With a population of over 100, 000 residents, Topeka is the largest, and also the capital city of Kansas. GO Topeka has received approval from its board of directors as well as the Joint Economic Development Organization to fund a program called Choose Topeka. Its aim is to encourage and invest in hard-working women and other employees to live and work in the capital. Friendly neighborhoods, a variety of schools, community, and cultural activities, and various economic incentives make Topeka one of the most suitable small metropolitan cities in the United States for women. It is considered to be one of the safest cities for women in America.
First Opportunity Fund
In collaboration with Shawnee County, Topeka has established a non-profit organization that helps women entrepreneurs and small business owners qualify for a loan of up to $100, 0000, receive business consultation, counseling, mentoring, education, and training. Not only that, but it also gives women access to networking opportunities and receive a cred score assessment and recommendations for improving their score. All of the services this organization offers is strictly confidential and professional. The purpose of the program is to improve the community by helping local businesses create jobs and increase production. For more information, visit https://www.gotopeka.com/incentives/fof/
Downtown Topeka Redevelopment Incentive Grant Program
This is a monetary incentive that is aimed at community-building and mainstream development of structures for future operation and benefit in the Capital City Business Improvement District. All funding for this incentive is given by the City of Topeka and executed by Downtown Topeka, Inc. Any women who own or lease a property located within the Program Boundaries are eligible to apply for these grants. A detailed description of this grant program can be found on https://www.gotopeka.com/incentives/downtown-grant/
The Topeka/Shawnee County Small Business Incentive
This program provides women who own and are interested in improving their small businesses’ assistance when it comes to things such as upgrading employee skills, equipment purchasing, facility construction, and renovation. There are four such incentives being offered, and their main goal is to equip small businesses to further meet the standards and needs of their customers. The official link to these offers is https://www.gotopeka.com/incentives/the-topekashawnee-county-small-business-incentive/
- Small Business Employee Training Grant
A grant that is available to businesses to improve and enhance the skill set of their employees. Funds can be invested in training, skill enhancement, or seminars, and certifications. This incentive will provide up to $750 per employee.
- Small Business Equipment Purchase
Aimed towards the purchase of better or missing, new, or used equipment which is considered to be necessary for regular and daily function of the small business.
- Small Business Construction and Renovation Incentive
This particular incentive is to be used and funded towards the betterment of an already existing business or the establishment of a new property.
- Marketing Incentive
Used to create or improve marketing strategies for women in possession of a small business. These funds can be used for creating or updating a business website, newspaper, magazine, radio or television ads, banners, signage, or other promotional materials worth a total of $750.
INcluded
This organization’s mission is to educate and cooperate with women-owned businesses in order to attain a diverse workforce culture that supports economic prosperity. They encourage innovation and equity within the business industry. To learn more, visit https://www.cjonline.com/news/business/local/2017-03-21/topeka-s-included-group-focus-diversity-inclusion-region
Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center
A center that closely oversees and collaborates with women’s businesses to reach their maximum potential. Through professional consulting and training, women are given a chance to explore the government marketplace and learn how to assess and pursue government contracting opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels. For a further look into what this center has to offer, go to https://www.wichita.edu/research/kansasptac/
YWCA Northeast Kansas
Established over 100 years ago in the greater Topeka community, it is primarily devoted to eliminating racism and empowering women. YWCA provides services necessary to keep women, children, and families safe, healthy, and stable. This is the link to the official website https://www.ywcaneks.org/
- Leadership Academy
As an organization that advocates women’s empowerment and economic success, YWCA offers various development programs such as job training, financial literacy, salary negotiation, and leadership development. It serves over 100, 000 women across the United States. To learn more, please visit: https://www.ywcaneks.org/what-we-do/leadership-academy/
- Women’s Leadership Momentum
Served through the YWCA Leadership Academy, it is a 6-month program aimed to develop professional growth, heighten self-awareness, accelerate personal and group performance. Some of the main subjects are learning negotiation styles and tactics, developing and demonstrating strategic leadership skills, building resilience, and managing components of the change process, as well as developing collaborative and effective relationships. This is a program through which ambitious women can start building their leadership path, become politically savvy, and gain influence. The link to this academy and the emerging leaders program is: https://www.ywcaneks.org/what-we-do/leadership-academy/
- Emerging Leaders
This YWCA program intends to cultivate the community’s future female leaders. It offers lessons and tools to communicate effectively, comprehend various leadership styles, manage diversity, and handle conflict in a calm and mature manner. The program lasts for 4-5 weeks and incorporates active learning.
- Center for Safety and Empowerment
Consultations and assistance to victims of domestic sexual violence, stalking, sexual violence, and human trafficking. This service is free and information is kept confidential. Through their center, a wide variety of support is available, such as emergency shelters, help filling in protection orders, individual counseling, support groups, survivor art nights, court advocacy, awareness-raising public events, and collaborations with partner agencies and community groups to promote change at an institutional and systematic level. Their toll-free 24-hour helpline is 1-888-822-2983. The Topeka office daytime phone number is 785-354-7927. To access the official website, click on https://www.ywcaneks.org/what-we-do/cse/