KC-Area Small Businesses Invited to Join Vendor & Small Biz Fair

The WyCo Vendor and Resource Fair Committee is pleased to host the first Vendor & Small Business Resource Fair “Building Connections in 2022” on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, from 10AM-2PM at Memorial Hall (600 N. 7th Street Trfy, Kansas City, KS 66101).  

“This is a great opportunity for small and local businesses interested in growing their client base to explore procurement opportunities with larger corporations and government agencies,” explained Unified Government Director of Purchasing Sharon Reed. “With major events coming to the region in the next few years, we want to make sure our local businesses have the opportunity to participate as part of the economic benefits to our region.” 

This FREE Vendor & Small Business Fair brings together small businesses and local companies with goods and services to sell to meet and learn about working with government and other large organization who have budgets and purchasing needs. This event is an important way the Unified Government can help ensure that purchasing dollars go back into the community through supporting small, minority-owned, women-owned, or other local businesses. There will be information and resources, including the opportunity to get answers to your questions and showcase your own business enterprise.  

Showcase Your Business: Register by October 13 

We invite KC-area small businesses to register your business and reserve a booth for FREE by October 13. Booths are first-come, first-serve and limited. Bring your products, showcase your services, and meet with government agencies and regional corporations to learn more about potential contract opportunities.   

Resources for Small Businesses 

Whether you are looking for ways to increase your competitiveness for contracts or want to be ready for some great upcoming opportunities for local businesses in the region, you are welcome! There will be small discussions and workshops on a variety of topics to help you and your business find success. Some topics include: 

• Prepare for the Next Big Event: With the NFL Draft, NCAA Tournaments, FIFA World Cup, future conferences and other new attractions drawing crowds to the region, learn about opportunities for Kansas City businesses to participate in these exciting events. 
• Working with Government and Corporate America: We will share best practices on how to do business with government agencies and corporate America. Learn how to work with these organizations to grow your business.
• Upcoming Opportunities and Programs for Small Businesses: Learn more about upcoming procurement opportunities and program such as the federal set-aside for small businesses. We will walk you through various resources, including certification for minority- and women-owned businesses, to make the most of your time. 

On-Site Vendors

Through a sponsorship from Pay-It, this year attendees will be able to support three onsite local food truck businesses as well as hear amazing music provided by a local DJ and production company. Click below to view information about this year's onsite vendors. 

About the Committee 

This event is a collaboration between the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS; City of Kansas City, Missouri; KCK, Bonner Springs, and Turner Public School Districts; Board of Public Utilities; Network Kansas; The Toolbox KC; Pay-It; Kinship Café; and the Wyandotte Economic Development Corporation. 

There is no fee to participate, and parking is free. We only require your time. Business owners in the metropolitan/regional area would welcome an opportunity to visit with you. You may call 816-309-2063 for additional information. Space is limited. Face masks are optional. We look forward to your participation!

"On the Dotte" - Video Interview with Procurement Manager, Sharon Reed