Kansas Department of Commerce

The Kansas Department of Commerce is the lead agency for economic development in Kansas. Their responsibilities are to foster economic development through the promotion of business, commerce, and industry. This is accomplished through the department's three divisions along with a network of business assistance providers throughout the states.

The three divisions are:

• Business and Community Development
• Workforce Services
• Commissions

Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA)

KEDA is an organization of professionals and volunteers involved in economic growth and development. The organization was established in 1980 to address two items, continuing education and legislative advocacy.

Kansas Rural Center (KRC)

KRC is a non-profit organization that promotes the long-term health of the land and its people through research, education and advocacy. It cultivates grassroots support of public policies that encourage family farming and stewardship of soil and water. KRS is committed to economically viable, environmentally sound and socially sustainable rural culture.

KansasWorks

KansasWorks provides information, resources and tools for finding jobs, finding employees, training, job fairs, etc.

Network Kansas

Network Kansas is growing an entrepreneurial environment in Kansas by cultivating resources to start and grow small businesses. They are a statewide network of non-profit business-building resources that help entrepreneurs and small business owners startup.

Northwest Kansas Planning & Development (NWKP&D), Pioneer Country Development In., & Northwest Kansas Housing Inc.

The NWKP&DC and PCDI serve the 18 northwest Kansas counties. The NWKP&DC is a quasi-governmental organization, working with cities and counties in the region to:

• Encourage and permit local units of government to join and cooperate with one another to improve the health, safety and general economic welfare of their citizens;
• To plan for the future development of the region; that the communities and the region grow with adequate public infrastructure, health facilities, educational institutions, recreational and other essential facilities; that the needs of agricultural, business and industry be recognized; that historical and cultural value be preserved; and that the growth of the communities in the region is commensurate with and promotes the efficient and economical use of public funds; and (3) to eliminate duplication and promote efficiency in the coordinated development of the area.

Northwest Kansas infrastructure priorities include:

• Water source and distribution projects
• Sewer projects
• Public streets and road projects
• Public safety (i.e. fire protection, emergency & general medical care)
• Multi-purpose community centers
• Disability Access to public facilities
• Recreation projects

The Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission

The Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission was created under provisions of K.S.A. 12-716-721 and is a designated Economic Development District.

The 18 northwest Kansas counties served are Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Trego and Wallace. (A region that is roughly 100 miles wide by 200 miles long).

Pioneer Country Development, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, certified by the Small Business Administration to assist in the financing of businesses throughout the same 18 Northwest Kansas Counties. PCDI's basic mission is to:

• Help develop business projects that directly create jobs and have an economic benefit to the northwest Kansas region.
• Promote the use of regional and local revolving loan fundsto leverage other traditional funding sources.
• Listen to the business needs of the community and provide technical assistance where it is needed.

Northwest Kansas Housing, Inc.

Northwest Kansas Housing, Inc. (a separate 501(c)3 non-profit) has been a vital part of expanding economic development activities in NW Kansas by being the largest single family housing developer in the rural northwest Kansas region (all areas in the district excluding the City of Hays). Housing is a part of the region's economic development strategy because "affordable" housing is needed in nearly every community in northwest Kansas. Due to the gap between appraised value and the cost of construction, very little new, affordable, single family home construction has been completed over the past 30 or 40 years, other than the homes constructed by the NWKHI.

Small Business Association (SBA)

This organization offers information on small business loans, grants, bonds and other financial assistance. Find out what which method of financing is right for you!

USDA Rural Development

Committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.

Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance (wKREDA)

wKREDA's mission is to work together for the common good of western Kansas. The purpose and objectives of wKREDA shall be:

• To promote the exchange of ideas and information among members to enhance their effectiveness in their local organizations and the wKREDA region.
• To provide its members educational, legislative, and recruitment opportunities and other resources to assist in local and regional community and rural development efforts.
• To revitalize western Kansas through cooperative, community, and rural development activities.