Studio, Auto Store & Shop, Bank, Optometrist, Garage Door
Installation, Florist, Brewery, Specialty Meats
Type of businesses served: Health & Wellness, Pest Control, Lawn Care, Chiropractic, Retail
Total number of businesses served: 9
Fall 2014
Colby
Type of businesses served: Medical Center, accounting firm, artisan consumer products, management company, construction
company, agriculture company, restaurant, commercial real estate, convenience store,
consulting company
