Putting Our Money Behind Your Ambition
The Mid-America LGBT Chamber has partnered with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Missouri - Kansas City to bring you the 2025 Impact Scholarship — an incredible opportunity to invest in your business growth with expert-led training, networking opportunities and financial support.
This scholarship covers all or a significant portion of the cost for top-tier business courses, equipping you with the tools, resources and mentorship needed to grow, scale and thrive in today’s competitive market.
Scholarships are limited.
Who Should Apply?
You!
Take advantage of business courses developed to fast track how you take your business to the next level. The 2025 Impact Scholarships make it significantly more affordable or free in some cases.
Why Apply?
Financial Support: Significantly reduces the cost of high-value business courses.
Expert-Led Training: Learn from top instructors at UMKC’s Small Business Development Center.
Networking & Collaboration: Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and build valuable relationships.
Custom Business Resources: Gain access to industry-leading tools and strategies tailored for your success.
Exclusive Opportunity: Scholarships are limited—secure your spot today!
Eligibility: Open to LGBT entrepreneurs, allies and business professionals who want to expand their business skills and opportunities.
Note: This is a highly competitive opportunity with limited spaces, and UMKC’s SBDC courses are a prestigious and exclusive program. This is a chance to be one of the select few to take advantage of these resources.
Scholarship Courses: Practical, Real-World Information You Can Use Now, Right Now
Proof to Profit: How to Avoid the Startup Loop of Despair
In this three-part virtual training series, you'll learn how to avoid a common pitfall of entrepreneurship—no customer, no business. You’ll validate your idea through customer discovery and ensure your business concept solves real problems for real paying customers before investing a lot of time and money.
Entrepreneurs often jump straight into building and branding their business, only to find themselves stuck in the Startup Loop of Despair—facing low sales or market indifference. In "Proof to Profit," you'll learn how to gather proof through interviews, surveys, observations, and small experiments. We tap into the wisdom of All in Startup by Diana Kander to learn the how to do customer discovery, prove your concept, and turn it into sustainable profit.
Sr. Business Development Consultant, Joel Barrett leads the course. He is a serial entrepreneur and business owner. Since 2017, he has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs annually and taught a wide array of training sessions at the SBDC.
Included with the class:
- A digital copy of All In Startup by Diana Kander
- Group discussion and coaching
- Tools and resources to gather proof of concept
- One-on-one business coaching sessions
Dates/Times: 3-6pm on Tuesdays (Virtual)
Attendance at all three sessions is highly encouraged.
Classes begin May 20 and Sept 2
**This class acts as a prerequisite to StartSmart and is free with the purchase of that track.**
StartSmart
Regular Fee: $649
Impact Scholarship Fee: $149
Open Scholarships: 15
Classes begin on May 20 and September 2, 2025.
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it's essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.
You will learn how to:
- Validate that there’s a market for your product or service
- Conduct effective customer discovery and market research
- Craft a compelling elevator pitch to attract interest and investment
- Build a customer persona to better understand your audience
- Navigate legal structures and essential considerations for your business
- Understand the basics of accounting, bookkeeping, pricing, and sales
- Explore HR essentials, from hiring to managing contractors
- Develop strategies to ensure long-term profitability and growth
Each session is packed with real-world applications, interactive activities, and expert guidance. You'll leave with practical tools and a clear roadmap to take your business from concept to launch.
Whether you're at the idea stage or have just started, **StartSmart: Your Business Foundations** will give you the confidence and knowledge to succeed. Secure your spot today and get ready to turn your vision into reality!
Session dates are on Tuesdays, May 20 - July 22 OR Sept 2 – Nov 4, 2025 and include Proof to Profit, StartSmart, Reading & Understanding Financial Statements, Show Me the Money, Branding, & Social Media Strategies. Times and locations vary slightly, virtual sessions will be recorded. Attendance at all sessions is highly encouraged.
Growth360
Regular Fee: $899
Impact Scholarship Fee: $149
Open Scholarships: 15
Classes begin on May 30 and September 8, 2025
With a 360-degree perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-, 60- and 90-Day Plans.
Please note the qualifications:
- At least 2 years in business
- $50,000 or more in revenue prior year
- Owner working full time in business
Dates/Times: 9am-Noon on Fridays (May session) or Mondays (September session)
Attendance at all ten sessions is expected.
Tech Venture
Regular Fee: $649
Impact Scholarship Fee: $149
Open Scholarships: 15
Classes start August 20, 2025.
You’re on the cusp of developing a cutting-edge technology or science-based business while Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community is buzzing and moving faster than ever before. You want to be part of it, but you need help with the details, including funding and intellectual property protection.
Designed specifically by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, this program is an intensive nine-session course designed to give technology- and science-based entrepreneurs a proven framework and network of connections to help grow a great idea into the next viable innovation.
This class meets for nine weeks on Thursdays from 3-6 p.m.(in person at UMKC Innovation Center).
Attendance at all nine sessions is highly encouraged.
ScaleUP! Kansas City
Total Value: $5,789
Impact Scholarship Fee: Free
Open Scholarships: 2
This application-based program is a series of intense classes for businesses that have plateaued and want to move the needle to the next level of business. The program is best for businesses with the potential of revenue greater than $1 million and beyond.
This is a very selective opportunity for those that qualify:
● At least $250,000 in revenue in past year
● At least 2 employees with owner working full time in/on business
● At least 2 years in business
● Able to make the commitment to all 17 sessions on Thursdays from 8:30 am to noon (approximate)
17 sessions begin Aug. 7, 2025, through Nov. 20, 2025.
Attendance at all 17 classes is required. (In person at various KC area locations)
Apply here by July 18.
Decisions will be sent out by July 21.
ScaleUP! KC starts Aug. 7.
Business Essentials
(FREE Scholarships Available!)
Virtual & In-Person Sessions Available
Fee with Scholarship: $0 (Limited spots available!)
Reading & Understanding Financial Statements
(July 1 or October 14)
Show Me the Money! Navigating Funding Options
(July 8 or October 21)
Build Your Brand & Marketing Blueprint
(March 4, July 15 or October 28)
Social Media Strategies
(March 11, July 22 or November 4)
MO SBDC E-Learning Platform
(Available after StartSmart/Growth360 participation)
“Life-Changing” and
“Business-Changing” are Not Overexaggerations
As one of your biggest supporters, we hope you’ll apply for a 2025 Impact Scholarship. It’s a special opportunity to elevate your business, expand your knowledge and learn alongside a thriving network of entrepreneurs. Remember, scholarships are limited, so apply now!