at Dept of Commerce in Topeka, Kansas, United States
Job Description
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Calling all students!
Ready to step into the heart of state government and make things happen?
If youre looking for an internship that will help you learn more about how the Small Business Division helps businesses grow and thrive, this internship is for you! If youre looking for an internship that will help you learn more about how the Small Business Division helps businesses grow and thrive, this internship is for you! The division supports and empowers small businesses and entrepreneurs across Kansas. The division supports and empowers small businesses and entrepreneurs across Kansas.
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.
Agency Information: Department of Commerce
As the states 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 Commerces project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazines prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governors 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 states workforce is equipped to meet industry needs.
Learn more at kansascommerce.gov
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: October 5, 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 roundtables 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 E3s 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 at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/Default.aspx .
If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at (785) 296-3199 or by email at kdor_specialprojects@ks.gov
Recruiter Contact Information:
Name: Angie Krahe
Email: angie.krahe@ks.gov
Phone: 785.291.3568
Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson; Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612
Required Documents for this Application to be Complete:
On your Careers – My Job Applications page, verify these documents are present and valid. Upload or delete and replace if needed:
DD FM 214 (if you are claiming Veterans Preference)
Inside this job’s Job Application, upload the these documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Job Application Process:
Sign in to your existing account or Register for a new account.
Review and complete your contact information on the My Contact Information page.
Upload documents listed in the Required Documents section of this job posting to the appropriate location.
Complete and Submit your application.
Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
Email – the email listed on the Careers>My Contact Information page.
Notifications – view the Careers>My Job Notifications page
How to Claim Veterans Preference
Veterans’ Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran”; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager. Learn more about claiming Veterans PreferenceHow to Claim Disability Hiring Preference
Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference
PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person’s eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:
ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612
