5 minute read
Uniting Small Businesses
Chamber offers value-added programs to help local small-business owners.
By Beth Kornegay
Photos courtesy of Leawood Chamber of Commerce
After analyzing data about local businesses associated with the Leawood Chamber of Commerce, the chamber discovered an important statistic: More than 50% of its member businesses qualified as small businesses, defined as businesses with 25 or fewer employees. To help understand the unique challenges and opportunities that small businesses face, in May 2024, the chamber developed a series of programs and events called Small Business Series, tailored to meet the needs of local small businesses.
Taylor Limoges, vice president of programming and communications for the chamber, says before the program was launched, a survey was distributed to small business members to ensure the planned programming would align with the owners’ interests and schedules. The primary goal of the series is to create a space where small business owners and representatives can gain valuable education, insights, and mentorship.
The series offers a variety of engagement opportunities, including workshops, networking events, roundtables, and keynote speakers, all scheduled at different times to accommodate diverse schedules. Participation is open to any chamber member business that meets the small business criteria, with events hosted monthly. It’s an ongoing program that members can attend as often as they like, depending on their interests and schedule availability.
“Through this initiative, we aim to cultivate a strong network where small businesses can connect, collaborate, and support one another. We want our members to feel confident knowing they have a community of peers to turn to for guidance and shared experiences,” Limoges says.
In its first year, the chamber has already gathered valuable insights that will help shape
future programming for the Small Business Series. Moving forward, the chamber aims to enhance the series by offering more structured content, effective speakers, and information focused on addressing the most pressing needs of its small business members. Feedback is gathered to improve the program, ensuring it remains meaningful to its members.
“Whether you’re looking to gain new insights, meet like-minded professionals, ask questions, or share your own expertise, this series offers a welcoming and resourceful environment. Attending these events not only provides brand exposure but also allows members to give back to the business community,” says Limoges.
Kaela and Jonathan Braswell own Strauss Peyton Portrait Studio, which is celebrating 125 years since its opening in 1900. The studio has been in Jonathan Braswell’s family since 1977, making the couple the sixth owners. With more than 25 years each in the photography industry, they focus on developing longterm relationships with their clients and view themselves as capturing family histories through portrait art. Additionally, they take high school senior photos and business branding portraits.
The Braswells are now in their second year as part of the Small Business Series and joined because they see their challenges as different from larger businesses with a larger employee base that service a nationwide or even international clientele.
“We have to be able to handle all of it so being able to sit down with other like-minded individuals in our local area helps us to build our own network of people that we can refer or give our own business to so that we can keep the money in the local economy. It’s all about who you know,” says Kaela Braswell.
One of the workshops she attended last year was hosted by ClearBox Insights and provided insights into defining a business’s ideal audience. Given the abundance of information on social media and various marketing channels, the workshop concentrated on the essential aspect of identifying a target client and effectively attracting them, especially considering the competition from numerous other companies seeking consumer attention.
Braswell appreciates the focus the Leawood Chamber of Commerce has put into promoting small businesses and helping them succeed by providing informational topics of interest and notes that every small business owner wears many hats. She says that person is also the marketing department, the accounting department, CEO, COO, and janitor.
Another small business owner taking advantage of this program is Danica Leporte, the owner of Under the Stars KC. Her company specializes in luxury slumber parties and outdoor event experiences, helping families create magical, memorable nights at home. Serving the metropolitan area since 2022, Under the Stars KC offers movie nights under the stars, poolside teepee cabanas, elegant pop-up igloos for bug-free picnics, and luxurious glamping tents for stylish backyard retreats.
Leporte says being part of the Small Business Series has helped her learn some practical strategies to help refine and scale her business.
“I wanted to connect with other small business owners who understand both the challenges and victories of entrepreneurship. This program provides resources that make a real impact and helps us compete in a world dominated by larger companies,” she says.
Leawood local business Insperity was eager to support the Small Business Series and joined as a presenting sponsor. A full-service professional employer organization, Insperity works closely with small businesses to enhance their growth and success.
For More
Leawood Chamber of Commerce
13451 Briar St., Suite 201
Leawood, KS 66209
913-498-1514
