Best Small Business Resources in the Topeka Area

Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Kansas has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Topeka area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in Kansas.
Resources Available in your Area
Kansas SBDC at WU
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Go Topeka
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Go Topeka offers several series of classes as well as opportunities to secure funding for your startup. Their instructional resources include 6-week courses in entrepreneurship basics and monthly seminars on rotating topics like marketing or legal basics. They have a variety of funding programs including matching incentive programs, training assistance, and microloans for qualifying businesses that may have trouble securing financing from traditional small business lenders.
Restrictions
Businesses or individuals must reside in Shawnee County.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
719 S. Kansas Ave, Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66603
785-234-2644
manderson@gotopeka.com
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
Description
This library offers several business databases that will help you identify competitors, learn the basics of starting a business, and much more. There are several team rooms that can be reserved for meetings and larger rooms available that seat 20 to 30 people. The library also offers lists of books to check out relevant to a startup.
Restrictions
Library card required to access certain services.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1515 SW 10th Ave.
Topeka, KS 66604
785-580-4400
ask@tscpl.org
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - FRI: 9 am - 9 pm
SAT: 9 am - 6 pm
SUN: 12 pm - 9 pm
Topeka SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth