Archive

Kansas City One-Stop Capital Shop

1. Type of Facility

The facility is a one-stop capital shop which provides business and loan information, training, research materials, computers and hardware, and counseling opportunities for entrepreneurs.

2. Participating Agencies

Participating agencies at the federal level include:

SBA
GSA
HUD
SSA
Department of Commerce

Major Service Providers Include:

UMB Bank, Douglass Bank are SBA participating lenders who can provide SBA 7 (a) guaranty loans to finance a variety of business needs

Center for Business Innovations, an SBA microlender, provides loans up to $25,000 along with pre- and post- loan technical assistance

Citywide Development Corporation is an SBA Certified Development Company that will provide SBA 504 loans for fixed asset financing. Section 504 loans are specifically tied to projects which will generate jobs or other economic benefits

The Small Business Development Center at Rockhurst College will provide in-depth Business counseling and technical assistance, such as business plan preparation, marketing studies, and inventory control. SBDCs are a cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational community, and federal, state and local governments

The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) will provide retired business person volunteers to share their management and technical expertise and experience with prospective and present business owners and managers

3. Type of Service Offered

Several different types of service are offered including:

Financing and Loans (Business financing at one location; Micro Loan Programs, Economic Development Loan Programs, Private Sector Bank Loans and U. S. Small Business Administration Loan guarantee programs);

Training (Prebusiness workshops are held, tax and other seminars);

Research (An extensive library has over 500 business references as well as videos and other materials)

Computers/Software (Computer technology is available, as well as an Electronic Bulletin Board, Data-bases and on-line information exchange)

Counseling (Counselors from SCORE, the Center for business innovation, small business development centers and private sector business, including banks are available)

4. Facility Design/Equipment/Staffing/Financing

The facility extends through the entire third floor of the United Missouri Bank, and was designed by a Kansas City architect. There is a receptionist, 7 cubicles, a library, 2 private offices and a training room. There is an area where customers can also work on computers. The United Missouri Bank furnished the space, EPA pays for the telephones, and the SBA/empowerment zone staff share the staff cost.

5. Customer Input

Input concerning customer needs was obtained from the Chamber of Commerce, SBA, an from enhanced enterprise community material. In addition, for training seminars, customers complete an evaluation form.

6. Press Coverage

Brochures are available and describe the services offered. For the opening, the SBA Administrator, two mayors and local congressional representatives attended. Additionally there were public service announcements.

The SBA Public Relations office and the Federal Executive Board (FEB) Public Relations Director sent out press releases, and arranged public service announcements for t.v. and radio. They also arranged appearances for the SBA Director on t.v. talk shows and the SBA Administrator in press conferences and on talk shows (2).

7. Lessons Learned

An anchor agency, such as the SBA, is very important to define the mission of the facility.

It was important for the FEB to serve as the catalyst to bring the agencies together to make this concept operational.

8. Contact for Further Information

Focal Point:

Ray Williams
PHONE: (913) - 371 - 6007
FAX: (913) - 371 - 6580