Business Concierge Office creates fresh opportunities for students

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The next generation of entrepreneurs is already showing interest in Topeka and Shawnee County’s new Business Concierge Office.

The office promises to be a resource hub for local entrepreneurs, welcoming small and big businesses alike.

“Our team, along with our resource partners here, have been working really hard to build a collaborative ecosystem that can provide the support services that are entrepreneurs and small businesses need not only to start their businesses but to grow and to thrive,” says Jessica Moran, vice president of innovation for Go Topeka.

K-State 105, which promotes economic vitality in all 105 counties in Kansas, joins Go Topeka in spearheading the endeavor.

“We know that small businesses in every county in Kansas are [sic] the economic engine, and so by us having this renewed philosophy into entrepreneurship, thinking like a business, it’s going to be really great for Kansas State University,” says Jessica Gnad, director of K-State 105.

Behind the scenes, though, the next generation of entrepreneurs has already stepped up to the plate.

Nick Petrella is taking his first steps in business through an internship with the concierge office.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to get to work here and learn more and meet more people, and I’m sure the other interns are as well,” Petrella says. “We’re all very happy to be a part of this.”

David Sollars, dean of Washburn University’s School of Business, sees this as an opportunity for his students.

“They’re going to get experiences here that we can’t really offer them in the classroom,” Sollars says. “Hopefully they’ll take their classroom information and be able to apply it when they come to work here.”

Petrella says this is a positive sign for his future after graduation.

“I’m not actually from Topeka, so knowing that there are [sic] options here and growing options as well, like you can clearly see that the options are expanding in Topeka, and I think that’s really cool,” he says. “A lot of students wonder where they’re going to be after graduation, but I think this helping to answer some of those questions.”

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