National Small Business Week is just around the corner on April 28 - May 4 and National Small Business Day is May 10. We're highlighting NSBW because small businesses are a vital contributor to our local, regional, and national economy.

While UMKC TalentLink is proudly affiliated with UMKC, we operate as a small business focused on providing expert-led professional development and training. We work with small to mid-size businesses and nonprofits to train employees and build practical skills. Our courses, workshops, and programs are also available for people to complete online and in person. 

UMKC TalentLink - Jake, Candice, Alexa, and Pete

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

• 3 New Workshops - Fraud Prevention and Cybersecurity; Essential Pillars of Leadership Success, and                    Prioritizing Marketing Efforts for Small Businesses
• In the Community - Shannon Swift leads a course on How to Make the Big Ask
• Ingram's - UMKC TalentLink Executive Director Jake Akehurst discusses workforce skills training
• Blog Post - Learn From Real-life Scenarios of Fraud and Cybersecurity Breaches 

Learn From Real-life Scenarios of Fraud and Cybersecurity Breaches - Focused Forensic Solutions President Krista Shelton says, “According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiner’s Report to the Nations, the average fraud case endures for 12 months and incurs a significant loss of $100,000 to the business." Shelton shares more insight on fraud and how the workshop can prepare business owners.

Minimize Cybersecurity Risks Through Preparation - “Small businesses are more often becoming the target for cybersecurity and fraudulent activities by bad actors. The reality is the businesses aren’t prepared, and they are more likely to succumb to easier tactics,” says Lockbaud founder Sam Sapp.

Keep an eye out for the spring 2024 issue of Leawood Magazine produced by Sunflower Publishing. Their spring 2024 issue features UMKC TalentLink Executive Director Jake Akehurst in "Linking to the Future," where he discusses professional and personal development. The issue is due out in late April.

Akehurst is also quoted in the March 2024 issue of Ingram's magazine. View the full digital article (p. 54-55), "Workforce Training: Driven by Demand," here. 

Are your skills current? Learn online and develop practical skills to bolster your appeal before your next job search. Small businesses can also provide affordable learning opportunities to upgrade skill sets and retain employees by investing in training. 

EXPLORE OUR ONLINE SKILLS-BUILDING TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Grant Writing and Advanced Grant Writing
Accounting Fundamentals
Effective Business Writing
Getting Started With Google Workspace
Intro to QuickBooks and Intermediate Quickbooks
Marketing Your Nonprofit
Winning RFP Responses

Explore other online courses and career training programs.

May 8 - Fraud Prevention and Cybersecurity: Protect Your Business and Customers 

Experts Krista Shelton and Sam Sapp present a comprehensive course designed to protect small businesses from fraud and cyber threats. Workshop includes a 30-minute break for lunch (supplied).

June 18-20, 9-11 am -  Essential Pillars of Leadership Success
Leadership development coach Haley Grayless covers three Essential Pillars of Leadership Success in an interactive three-session workshop. Learn the “how to’s,” takeaway tools, and best practices for being a successful leader.

Haley's course will be held at the South Kansas City Workforce Development Center, Bldg. 2, 1300 E. 94th St., Ste. 100, Kansas City, MO 64131.

July 23, 9-11 am -  Prioritizing Marketing Efforts for Small Businesses
Learn time-honored marketing strategies that business owners and their marketing teams can apply today to prioritize and develop your unique marketing mix. EAG Advertising & Marketing Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Randolph addresses this topic in a can't-mission session, bringing a wealth of industry experience and proven strategies to the workshop.

Instructor Shannon Swift led an April 10 workshop on How to Make a Big Ask of Leadership. Here's some feedback from participants.

"I learned the tools/strategy to build a selling presentation to any ask that I have, including how to slow down, take the time to be methodical, and work through the structure for this big ask."

"Lean into the things that will make an impact to your firm – don’t be shy!"

"The workshop was helpful to learn how the C-suite operates and how to boil down the request to be more intentional and clean."

"Clearly articulating your objective and having a winning framework is key. Building out the process and talking points will be helpful moving forward."

Interested in having Shannon Swift lead a workshop session for your group at the workplace or offsite?

Online Manufacturing Training Available Through WorkForge and UMKC TalentLink

Learn key manufacturing skills and knowledge that can demonstrate aptitude for an entry-level role to an employer. Take the first step toward landing an in-demand position with solid pay potential and opportunity to learn more.

Online learning available in 

• Aerospace
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
• Food Safety and Production
• Industrial Maintenance
• Introduction to Manufacturing Careers
• Robotics
• Welding

umkctalentlink.com