The 2022 Class is Currently FULL. If you would like to be on the waiting list, please contact the office at 620-340-6430.

The Start Your Own Business Class has helped to start or expand over 100 entrepreneurial businesses in the area.  If you are serious about taking your business from concept to reality, the Start Your Own Business class is one of the best tools at your disposal.

General Information

Start Your Own Business (SYOB) classes are held annually in the fall. The course is a collaboration between the Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University and Emporia Main Street. Topics covered include cash flow, financing, marketing, insurance, taxation, legal structures, site selection, business expansion, human resource management, daily operations, business plans, logistics, and much more.

Due to the individualized attention required in the Start Your Own Business course, the class is limited to a maximum of sixteen people.

Who can benefit from the SYOB course?

SYOB is open to anyone who wants to start, expand or enhance a business, including

  • New entrepreneurs
  • Existing business owners looking to expand their operations or improve your existing entity
  • Employees - If you are an existing business and have a rock star employee, the SYOB class may ingrain the skills necessary for your staff to aid in future expansion efforts

Dates: Classes begin October 10th!

Times: Monday & Thursday evenings, 6pm - 9pm. Classes begin October 10. A community reception/graduation will be held on December 15th.

Location: Emporia State University (unless otherwise specified). Campus room to be announced closer to class.

Instructors: Each class will contain basic subject matter presented by Lisa Brumbaugh of the Small Business Development Center, and/or Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street, followed by a presentation from local practitioners in the category of discussion.

Cost: Thanks to the generous financial support of ESB Financial, the course is just $100.

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More Resources

Business Education Blog

Show of Hands Year 2 – A successful entrepreneurial pitch activity is back!

By Casey Woods | January 25, 2023

Three years ago, Emporia Main Street had an opportunity to participate in a study by the Brookings Institute. The study…

Fab Lab Update

By Jessica Buchholz | January 6, 2023

The Fabrication Lab at Emporia Main Street came online in April of last year, and it has been a wild…

Business Strategy Recalibration

By Casey Woods | December 14, 2022

We are in the heart of the holiday rush, and I know you don’t need another thing to do, but…

Customer Service: It’s Kinda A BIG Deal!

By Casey Woods | November 15, 2022

Some reminders as we approach peak holiday shopping season. The defining characteristic for small businesses is often service. I know…

Available Properties

Already dreaming about your new business? Take a look through some of the property available properties below. Emporia Main Street can make recommendations of what might be a good fit for your business, and we can help connect you to the seller or landlord.