About Us
Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UMKC is Kansas City’s leading resource for growing and developing businesses.
Connections at SBDC
An affiliate of University of Missouri – Kansas City and a member of the Missouri Small Business Development Center, the Missouri SBDC at UMKC program is part of a nationwide network. These connections give us unique access to the information and resources you need to take your business to the next level.
The Center was founded to provide small businesses and technology venture firms in the Kansas City region with the analysis, training, and guidance they need to confidently grow and develop.
Dedicated Team
Our experienced and dedicated staff include current and former business owners, executives and coaches. Most important, they are partners in shaping the future of your business. They provide knowledge and expertise in the areas of consulting, management, finance, marketing, technology ventures, international trade, retail, accounting, strategic planning and more. They are passionate about the work they do and have a proven track record in giving sound advice for developing small businesses.
How Can we Help your business?
Connect With the Team
Jill Hathaway
Regional Director
Jill Hathaway leads a team of small business advisors and procurement consultants promoting economic growth through entrepreneurial education in an eleven county region.
Joel Barrett
Business Development Consultant
Joel Barrett brings a coaching/consulting and business entrepreneurship background to his role of contract business development consultant at the SBDC.
Mark Calhoun
Technology Development Consultant
Mark Calhoun has been a founder, co-founder, partner or investor in a wide variety of startups primarily focused on financial technology, retail or retail technology.
Jen Spilker
Entrepreneurial Education Program Coordinator
Jen Spilker is the first face, voice or email you will interact with at our programs including the Missouri SBDC at UMKC, APEX Accelerator Kansas City, ScaleUP! and all other training programs.
Julie Edge
Business Consultant: Tech, Growth, SBIR
Bio Coming Soon!
Rickey Leathers
Business Consultant: Growth
Bio Coming Soon!
Jeff Rosenblatt
APEX Accelerator Business Consultant: Government Contracting
Bio Coming Soon!
Jason Cole
APEX Accelerator Business Consultant: Government Contracting
Bio Coming Soon!
Jill Hathaway
Senior Director of Entrepreneurial Education Programs and Projects – UMKC Innovation Center
Regional Director – Missouri Small Business Development Center
Jill Hathaway leads a team of small business advisors and procurement consultants promoting economic growth through entrepreneurial education in an eleven county region.
With a degree in International Economics from Tulane University and a bank management background, Jill’s focus on financials and sales projections are keys to helping her business clients grow. Growing up in a family masonry manufacturing business and holding sales positions throughout the Midwest with national footwear brands, Jill brought her entrepreneurial spirit to Kansas City in the late ‘90s, opening a progression of retail shoe stores. Not implementing the strategies she…nd medium sized KC Metro businesses reach their next level. She is certified in ProfitCents Financial Analysis, LivePlan Strategic Planning, Blue Mesa Transformational Coaching, as well as facilitation of Kaufman’s Fast Trac New and Growth Venture Curriculum, GrowthWheel Curriculum and ELI Entrepreneurial Mindset Training. Jill coordinates and facilitates SBDC’s growth programs, GW360 and ScaleUP! KC. Her specialties are Cash Flow analysis, Process documentation and HR performance.
Jill has received several award recognitions from the Missouri statewide SBDC network for counseling hours, increase sales and capitalization, as well as training and client satisfaction. She was awarded Missouri State Star by Association of Small Business Development Centers, Inspirational Influencer by the International Association of Women, Associated Industries of Missouri Extension Award and has participated in the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Leadership class.
Joel Barrett
Business Development Consultant
Joel Barrett brings a coaching/consulting and business entrepreneurship background to his role of contract business development consultant at the SBDC. He is a coach and instructor for Formula 8 and many other courses.
Joel has decades of experience as an entrepreneur and business owner. He currently operates his own business, Joel Speaks Out, where he is a LGBTQ writer and speaker. He has worked in the public and private sectors as a general manager, director of marketing, business consultant and community organizer. Joel is recognized for his intuitive ability to determine the next steps for entrepreneurs. His coaching/consulting experience is influenced by his active involvement in community organizations.
He currently serves as a board member and director of programming for the Mid America LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Joel earned a master’s degree in liberal studies with a sustainability focus from Indiana University.
Mark Calhoun
TECHNOLOGY Development Consultant
Mark Calhoun has been a founder, co-founder, partner or investor in a wide variety of startups primarily focused on financial technology, retail or retail technology. In addition he has worked as a technologist or consultant in a variety of industries including banking, insurance, reinsurance, healthcare and transportation. Mark was recently an entrepreneur in residence at nbkc bank where he worked to develop consumer banking solutions and served as an informal advisor at Fountain City Fintech accelerator. He has experience in exiting several startups as a co-founder or investor.
Mark is a graduate of NEW Venture and TECH Venture at the Missouri SBDC. He is also a previous business coaching client.
Jen Spilker
Entrepreneurial Education Program Coordinator
Jen Spilker is the first face, voice or email you will interact with at our programs including the Missouri SBDC at UMKC, APEX Accelerator Kansas City, ScaleUP! and all other training programs.
Jen is a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area and has worked in small businesses for the past 20+ years. She has extensive administrative experience and is excited to put it to use with the SBDC.
Julie Edge
Business Consultant – Tech, Growth & SBIR
Bio Coming Soon!
Rickey Leathers
Business Consultant – Growth
Bio Coming Soon!
Jeff Rosenblatt
APEX Accelerator Business Consultant – Government Contracting
Bio Coming Soon!
Jason Cole
APEX Accelerator Business Consultant – Government Contracting
Bio Coming Soon!
Ready to Get Started?
Your next big breakthrough is just a connection away. Reach out today and discover how SBDC can fuel your business growth.