Kansas SBDC Testifies Before Legislature, Highlights $54 Million in Capital Facilitated for Kansas Small Businesses

TOPEKA, KS – The Kansas Small Business Development Center (Kansas SBDC) presented testimony on February 25 before the Kansas House Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee, emphasizing its role in strengthening capital access, supporting responsible lending, and driving economic growth across all 105 Kansas counties.

State Director Dan Lara outlined the measurable return on investment generated through the Kansas SBDC network and its specialized Capital Access Center (CAC).

Between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, Kansas SBDC-assisted businesses reported:

205 new Kansas businesses started
1,067 jobs created
5,657 jobs retained
$38.9 million in small business loans facilitated
$15.0 million in equity capital secured
More than $411 million in gross revenue reported by assisted businesses
2,272 clients served in underserved communities

In total, Kansas SBDC assistance helped small businesses access nearly $54 million in capital, providing entrepreneurs with the resources needed to start, grow, and sustain their operations.

Strengthening — Not Replacing — Kansas Lenders

The Kansas SBDC Capital Access Center does not lend money. Instead, it prepares entrepreneurs to meet underwriting standards before approaching a bank. Through mock underwriting, global cash flow modeling, debt service analysis, and stress testing, businesses become “lender-ready.”

Kansas is one of only six states with a formal Capital Access Center within its SBDC network.

Commercial lender David Chew of Academy Bank testified that the Kansas SBDC improves application quality, reduces incomplete submissions, and shortens approval timelines.

“The relationship between the SBDC and local banks is essential. It is built on trust,” Chew stated.

Since the CAC’s inception, 100% of CAC-supported clients remain in operation, reflecting a focus on prudent capital structuring and sustainable debt loads.

The Kansas SBDC has served entrepreneurs statewide since 1983 and continues to provide confidential, no-cost advising and affordable training across startup, growth, succession, and acquisition stages.