Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs and Services

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs are funded by the one-half cent economic development sales tax. This support from the taxpayers of Topeka-Shawnee County has helped to create new jobs and new businesses for people who are socially and economically disadvantaged in the community. (DBE programs and services are available to virtually any small Topeka or Shawnee County business. The DBE programs focus on minorities, women, and small-business entrepreneurs.) A key DBE economic development goal is to nurture and support successful job creation for all Topeka and Shawnee County citizens.

The DBE office in the One Stop Shop provides entrepreneurial training, financial counseling, and ongoing support services for small, minority-and woman-owned businesses.

For information contact: please email Clark Trammell or call him at 785-231-6000.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Advisory Council members (from left to right): Curtis Pitts, Kathleen Urbom, Ed Hughes, Rudy Guzman, Doris Walker, and Joe Gutierrez.

One Stop Biz Shop Staff: Front Row:  Shirley Kreipe, Washburn Small Business Development Center; Kathy Moellenberndt, GO Topeka, vice president economic development; Mary Ann Anderson, DBE administrative assistant; Sharon Boranyak, communications specialist; Clark Trammell, DBE manager.  Back Row:  Nora Patton-Taylor, GO Topeka administrative assistant; Thomas Officer, loan manager, Rick LeJuerrne, SBDC director; Doug Kinsinger, Chamber/GO Topeka president & CEO.