Developing a Budget for Your Business
2025-07-23 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | MO
Budget smarter, not harder! Learn how to plan for growth at our free workshop.

If your budget is just a guess, your business is at risk.
Running a small business without a clear budget is like driving without a map—you might move forward, but you have no idea where you’re heading. A solid budget helps you see what’s working, where to cut costs, and how to plan for seasonal changes.
This workshop will teach you how to develop a business budget that actually works—one that doesn’t just record numbers, but guides decisions, predicts challenges, and helps you grow.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why a business budget matters: Stay efficient, plan ahead, and minimize debt
✅ How to examine your revenue: Learn what to include and how to forecast
✅ Fixed vs. variable costs: Understand how to categorize your expenses
✅ Setting up a contingency fund: Be prepared for unexpected costs
✅ Calculating your profit: Know when you’re truly making money
✅ Finalizing your budget: Turn data into a clear financial plan
Meet Your Speaker: Mercedes Givens

This workshop is led by Mercedes Givens, Private Wealth Manager and Partner at Creative Planning. With over 15 years of experience in financial services, Mercedes specializes in creating and maintaining customized financial plans that address every aspect of a healthy financial life—from investments and tax planning to risk management and retirement. As a Certified Financial Planner® professional, Mercedes brings practical insights and a client-focused approach to helping business owners achieve their financial goals.
Why Attend
Budgeting is more than just tracking expenses, it’s about driving growth and staying prepared. This workshop will guide you through the process, help you avoid common mistakes, and leave you with a budget that actually supports your business goals.

Marketing to Grow Your Business
2025-08-26 18:00 - 19:30 | MO
Hate to break it to you, but “post and pray” is not a strategy.

Marketing doesn’t work by accident. If you’re throwing content out there and hoping something sticks, you’re not marketing. You’re guessing.
This workshop is for entrepreneurs who are ready to stop guessing and start getting results. You’ll learn how to create a clear, intentional marketing plan that makes sense for your business, aligns with your goals, and doesn’t waste your time or money.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to set short-term and long-term marketing goals that actually matter
✅ How to define your value and talk about your business in a way that connects
✅ What your target audience really is (and how to reach them)
✅ The difference between branding and performance marketing and why both matter
✅ Where and how to market (channels, tools, budget, outsourcing vs. DIY)
✅ How to track your results and know what’s working
If marketing feels like a black hole of effort with no return, you’re not alone. This session will help you make sense of it all. You’ll leave with a stronger understanding of how to market your business with purpose and a plan you can actually follow.
Let’s turn your marketing into a growth tool, not a guessing game.

Building Business Credit
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:30 | MO
If your business goals are big, your credit game needs to match.

This free workshop is your step-by-step guide to building and maintaining strong business credit, without sacrificing your personal credit in the process. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, you’ll learn practical ways to boost your creditworthiness and open the doors to better funding options, vendor relationships, and long-term success.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to separate personal and business credit the right way
✅ Step-by-step process for building business credit from scratch
✅ What lenders look for when evaluating creditworthiness
✅ Tips to improve your personal credit score
✅ How to avoid common credit mistakes that hold businesses back
✅ The funding opportunities good credit can unlock
This isn’t just theory, it’s real-world guidance you can act on immediately.
Join us and take the next step toward financial freedom and business growth.

Building a Sales Pipeline for Growth
2025-09-02 18:00 - 19:30 | MO
ABC: Always Be Closing. It’s not just a mantra, it’s a mindset.

If your sales strategy is just “try harder,” you’re doing it wrong. Sales success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not about working more hours or making more calls—it’s about building a system that works.
This workshop will teach you how to build a sales pipeline that drives growth, not just effort. You’ll learn how to focus on the right leads, close deals consistently, and create customer relationships that generate repeat business and referrals.
Stop guessing. Start growing.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to build and maintain a sales pipeline that works
✅ Why selling value beats selling price—and how to make the shift
✅ How to master the ABC mindset: Always Be Closing
✅ Proven strategies for building strong client relationships
✅ How to leverage referrals without sounding pushy
✅ Techniques to stay top of mind and keep clients engaged
✅ Practical steps to turn prospects into loyal customers
Why Attend?
If your sales approach feels scattered or unpredictable, you’re not alone. This workshop will help you take control of your process, focus on what really works, and start seeing consistent results. Whether you’re new to sales or looking to improve, you’ll leave with a roadmap to build a sales pipeline that supports long-term growth.

The Art of the Ask: The Sales Mindset Shift
2025-09-24 18:00 - 19:30 | MO
Sales success starts with the right questions. Discover the mindset that makes it happen!

If your sales strategy feels more like a monologue than a conversation, it’s time for a change. Successful salespeople know that quality questioning can transform a pitch from pushy to powerful. Knowing what to ask—and why—can make all the difference.
This workshop will teach you to reframe your sales mindset by mastering the art of strategic questioning. Whether you’re leading a team or making pitches yourself, this session will give you the tools to engage clients more effectively and open new avenues for business growth.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ The Power of Questioning: How intentional, well-crafted questions change the sales dynamic
✅ Understanding the ‘Why’: Discover why your questions matter and how they influence client perception
✅ Strategic Question Categories: Learn the types of questions that drive meaningful conversations and business expansion
✅ Mindset Shifts for Success: Move from selling to guiding clients toward their own conclusions
✅ Practical Exercises: Practice asking powerful questions to see how they shape client engagement
Meet Your Speakers: Caleb & Mary Beth Lutz

This workshop is presented by Caleb and Mary Beth Lutz of Lutz Grow Sales & Marketing. With a unique blend of education, training, and hands-on sales experience, Caleb and Mary Beth bring real-world insights to entrepreneurial success. After starting in teaching and corporate training, they spent five years in sales, mentoring and coaching peers. As serial entrepreneurs with ventures in e-commerce, agriculture, and logistics, they know firsthand how the power of strategic questioning can transform business outcomes. Their mission is to empower others through practical, experience-based lessons in financial stewardship and effective sales communication.
Why Attend:
If you’re ready to move beyond the usual sales script and start connecting with clients on a deeper level, this workshop is for you. You’ll learn how to think differently about the sales process, using strategic questioning to build relationships, understand needs, and close deals more effectively.

Tax Talk for Business Owners
2025-10-22 18:00 - 19:30 | MO
You’re great at running your business. Let’s make sure you’re great at managing taxes, too.

You started your business to pursue your passion, not to stress over tax codes and forms. But what if you had the right knowledge and tools to stay compliant, maximize deductions, and avoid common tax pitfalls?
Join us for a FREE workshop designed specifically for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to gain confidence in managing their taxes, record-keeping, and financial responsibilities so you can focus on what you do best.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ Business Entity Types & Tax Reporting – Sole Proprietorships, LLCs, S-Corps & more ✅ Essential Record-Keeping & Accounting Software – How to track business income & expenses ✅ Understanding Tax Deductions & Credits – Maximize your savings while staying compliant ✅ Employee vs. Independent Contractor – Avoid costly misclassifications ✅ Estimated Taxes & Filing Deadlines – Know when, what, and how to file
Meet Your Expert Speaker, Ray Moncrieffe
We’re excited to welcome Ray Moncrieffe, Tax Director at Creative Planning, as our workshop leader! Ray has years of experience helping small business owners navigate the complexities of tax law, business structure, and financial planning. His passion for empowering entrepreneurs means you’ll walk away with actionable knowledge to strengthen your business finances.
Taxes aren’t just a once-a-year concern—they impact your business every day. Filing incorrectly, missing deductions, or misunderstanding tax rules can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. This workshop is designed to give you real, actionable strategies to manage your tax obligations with confidence.
This session will help you navigate everything from business structures and tax reporting to deductions and record-keeping. You’ll gain the knowledge to avoid costly mistakes, maximize your savings, and set your business up for long-term financial success. Plus, you’ll connect with other entrepreneurs who are on the same journey — because when small business owners support each other, everyone wins.

Financial Projections for Small Businesses
2026-01-14 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-03-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-24 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-11-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
If you own a business, you need more than a good idea. You need a clear understanding of how money will flow in and out over time. Financial projections help you answer some of the most important questions every business owner faces: How much can I realistically make? What will it cost to operate? And is this business sustainable long-term?
This workshop walks you through how financial projections work and how to build them in a way that’s practical, realistic, and useful. You’ll learn how to estimate revenue and expenses, use basic market and competitor research to inform your numbers, and apply common forecasting methods to plan for the next three to five years. We’ll also cover how projections fit into your business plan and why lenders and funders often expect to see them.
You’ll explore different forecasting approaches, learn what assumptions matter most, and understand how to adjust your projections as your business grows. We’ll break down key components like revenue, operating costs, profit, and cash flow so you can confidently explain your numbers, even if you’re not a financial expert.

Hybrid Format
This workshop is offered in a hybrid format, so you can join us in person in our classroom at our office in the 18th and Vine District or online via Zoom, whatever works best for you.
Register Now

Building Business Credit
2026-01-28 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-04-22 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-07-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Strong business credit can open doors, from better funding options to stronger vendor relationships and long-term growth. This workshop will help you understand how business credit works, why it matters, and how to build it in a way that supports your goals without putting unnecessary strain on your personal credit.
You’ll learn how to properly separate your personal and business finances, what lenders and creditors look for when evaluating creditworthiness, and how to start building business credit from the ground up. We’ll also cover common mistakes that can slow progress and how to avoid them before they become costly.
In addition, we’ll talk through how personal credit and business credit interact, what steps can help strengthen your overall credit profile, and how strong credit can expand your access to funding, partnerships, and growth opportunities.

Hybrid Format
This workshop is offered in a hybrid format, so you can join us in person in our classroom at our office in the 18th and Vine District or online via Zoom, whatever works best for you.
Register Now

Business Mastery Series: Module 1
2026-02-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Part of our Business Mastery Series, this session focuses on creating a clear roadmap for your business. You’ll learn how to define your vision, set realistic goals, and bring structure to your operations so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
About the Business Mastery Series
Take your business to the next level with Pathway’s 8-Week Business Mastery Series, beginning Tuesday, February 3. This interactive program is designed for both emerging entrepreneurs and established small business owners who want practical tools, expert insights, and the confidence to grow their business with intention.
Across eight focused sessions, you’ll build the essential skills every business needs, from planning and finances to marketing, hiring, and securing capital. Each week adds a new piece to your business foundation, giving you the clarity and structure to strengthen your operations, make informed decisions, and pursue long-term success.
Register Now

Business Mastery Series: Module 2
2026-02-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Part of our Business Mastery Series, this session helps you understand how money moves through your business. You’ll learn how to track income and expenses, manage cash flow, and make smarter financial decisions that support stability and growth.
About the Business Mastery Series
Take your business to the next level with Pathway’s 8-Week Business Mastery Series, beginning Tuesday, February 3. This interactive program is designed for both emerging entrepreneurs and established small business owners who want practical tools, expert insights, and the confidence to grow their business with intention.
Across eight focused sessions, you’ll build the essential skills every business needs, from planning and finances to marketing, hiring, and securing capital. Each week adds a new piece to your business foundation, giving you the clarity and structure to strengthen your operations, make informed decisions, and pursue long-term success.
Register Now

Business Mastery Series: Module 3
2026-02-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Part of our Business Mastery Series, this session breaks down how to navigate contracts and negotiations with clarity. You’ll learn key terms, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to protect your business through stronger agreements.
About the Business Mastery Series
Take your business to the next level with Pathway’s 8-Week Business Mastery Series, beginning Tuesday, February 3. This interactive program is designed for both emerging entrepreneurs and established small business owners who want practical tools, expert insights, and the confidence to grow their business with intention.
Across eight focused sessions, you’ll build the essential skills every business needs, from planning and finances to marketing, hiring, and securing capital. Each week adds a new piece to your business foundation, giving you the clarity and structure to strengthen your operations, make informed decisions, and pursue long-term success.
Register Now

Business Mastery Series: Module 4
2026-02-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Part of our Business Mastery Series, this session covers the essentials of building and managing a team. You’ll explore hiring, onboarding, documentation, and workplace expectations to help create a strong, compliant foundation for your business.
About the Business Mastery Series
Take your business to the next level with Pathway’s 8-Week Business Mastery Series, beginning Tuesday, February 3. This interactive program is designed for both emerging entrepreneurs and established small business owners who want practical tools, expert insights, and the confidence to grow their business with intention.
Across eight focused sessions, you’ll build the essential skills every business needs, from planning and finances to marketing, hiring, and securing capital. Each week adds a new piece to your business foundation, giving you the clarity and structure to strengthen your operations, make informed decisions, and pursue long-term success.
Register Now

Accessing Capital for Your Small Business
2026-02-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Accessing capital isn’t just about filling out a loan application; it’s about understanding how lenders think and preparing your business to be a strong, credible borrower. This workshop is designed to help business owners understand what banks look for, how lending decisions are made, and how to build productive relationships with banking partners.
You’ll learn how the loan application process works from start to finish, what information lenders use to assess risk, and how to realistically plan for the amount and timing of capital you’re seeking. We’ll break down common lending criteria, including time in business, management experience, market conditions, collateral, and your ability to repay. You’ll also gain insight into underwriting and the key financial ratios banks review, such as leverage, liquidity, cash flow, and debt service coverage.
This session will also help you see the lending process as a two-way conversation. You’ll learn how to evaluate different types of banks, ask the right questions, and position your business clearly and confidently. We’ll talk through how business history, financial statements, and projections factor into lending decisions, and how to avoid common missteps that can slow or derail the process.

Hybrid Format
This workshop is offered in a hybrid format, so you can join us in person in our classroom at our office in the 18th and Vine District or online via Zoom, whatever works best for you.
Register Now

Business Mastery Series: Module 5
2026-03-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Part of our Business Mastery Series, this session introduces retirement and healthcare options for business owners and employees. You’ll learn how benefits fit into your business strategy and how to choose options that support long-term sustainability.
About the Business Mastery Series
Take your business to the next level with Pathway’s 8-Week Business Mastery Series, beginning Tuesday, February 3. This interactive program is designed for both emerging entrepreneurs and established small business owners who want practical tools, expert insights, and the confidence to grow their business with intention.
Across eight focused sessions, you’ll build the essential skills every business needs, from planning and finances to marketing, hiring, and securing capital. Each week adds a new piece to your business foundation, giving you the clarity and structure to strengthen your operations, make informed decisions, and pursue long-term success.
Register Now

Business Mastery Series: Module 6
2026-03-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Part of our Business Mastery Series, this session focuses on preparing your business for financing. You’ll learn what lenders look for, how to build strong banking relationships, and how to position your business for future access to capital.
About the Business Mastery Series
Take your business to the next level with Pathway’s 8-Week Business Mastery Series, beginning Tuesday, February 3. This interactive program is designed for both emerging entrepreneurs and established small business owners who want practical tools, expert insights, and the confidence to grow their business with intention.
Across eight focused sessions, you’ll build the essential skills every business needs, from planning and finances to marketing, hiring, and securing capital. Each week adds a new piece to your business foundation, giving you the clarity and structure to strengthen your operations, make informed decisions, and pursue long-term success.
Register Now

Business Mastery Series: Module 7
2026-03-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Part of our Business Mastery Series, this session helps you define your marketing goals and reach the right audience. You’ll learn how to build a marketing strategy that aligns with your budget and supports consistent business growth.
About the Business Mastery Series
Take your business to the next level with Pathway’s 8-Week Business Mastery Series, beginning Tuesday, February 3. This interactive program is designed for both emerging entrepreneurs and established small business owners who want practical tools, expert insights, and the confidence to grow their business with intention.
Across eight focused sessions, you’ll build the essential skills every business needs, from planning and finances to marketing, hiring, and securing capital. Each week adds a new piece to your business foundation, giving you the clarity and structure to strengthen your operations, make informed decisions, and pursue long-term success.
Register Now

Business Mastery Series: Module 8
2026-03-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Part of our Business Mastery Series, this session focuses on building a repeatable sales process. You’ll learn how to generate leads, strengthen client relationships, and create a sales pipeline that drives sustainable revenue.
About the Business Mastery Series
Take your business to the next level with Pathway’s 8-Week Business Mastery Series, beginning Tuesday, February 3. This interactive program is designed for both emerging entrepreneurs and established small business owners who want practical tools, expert insights, and the confidence to grow their business with intention.
Across eight focused sessions, you’ll build the essential skills every business needs, from planning and finances to marketing, hiring, and securing capital. Each week adds a new piece to your business foundation, giving you the clarity and structure to strengthen your operations, make informed decisions, and pursue long-term success.
Register Now

Small Business Taxes: What Every Owner Should Know
2026-09-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-10-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Pathway Financial Education, 1520 East 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Running a business comes with a lot of responsibilities, and taxes are one of the most important (and often most confusing) parts. This workshop is designed to help business owners understand their tax obligations, stay organized throughout the year, and make informed decisions that protect both their business and their peace of mind.
You’ll learn how different business structures affect taxes and reporting, how to keep accurate records of income and expenses, and what deductions and credits may apply to your business. We’ll also cover common tax deadlines, estimated taxes, and how to avoid mistakes that can lead to penalties or missed savings.
This session will also walk through the differences between employees and independent contractors, what classifications mean for your business, and how to approach tax planning in a way that supports long-term sustainability. Rather than focusing on complicated tax codes, we’ll focus on practical steps and clear explanations you can actually use.

Hybrid Format
This workshop is offered in a hybrid format, so you can join us in person in our classroom at our office in the 18th and Vine District or online via Zoom, whatever works best for you.
Register Now
