Kansas State University

Coping With High Costs of Energy

CECD RGI Challenge Document; Coping with High Costs of Energy. This document is a summary page created by the KSU Center for Engagement and Community Development detailing the challenge and possible solutions related to addressing high energy costs.

For additional support, see energy efficiency assistance grants listed in this tool kit under the Financial circle.

Rural Grocery Initiative Challenge Document; Dealing With Labor Issues

This document, created by the KSU Center for Engagement and Community Development, summarizes research detailing the challenge and possible solutions related to rural labor issues.

Meeting Minimum Buying Requirements

Rural Grocery Initiative Challenge Document; Meeting Minimum Buying Requirements. This document is a summary page created by the KSU Center for Engagement and Community Development detailing the challenge and possible solutions related to meeting minimum buying requirements for wholesalers.

Improving Quality of Labor: Customer Service Training

This tool is a compilation of web links and resources related to employee recruitment and retention for rural grocery owners.

Managing a Business

This website, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, has business operations resources for determining human resource issues, insurance, even use of technology. While not specific to rural grocery, this site holds a great deal of resources for the small business owner.

The Affordable Care Act in Kansas for Small Businesses and Rural Communities

This document helps interpret the Affordable Care Act as it impacts small businesses and rural communities in Kansas. For ongoing information on health reform, visit the Issues in Health Reform site at K-State Research and Extension or visit the KSRE Specialist Blog site.

Grocery Store Assessment

This rubric is designed to help a store owner self-assess business practices. By completing an honest business assessment, goals can be established to improve operations.

Internal Store Audit

This tool provides a thorough checklist for reviewing store cleanliness, lighting, and aesthetics. This tool allows those that facilitate the daily operations of a store to assess the store’s current state, identify targets, and prioritize action items for improvement. This same Store Audit tool can also be utilized by engaging the support of some “external eyes”. With the support of others working as external reviewers, this tool can be used to bring outside perspectives to the owners attention.

Kansas SBDC Online Business Plan Tool and Training

This tool contains online training and orientation resources including video training on the key elements of creating a business plan, operations plans, industry analysis, contingency plans, budgeting, numerous templates and worksheets for planning marketing campaigns, cash flow, sales forecasts, break even analysis, and more! A useful link when getting ready to start a business!

Resources to Support Nebraska Business

This website hosted by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development Business Development Division, provides resources for business expansion, retention, and manufacturing assistance.

Nebraska Small Business Resource

This 2013 Nebraska SBA magazine provides current information and connections for business development in Nebraska.

Nebraska Food Code

Created by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, this guide details the regulations for food production and handling for establishments in Nebraska.

RedTire Program

The RedTire program hosted through the University of Kansas School of Business offers options for business succession. Store owners thinking about retiring, but wanting to establish a plan for  future store management can explore this program.