According to Anne Woods, assistant director of marketing for the Center, the organization has eight regional and four outreach centers across the State.

Resources are usually available free of charge across Kansas' 105 counties. Many are also available online.

The three offered online courses contain information about starting your business, managing finances, and the foundations of marketing.

"One of our most popular courses is 'Elements of eCommerce,'" Woods said. "It's important for most businesses to learn about having a Web site, creating domain names and how to market and sell products online."

The Business Development Center also offers individual business consulting at no charge.

Consultants are professionals in many different areas that help entrepreneurs start or maintain their businesses. To encourage the highest level of economic development, however, the Small Business Development Center promotes interaction among Kansas entrepreneurs, and annually recognizes the top emerging small businesses in Kansas.

For more information about specific programs offered in your area by the Kansas Small Business Development Center, visit http://www.ksbdc.biz/.