Small Business Office Intern

Job Posting

Calling all students!

Ready to step into the heart of state government and make things happen?

Support the Office of Small Business by conducting ecosystem research and resource mapping, coordinating events, engaging with stakeholders, tracking data, and analyzing impact. Assist with entrepreneurial community outreach and help develop resources to strengthen small business growth across Kansas.

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy:

The Department of Commerce participates in the E-Verify program.

Position Description

Agency Information:
Department of Commerce

As the state's lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Through Commerce's project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine's prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor's Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

The Kansas Department of Commerce administers the KANSASWORKS workforce system, which links businesses, job seekers, educational institutions and training providers to ensure the state's workforce is equipped to meet industry needs.

Learn more

About the opportunity:

Classified/Unclassified Service:
Unclassified

Full-Time/Part-Time:
Part-Time, up to 40 hours per week

Work Schedule:

To be determined

Eligible to Receive Benefits:
No

Veterans' Preference Eligible:
Yes

Closes:
March 17, 2026

Compensation: $15.03 hourly

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

Position Responsibilities:

* Assist in conducting ecosystem analysis to identify gaps in small business resources and areas where additional support is needed.

* Research entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs), business development programs, funding opportunities, and workforce training initiatives across Kansas.

* Assist in planning and promoting E3-led events, such as pitch competitions, ESO networking meetups, lender round tables and small business training workshops.

* Coordinate event logistics, including scheduling, venue setup, speaker coordination and participant engagement.

* Track and manage key performance indication (KPIs) related to E3's initiatives, including program participation, capital access rates, and business engagement levels.

* Work with internal teams to ensure business support programs are effectively monitored and evaluated.

* Assist in creating outreach materials, resource guides and business development toolkits for entrepreneurs and ESOs.

* Help conduct community outreach efforts to ensure business owners across Kansas are aware of available funding, training and ecosystem support resources.

Intern

Minimum Qualifications:

* Must be currently enrolled as a student at an accredited college or university.

* Recent graduates are also encouraged to apply, as well as those currently pursuing an advanced degree

Intern

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience in event coordination, data tracking, business outreach, or research projects is a plus.

* Strong research and data analysis skills, with the ability to synthesize information into actionable insights.

* Experience with event planning and stakeholder engagement

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's (KDOR) website r.ks.gov/apps/tax clearance/Default.aspx .

If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at  or by email at

Recruiter Contact Information:

Name:
Angie Krahe

Email: angie.krahe

Phone:

Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson;
Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612

Required Documents for this…