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E-News- From Ideas to Impact: What’s New at Life Skills Academy

16 Dec 2025 8:14 AM | Jim Correll (Administrator)

 Special Intro Offer — Join Now & Save!

Become a member of Life Skills Academy and Maker Space before December 31 and receive 20–25% off your membership — whether for personal use or business support. This is a great chance to access tools, space, and community that help turn ideas into reality.
Learn more about categories and pricing & join: https://ibrcenter.org/Join-Life-Skills-Academy-Maker-Space

Gift Certificates Available

Contact Laura Schaid at 620-205-9288, lauras@ibrcenter.org, for more information and/or a tour.

 Equipment & Possibilities

Our Maker Space is equipped with professional-grade technology to support makers, creators, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. From 3D printing and laser engraving and cutting to wide-format printing and sewing, there are tools for prototyping, production, and creative exploration. These tools can help entrepreneurs promote and grow their businesses. See what you can do: https://ibrcenter.org/LSA-Equipment

 Youth Entrepreneur Challenge (YEC) and Trade Show February 24, 2026

Each year, the Montgomery County Youth Entrepreneur Challenge brings together young innovators to pitch business concepts, showcase ideas, and build confidence. The annual trade show and competition are open to the public and offer sponsorship opportunities to support the next generation of entrepreneurs. Top prize is $1,000; 2nd, $750; 3rd, $500 and 4th, $250. Products and services will be for sale at the trade show. Details & sponsorships: https://ibrcenter.org/YEC

We offer complimentary access to the Maker Space to help participants prepare.

 $2M Gap Financing Milestone

Since 2013, IBRC has helped local businesses bridge financial gaps with gap financing loans, working alongside banks and conventional lenders. To date, over $2 million in funding has supported area business start-ups and expansions at favorable interest rates. If your business needs capital to grow, we may be able to help.
Learn more: https://ibrcenter.org/E-Community-Gap-Financing

 Donations Are Tax Deductible

Innovative Business Resource Center (dba Life Skills Academy) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Contributions in support of our programs — including the Maker Space, entrepreneurship events, learning programs, and community initiatives — are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Give today: https://ibrcenter.org/Donate/ 

 2026 Tax Credits for Donors

Starting January 1, 2026, we will once again offer 75% Kansas Entrepreneurship Tax Credits on donations for the 2026 tax year. This powerful credit allows you to direct a portion of your state tax liability to directly support entrepreneurial programs in our community.
Find details & plan ahead: https://ibrcenter.org/Entrepreneurship-Tax-Credits

 Print Capabilities Spotlight

We’ve made high-quality printing tools available to members and the public — tools uncommon in our region and powerful for marketing, business needs, and creative expression. Members can print their own work, or for those who prefer, a team of guided young entrepreneurs can manage the process — from quoting to production and delivery.

54 inch Wide-Format Printer w/Cutter

·       Large posters, banners, and signage

·       Decals, stickers, and product labels

·       Full-color marketing graphics

·       Custom shapes and contour-cut designs

·       Short-run and test-run branding materials

·       Event & pop-up support

·       Professional visuals without big print orders

Digital Press w/Cutter

·       High-quality marketing collateral

·       Flyers, brochures, and presentation materials

·       Manuals, workbooks, and training handouts

·       Professional proposal documents

·       Personalized variable-data printing

·       Fast turnaround with no minimums

·       Affordable print solutions for local businesses

Stay Connected

We’re continually expanding programs, tools, and opportunities for learning, creation, and business growth. Your membership, involvement, and support help make all of this — and more — possible.

Thank you for being part of our community!


"Innovative Business Resource Center" (IBRC) is a Kansas Not-for-Profit organization and a 501(c)3 organization. Montgomery County, Kansas.

IBRC is the local partner organization for Montgomery County E-Community, a Network Kansas initiative.

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