Free Resources (KS)

State & Local Government (KS)

https://www.kansas.gov/businesscenter/

Offers online business services through KanAccess. Services include Kansas Business Entity Formation, Name Availability, Name Reservation.  No cost.

https://www.kansas.gov/ump/help

KanAccess is a tool to provide users with the ability to use one set of credentials to access any number of Egovernment services in Kansas.  Instructions for signing up.  No cost.

https://www.kansascommerce.gov/seedgrants/

SEED Grants support communities with population of less than 5000.  Projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization of quality of life categories including childcare/senior programming, community vibrancy, food retail, and libraries. 

https://www.kansascommerce.gov/businesses/

List Kansas’s key industries such as Corporate/Professional Services, Advance Manufacturing, Animal Health and Agriculture. Find out more about these and other industries and how they fit into your business goals.  No Cost.

https://insurance.ks.gov/documents/department/publications/ins-info-for-the-small-business-owner.pdf

Insurance information for small business owner. Business insurance information packet available covering some of the following topics: Providing healthcare coverage, Workers compensation coverage, Health insurance tax credits, special considerations for home-base business.  No cost.

https://kcc.ks.gov/kansas-energy-office/small-business-energy-program

If you live in a town with a population of 50k and under you may be eligible for no cost energy audits, renewable energy site assessments and federal assistance programs.  Through the US Dept of Agriculture one may be available for the REAP, Rural Energy For America Program. Contact information for more grant info provided. 

https://www.ksrevenue.gov/prsmbusworkshops.html

Kansas Dept of Revenue offers periodic Sales Tax workshops throughout the State. Workshop explains the difference between Kansas Retailers Sales Tax, Kansas Retailers Compensating Use Tax and Kansas Consumers Compensating Use Tax. Participants will gain a good understanding of the goods and services subject to sales tax. Record keeping and file requirements will be discussed.  There may be a fee for workshops. To register, go to this brochure. https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/edu70.pdf

https://www.ksrevenue.gov/business.html

Business Tax Express website page covering Business Registration, Business Tax Forms, Tax Rate Locator, Filing Business Taxes Online.  No cost

https://ksbiz.kansas.gov/

Kansas Business One Stop site for Business Starter Kits and resources to Plan, Start, Operate, Grow, Sell/Close your business.  No cost.

https://admin.ks.gov/offices/procurement-contracts/bidding--contracts

Register to bid on State contracts and additional resources for becoming certified Business and Disabled Veteran own business, Minority Business Enterprise or Women Business Enterprise.  No cost.

https://www.kansascommerce.gov/workforce/kansasregisteredapprenticeship/

The Registered Apprenticeship Program is employer designed and driven creating unique opportunities for employers and career seekers. Incorporate on-the-job learning paralleled with technical instruction and mentorship with long-term employment as goal. 

https://www.kansascommerce.gov/international/export-2/international-webinars/

The International Division presents webinars covering the most current topics and trends in global business.  Current topics include Financing Option with EXIM Bank and SBA, Environmental, Social and Governance and what it means for compliance. 

https://issuu.com/kdcmarketing/docs/kansas-business-incentives-brochure?fr=sYjVmOTI5NDgzODM

Kansas Business Incentive Brochure on various topics including Training and Hiring Assistance, Taxes and Incentives, International Trade and Investment and Finance Programs. 

https://www.kansascommerce.gov/workforce/employer-services/

Workforce services for employers from On-the-Job Training giving unemployed workers valuable skills and a permanent job. Wages are subsidized to assist employers.  Incumbent Worker Training for current employees to acquire new skills to advance or retain employment.  Federal Bonding Program providing fidelity bonds to employers for individuals whose backgrounds can pose significant barriers to secure employment. Some services may require cost to employers such as OJT. 

https://www.kansasworks.com/

Workforce services include but not limited to statewide and national job listings, applicant pre-screening, application acceptance, space to conduct interviews and hiring events, applicant assessment services, Veteran services and current labor market information.   Services free. 

https://www.countyoffice.org/kansas-city-purchasing-department-kansas-ks-c01/

Kansas City, KS office of purchasing contact information. The Kansas City Purchasing Department, located in Kansas, KS, oversees the procurement process for government agencies and departments in Kansas. This includes acquiring goods, negotiating services, and creating purchase agreements with vendors.

Registered Apprenticeship - Kansas WorkforceONE (ksworkforceone.org).

Registered Apprenticeships incorporates classroom studies through on-the-job training supervised by a skilled employee. Employers sponsoring a registered apprentice develops employees to contribute to the bottom line. Contact information for those interested in sponsoring a Registered Apprenticeship on the website. 

STATE and LOCAL (Topeka)

https://www.topeka.org/doing-business-with-the-city/#gsc.tab=0

Learn more about doing business with the City of Topeka. Vendor Guide gives information on how to become eligible to sell to the city. Vendors should register with Contracts and Procurement Division. Visit site for additional information.  No cost

https://www.topeka.org/cityclerk/licenses/#gsc.tab=0

Business licenses and permits for your business. Applications may be downloaded from this site. A fee does apply. 

https://tscpl.org/research/business/small-business

Topeka and Shawnee County Library can give you access to research site and research tools for business owners. Includes managing your business cash flow and blogs for under 30 of age entrepreneurs and early- stage business.  No cost

https://tscpl.org/news/explore-new-level-2-tech-center

Increase your technology skills with cutting edge equipment and software. Try new ideas and expand your skills, polish your projects without investing in the technology yourself. 

https://workforcecenters.com/services-for-employers/

Workforce Development Employer Services will help you post job positions, access to Registered Apprenticeship Employee Training Program and access to On-the-Job Training. Assistance with wages and salary to employer may apply.  Gain access to a partnership of organizations, people and resources for your business.  No cost. 

https://www.kansasworks.com/employer#resources

Set up an employer account create, manage job postings, search for qualified candidates, promote your company and connect with Workforce Center staff for advice and support.  No cost

STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES (Wichita)

https://www.wichita.gov/Licenses/Pages/default.aspx

Comprehensive list of Business licenses and information on how to submit license application.  Fee applies. Online Business License renewal available. 

https://www.wichita.gov/Economic

Find out about targeted industries, business environment and tax structure. No cost

https://www.wichita.gov/Economic/Pages/SmallBusiness.aspx

Watch for more information on a new program being developed, PROPEL, Providing Resources and Opportunities for Proprietors, Entrepreneurs and Lenders. No Cost

https://workwith.wichita.gov/

Find out more about working in Wichita as a registered Vendor, expand your business, learn about the EBE, Emerging Business Enterprise certificate and other resources for your business. . 

https://www.wichita.gov/Economic/Pages/IncentivePrograms.aspx

Ready to expand or relocate your business? Find out more about the Economic Development Guidelines including Opportunity Zones for tax credits, Industrial Revenue Bonds, Tax Increment Financing and more.  No cost. 

https://workforce-ks.com/

Incentives and Training for Employers. On-the-Job Training, Work Opportunity Tax Credits, Registered Apprenticeships are some of the programs available. Some services may require a cost. 

https://workforce-ks.com/programs/registeredapprenticeship/

Detailed information about Registered Apprenticeships. Employer-driven  model that combines on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction that increases an apprenticeship skill level and wages. It is a proven solution for business to recruit, train and retain highly skilled workers. 

https://workforce-ks.com/employers/workkeys---employers/

WorkKeys is a reliable and nationally-validated system evaluating and analyzing workplace skills. Use assessment tools to help identify qualified candidates. 

htt for nps://workforce-ks.com/services/

List of services for employers including Training and Education, Veteran Services, Public Access Services, Resume reviews, Mock Interviews, Workforce Reentry Assistance and more. 

https://workforce-ks.com/communityoutreach/news/157754.aspx

Pathways Home Grant expands employment and training to individuals reintegrated after incarceration.  The program helps funds reentry services to improve employment outcomes for these adults. 

Small Business (KS)

https://www.networkkansas.com/events/

Statewide network of nonprofit building-business resources to help entrepreneurs and small business owners startup and grow successfully. Includes online classes for free. See online calendar to register for events. 

https://ecommpartnership.com/

Entrepreneurship Community Partnership. Selected communities’ partner with NetWork Kansas to establish a locally-administered loan fund to assist entrepreneurs with capital, to increase connectivity to resources available to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses, to initiate activities to generate entrepreneurial development, and to participate in a statewide partnership with other E-Communities.

https://www.kcsourcelink.com/

For aspiring small business and established business to find the right resources for start, scale and acceleration. Topics include Hire Smarter, Discover New Technologies, Get alerts about investment opportunities, 

https://www.kcsourcelink.com/blog/-in-category/categories/entrepreneurial-ecosystem

Read popular BLOG categories: Advancing Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, Entrepreneurship in Action, Funding and Finance. 

https://www.kcsourcelink.com/resource-navigator

Navigator to find the right business resource organization in the Kansas City area with over 200 to select from to reach your next milestone. No cost

https://www.kcsourcelink.com/calendar

Do a calendar search for the next networking event or entrepreneurship class in the Kansas City area by over 100 organizations. Selections include Business Financial Literacy, Market Your Business with Video and Small Business Certifications. No cost. 

https://kckchamber.com/programs/

The KCK Chamber prides itself on being a connector and convener of businesses, community resources, elected officials and key-stakeholders. Programs include Women’s Chamber Network, Young Professionals and Small Business University. Fee for Memberships or Partner Memberships. 

https://hccgkc.com/

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the creation advancement, promotion and development of economic opportunities w/in the Hispanic market and business community.  Their strategy incorporates small business procurement, minority women-small business certification and small business education and development. Fee for membership. 

https://heartlandblackchamber.com/

Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce partner will all types of businesses owned-operated by black business entrepreneurs. Focus is on launching, developing, promoting, sustaining and growth of the black community. Covers Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. Fee for membership. Three levels of small business membership. 

SMALL BUSINESS (Topeka)

https://www.gotopeka.com/small-business/

Site with various resources for small business to include, small business newsletter, training seminars and events, small business directories, advocacy support and others.  

https://www.gotopeka.com/small-business-council/

Leadership group of area entrepreneurs that work with GOTOPEKA to promote small business and equip those businesses for success. Their role is to be the voice and advocate for mid-size and small enterprises. 

https://www.gotopeka.com/small-business-incentive/

Discover incentives that can help you find success at any stage of your business.  Find help with marketing, grant writing, equipment, and professional services.  See link for application process.  No cost to complete application. https://www.gotopeka.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Small-Biz-Incentive-Program-FAQ-6.10.22.pdf

https://downtowntopekainc.com/incentives/

Review downtown Topeka incentives for Tax Increment Finance (TIF), Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Business Improvement District, and Downtown Grant Programs.  See link for more specifics on Redevelopment Incentive Grant Program.  https://downtowntopekainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Downtown_Topeka_Redevelopment_Incentive_Grant_Program.pdf

https://www.score.org/topeka

Find your business mentor and browse through the workshops and register for in-person or online.  Examples of workshops include: How to pay small business taxes strategically to avoid one big tax, Should you get certified as a Woman-owned, Veteran-owned, or Minority-owned Business? Small fee may apply for workshops. 

https://www.washburnsmallbusiness.com/

Washburn Small Business Development Center is part of Washburn University.  Resources to help you start, learn and grow your business. Get assistance with industry evaluation, marketing, social media, business structure and profit generation. 

ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRY RESOURCES (Topeka)

https://www.connect2capital.com/

Exploring loan options for small business. Matches your business with a mission-driven lending partner to support you on the business journey.  No cost

https://watch.ktwu.org/show/working-capital/

Local business channel that focuses on entrepreneurship, education, inspiration and professional development regionally and locally.  No cost

SMALL BUSINESS (Wichita)

https://www.wichitahispanicchamber.org/

Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce mission is to provide value to the Hispanic and general business communities by fostering mutually beneficial communication, education, and relationships. Business resources to strengthen and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit in the state. 

https://www.sba.gov/district/wichita

Our office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.

https://www.wichita.edu/research/ksbdc/index.php

Small business development center providing no cost advising to grow your business. 

https://empowernorthend.org/

Seeking to empower the North-end community, specifically the Hispanic community by providing workforce readiness and small business development. No cost

https://www.wichita.edu/research/kansasptac/

Kansas PTAC, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, helps your business secure government contracts. Register online. No cost. 

https://www.wiba.org/resources/community-assets/

Wichita Independent Business Association working with the Small Business Education Consortium by sponsoring Business Resource Expos, creating Business Workshops and Events.  See the Your Guide to Starting or Expanding Business in South Central Kansas. file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/Your-Guide-to-Starting-or-Expanding-a-Business%20(1).pdf

Grants/Funding (KS)

https://www.networkkansas.com/capital/

Capital loan programs to assist small business with matching funds to start up or expand their business.  Loan program can match up to 150% of other public sources of capital and/or funds from a financial institution.  Other options include: Revolving Loan Fund, Minority and Women Business Multiplier Loans, and Kansas Capital Multiplier Loans.  Online Chat feature is present on site. 

https://www.growks.com/

GROWKS Loan and Equity Programs helping small business in underserved geographies and populations (minority, women, economically disadvantaged) access to capital in the starting stages of growth.  Kansas was allocated $69M in State Small Business Credit Initiative.  All entrepreneurs and small business interested in applying will be connected to a Network Kansas-approved resource partner. Email and phone number on site.

https://www.kcsourcelink.com/guides/innovation-led/loans-grants-and-funding

10-part Guide to Funding Your Business. Learn about types of Loans, Credit and Credit Repair, SBA and Bank Loans, Angel Investing and Friends and Family Funding. 

https://www.dcf.ks.gov/Agency/Operations/Pages/OGC/Grants-and-Contracts.aspx

The office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) coordinates the processing and procuring of goods and services for the agency through contracts, grants, interagency agreements, tasks proposal requests (TPR), Request for Proposals (RFP), provider agreements or purchasing requisitions. 

https://www.usgrants.org/kansas/small-business-grants

Apply for business grants in Kansas. Access the applicant portal on this site. 

https://kansas.grantwatch.com/

One-stop source for reputable, reliable, and up-to-date grant information. This is a subscription based website; free and paid memberships available. 

https://cppr.ku.edu/grant-writing-assistance-kansas-non-profits

Offering free grant writing and technical assistance for nonprofits. 

GRANTS AND FUNDING (Topeka)

https://www.gotopeka.com/first-opportunity-fund/

Topeka and Shawnee County First Opportunity Fund is a nonprofit organization helping business owners qualify for loans up to $100k, business consultation and counseling, access to networking opportunities, etc. 

https://topekacommunityfoundation.org/grant-information

The Topeka Community Foundation grants more than $2 million annually to nonprofit organizations.  No cost. 

https://kansas.grantwatch.com/cat/13/small-business-grants.html

One-stop source for reputable, reliable and up-to-date grant search information. Subscription based web-site; free and paid memberships available. 

FUNDING/GRANTS (Wichita)

https://wichitacf.org/nonprofits/grants/available-funding/wichita-wagonmasters-fund

Witchita Community Foundation funds various programs including those that collaborate with or facilitate collaboration among nonprofit organizations.