SEK Entrepreneur and Small Business Support Fund

Specific Need

Your Gift Helps Southeast Kansas Entrepreneurs Take the Next Step
Many local entrepreneurs and small business owners are working hard but struggling to get ahead—often living paycheck to paycheck. Your donation to the SEK Entrepreneur & Small Business Support Fund gives them the critical support they need, whether it’s mentorship, a small amount of startup capital, or resources to stabilize and grow. With your help, these determined business owners can begin earning more, creating jobs, and building a stronger future for Southeast Kansas.

Mission

A member of the statewide initiative, Rural Community Partners is a grassroots regional hub that brings an entrepreneurial lens to health equity work. We aim to build resilient systems, increase access to opportunity, and empower historically disenfranchised and under resourced communities to enhance overall quality of life, encourage economic growth, and create healthier thriving people and places.

Profile

Your Gift Builds Southeast Kansas Entrepreneurs

Every dollar donated to the SEK Entrepreneur & Small Business Support Fund helps local entrepreneurs access mentorship, startup capital, and resources to grow thriving businesses and create jobs in our community.

Total Impact:
•  Supported 200+ small businesses across Southeast Kansas
•  Generated $3.3M in new capital investment
•  Connected entrepreneurs with experienced mentors through our Regional Mentorship Program
•  Helped bring expertise from the KU School of Business to SEK, all free of charge, including:

        • Jayhawk Consulting (hands-on student consulting projects)
        • RedTire Business Succession Planning & Free Business Valuation
        • SEK Catalyst: Empowered by KU (support for entrepreneurs at all stages)

•    Provided over $200,0000 in micro-grants to small businesses and entrepreneurs
•    Seeded our new Micro-Loan Program, increasing access to capital that traditional lenders often don’t provide

Gifts may be recognized in HBCAT's annual report unless you choose to remain anonymous.