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The Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation Initiative received a $200,000 grant in 2002 from the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing (KDOCH) to be one of five enterprise facilitation projects in Kansas. The project hired Janet Griesel as Enterprise Facilitator starting in June, 2003. Based on the belief that the future of every community lies capturing the passion, intelligence, imagination and resources of its people, the Sirolli Institute has developed “Enterprise Facilitation;” it is a person-centered approach to community and economic development.
Enterprise Facilitators work with a community based board to provide free, confidential, business management and networking advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses. Since 1985, Enterprise Facilitation has provided an effective mechanism for mobilizing community leadership and has demonstrated the capacity for inspiring community revitalization around the world. Local Leadership is essential to the establishment of an Enterprise Facilitation program. Without local endorsement, understanding and management, nothing can happen.
The Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation Initiative’s unique approach to entrepreneurial development involves a network of community leaders and resources that provides valuable assistance to entrepreneurs. Utilizing this strategic alliance with individuals and organizations enhances the reach and resources of the entrepreneur. Members from this network form the management board for the organization. This board meets monthly and through the staff Enterprise Facilitator, the network’s resources are delivered to the clients.
This community-based, regionally led, public/private rural entrepreneurship strategy is an effective tool for developing additional entrepreneurial activity in the rural communities in northeast Kansas. There have been 32 business created or expanded with 105 jobs during the course of the program. The program provides the “quality of life” amenities that are important for attracting and maintaining entrepreneurs and their businesses in the region.
Contact Janet Griesel, Enterprise Facilitator, at 785-364-0583 for assistance with your business startup or expansion.
Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation helped Ray and Becky turn a hobby into a business.
The couple had grown grapes and made wine at their home for nearly a decade, but they were ready to
do something more. Facilitator Janet Griesel helped them brainstorm and plan as they prepared to add a
building to their property for wine production and hosting events. The couple said, “Janet was always there
for us. We could not have done it without her.”
The Campbells’ dreams became a reality with the August opening of the Vineyard and Winery.
The meeting/dining room at the winery can be rented for events or special occasions, but the
Campbells also plan to offer a variety of events such as live music and wine tasting throughout the year.
Scott and Melissa have offered music lessons, instruments, sheet music, and accessories since July 2004,
but only sought the help of Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation in the spring of 2005 when they
wanted to expand their inventory. The two had found that they were frequently getting requests from
customers for items that they did not stock. Facilitator Janet Griesel helped the pair work through their
business plan in preparation for completing a loan application. “She really helped us to get organized,”
the two said. Scott and Melissa’s loan request was successful and they added Malden Guitars, S101 Guitars,
Crate Amplifiers, Alvarez Guitars, and Seymour Duncan Pickups to their lineup just in time for holiday shoppers.
Miranda used the Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation program to expand her housecleaning business.
Among other things, the Facilitator helped Miranda arrange for much needed assistance with financial management.
Shannon and Gene visited The Parsonage Guesthouse in Holton when planning a family event and
fell in love with it. When they learned the business was for sale, they began to think about purchasing it.
Once Shannon and Gene had decided to proceed, they sought help from Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation.
As the Ozbuns were living in the Kansas City area, the Facilitator worked with them long distance on
clarifying their vision for the business and developing a business plan.
Shannon and Gene took over the business in March of 2005 and have relocated to Holton.
Shirley opened Bloomers in April 2005. The store was a longtime dream of Shirley’s and offers fresh
flowers for all occasions, greeting cards, candles, balloons, and much more. During start-up,
Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitator Janet Griesel acted as a sounding board and provided contacts
and information.
As adoptive parents, James and Barbara knew what it was like to have a question in the middle of the
night and no one to call. Thus, they dreamed of creating an organization that would provide a toll-free
hotline and other support services to both foster and adoptive parents. With the help of Northeast Kansas
Enterprise Facilitation, the Carrolls made their dream come true by creating a non-profit organization,
FOR KIDS Ministries.
Roland and Melody sought marketing help from Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation.
Their business offers cast aluminum plaques to memorialize the loss of a loved one.
The couple has two designs currently but several others are planned.
Through the Enterprise Facilitator, the Bergers were able to find assistance with market research and
learn about other marketing resources.
Traci was trained as a bookkeeper and had customers lined up and waiting.
But, she wanted to be certain that her business was properly licensed before getting underway
so she contacted Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation. The Facilitator helped answer her
questions and has since had the opportunity to send some work her way.
With the assistance of Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation, Jay and Heidi purchased M & M Super,
an existing grocery business, in September of 2004 and have since turned it into much more.
Fresh paint and memorabilia have given the store a new look. In addition, Jay and Heidi have
expanded the inventory to include products from the Bern Meat Plant, Hearthside Country Store, and Watkins.
Another popular addition is Hunt Brothers Pizza.
Steve provides GPS and GIS mapping services to cities, counties, and local farmers.
Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation helped launch the business and notified Steve of a part-time job
that would allow him to enhance his mapping skills while giving the business time to grow. Steve says,
“Janet really stepped me into getting this all together, she sat down with me and walked me through the
business plan and made me realize what I needed to do to be ready.”
Total Clients: 418
Businesses Started: 31
Businesses Expanded: 12
Jobs Created: 117
Businesses Retained: 7
Jobs Retained: 32
Tune-Ups of Existing Businesses: 47
Contact: Janet Griesel, Enterprise Facilitator
785-364-0583
janetgriesel@hotmail.com