In conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 16 -22) the Johnson County Library will host the third Annual GovFest on Thursday, November 19, from 11 to 6 p.m. at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. Fifty representatives from federal, state, and local government agencies including Kansas Small Business Development Center at JCCC, KCSourceLink, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas State Data Center, Heartland Procurement Technical Assistance Center and many more will be available to answer questions and offer information on how government agencies can help business owners start or expand a business for little or no cost. There will also be special programs throughout the day.
For more information, contact the Business Reference Team at the Johnson County Library, (913) 495-2400. Gov Fest is free and open to the public. No registration or reservations are required. For details and complete list of participating groups visit www.jocolibrary.org/govfest or call (913) 495-2464.
Special Programs in the Carmack Community Room:
10-11:30 a.m.: Winning Government Contracts - Cutting Through the Bureaucracy
Dewayne Long, Heartland Procurement Technical Assistance, Director, Northern Kansas Region
This program takes the attendee through the very basic steps of registering to become a government contractor. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from this program which helps cut through the maze of bureaucratic requirements and helps simplify the entire process.
12-1 p.m.: Lunch & Learn: ReferenceUSA
Learn about ReferenceUSA, a powerful tool that can help entrepreneurs gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Find out who your competitors are, create mailing lists of potential customers or locate new businesses in your area. Johnson County Library has a subscription to this product, so you can get free access with a library card. Box lunches will be proved courtesy of ReferenceUSA.
1:30-2:30 p.m.: How the Government Funds Small Business
Independence Council on Economic Development, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Mo. and Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Corporation
There are a lot of myths about how the government gives grants to start small businesses. Get the
facts. Learn about state and local financial incentives that you can access to help you start or expand a small business. The panel will include representatives from municipalities around the metro area.
3-4 p.m.: Insurance Issues for Small Businesses
John Meetz, Senior Government Affairs Liaison, Kansas Insurance Department
The speaker will discuss insurance issues pertinent to small business. He will also cover health insurance, including legislative initiatives at both the state and federal level.
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Resources to Support Small Business in Tough Economic Times
Erik Pedersen, Associate Director, Network Kansas and Stephanie Zamora, Network Navigator, KCSourceLink
The success or failure of a business often depends on the business owner's ability to connect with the resources that are available. Come out to learn how KCSourceLink and Network Kansas can help you find the help you need, when you need it. Network Navigators from these agencies will be discussing specific challenges facing business owners in today's recessive economy, like financing.
5-6 p.m.: Reception (Gallery Area)
Networking & snacks provided by FastTrac®, a program of the Kauffman Foundation and the sponsoring agencies.
6-8:30 p.m.: Starting a Business: Success Right from the Start
Kansas Small Business Development Center at JCCC
Attend an overview of business information including government requirements, legal business structure, business plan creation and financial projections.
Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the program.
