El Centro of Topeka is one of the few organizations in Topeka that provides culturally sensitive assistance to low income Hispanic families. Since opening its doors in 1972 the goal has been to be a trusted community resource center for individuals and families in need of help. Our services are designed to address the needs of our clients. Many of our clients speak very limited English and lack familiarity with programs and resources available to them.

El Centro’s mission is to strengthen communities and improve the lives of Latinos and others through educational, social and economic opportunities.

Organization Partners & Resources

Three leading Latino organizations in Topeka, Topeka League of United Latina American Citizens (LULAC) Council, El Centro of Topeka and MANA de Topeka joined together to create a leadership development program supported by the Kansas Leadership Center. The program is the first of its kind in Kansas and invites participates looking for a unique and rigorous leadership training opportunity.

For questions/additional information:

Lalo Munoz
Executive Director
El Centro of Topeka

In addition to the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Topeka, Inc., GO Topeka and Visit Topeka, the entities involved are Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development (a GO Topeka program), Heartland Visioning, Forge and Momentum 2022, the community’s holistic economic development-focused strategic plan.

Vision: The Greater Topeka Region is internationally recognized as a vibrant, innovative, fun, diverse and healthy community.

Mission: To be the catalyst for economic prosperity within our community.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqUwPl_BBrUTcHrrPjf57Ug

The Minority & Women Business Development (MWBD) organization is focused on empowering and assisting minority communities and women to start and grow businesses. Through advocacy, providing training and resources, networking, and mentoring, MWBD strives to build a strong and diverse business ecosystem.

Small Business Incentives:

Types of Incentives

The First Opportunity Fund is designed specifically for business owners who want to grow, but who do not qualify for loans at conventional financial institutions.

We are committed to the development and provision of programs that serve as alternatives to traditional institutionalization and works to further individuals’ full participation as productive citizens to society.

Employment/Self-employment training, services and programs are provided under contract or agreement with the State of Kansas Dept. of Commerce, Dept. of Children & Families (DCF) or other nonprofit agencies  & institutions.

Employment & Training Services: (job preparation, development, retention)

Worksite Training (work experience)

Access Affordable Computers & Internet Services: (Bridging the Gap)

Purchase one-year of high-speed internet service here: (Includes a 4G LTE Hotspot)

Purchase one refurbished computer here: (Microsoft Certified & Warranty) No credit check or hidden fees

Micro-enterprise Training, Development and Support Services: (for-profit / non-profit)

Feasibility/Business Plan Development (Kauffman First Step FastTrac)

Document Preparation,

Computer Access

Access to Legal, Marketing, Policy and Statistical Data

Access to Business coach/Mentors IT/HR Analysis, Development

Business Resource Networks

Youth Programs & Activities: Community Service – Youth Leadership Development Job & Tech Skills Development Guidance & Career Counseling

Techpreneurship: Streets University #streetsu (Money-Tree Income Opportunity Program)      

Mailing Address:

408 SW Jackson, Topeka, KS 66603

Neighborhood Programs:

2620 SE 23rd, Topeka, KS 66605  

www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/11155

www.paypal.me/ibsainc A PayPal Confirmed Charity

www.guidestar.org/profile/48-1137236

  Donate Here to Support Youth Programs & Adult Training Activities

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a centralized charitable account. It allows charitably-inclined individual, families and businesses to make tax-deductible charitable donations of cash, publicly-traded stock and in some case, certain liquid assets, to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program.