Sumner County Sponsors Rural Business Training Program
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sumner County Economic Development is sponsoring an eight-week certificate program designed to help rural business owners overcome growth challenges and adapt to changing markets.
The "Growing Rural Businesses" program, developed by Wichita State University's Center for Entrepreneurship in partnership with NetWork Kansas, will run Thursdays from Sept. 18 to Nov. 6 at Cowley Community College's Sumner Campus. Sessions are scheduled from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The county-sponsored initiative targets business owners who have been operating for five to 15 years and are ready to break through plateaus or prepare for growth.
"This training equips business owners with actionable tools and renewed focus to begin building a stronger future for their businesses and communities," according to program materials.
The curriculum covers eight core areas: entrepreneurial thinking for seasoned owners, digital marketing and branding, modern sales techniques, customer experience design, data-driven decision making, financial management, legal protection strategies, and competitive business strategy.
Stacy Davis, executive director of Sumner County Economic Development, is serving as a key contact for the program alongside Nancy Kersenbrock, associate director for entrepreneurship at WSU's Center for Entrepreneurship.
The county's investment in the program reflects its commitment to supporting local business growth and economic development in the region.
Registration costs range from $250 to $300, with an early bird discount of $50 available for those who register by Sept. 5. Separate registration links are provided for businesses located inside and outside Sumner County.
The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning with real-world insights that participants can apply immediately. Topics include leveraging artificial intelligence tools, which 80% of small business owners report increases efficiency, though 44% say they lack resources to implement such technology effectively.
Each session is led by experts from WSU's Center for Entrepreneurship who focus on rural business realities, where trust, relationships and local context often matter more than broad market reach.
The training is designed for businesses at crossroads moments — whether plateaued and seeking fresh momentum or preparing to scale operations. Program materials note that rural entrepreneurs face unique challenges requiring tailored strategies rather than one-size-fits-all business approaches.
Registration information and detailed workshop descriptions are available on the Wichita State University Center for Entrepreneurship website.