Whether you own a bed and breakfast establishment or dream of running an automotive service business, a one-stop resource awaits you at the Center for Entrepreneurship at Johnson County Community College.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can find credit courses in entrepreneurial studies, and existing entrepreneurs can tap into free and confidential consulting services and attend for a nominal fee workshops offered by the Small Business Development Center.

Credit classes and noncredit resources in the entrepreneurship program merged in 2003 with the help of a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The permanent location maximizes offerings for both programs.

"We know people want to be entrepreneurs," said Donna Duffey, chair, entrepreneurship. "If you train that spirit and train that student through ongoing activities, that business is more likely to grow and be sustainable. Your yield is economic vitality."

Aspiring entrepreneurs can master a skill through one of JCCC's career programs, such as interior design or automotive technology, and are encouraged to add entrepreneurship courses to their schedule to help them develop the business acumen needed to start - and grow - their own business.

Once they graduate and go into business for themselves, students and community members can take advantage of the services offered through the Small Business Development Center. Malinda Bryan-Smith, director of the SBDC, helps clients move their business plans to the next level.

She pointed to several advantages of combined forces. "You have the synergies of both operations," she said. "It gives us a full menu of options."

Three full-time business consultants, a director and one full-time and one part-time coordinator staff the SBDC within the Center. Two full-time professors and nine adjunct faculty members provide credit classes. The center also houses an office for the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, a resource center and a conference room.

Duffey said the entrepreneurship program can better serve the community by offering courses to both credit-seeking students and noncredit-seeking clients, adding that the community better understands the entrepreneurship program under one umbrella.

"It demonstrates the commitment of the college," Duffey said.

The Center for Entrepreneurship is in 240 Regnier Center on the JCCC campus. Contact Donna Duffey at 913-469-8500, ext. 3475, dduffey@jccc.edu. Contact the Small Business Development Center at 913-469-3878, ksbdc@jccc.edu.