Businesses get a leg up Opportunities abound for entrepreneurs

Barbara Anderson’s job is to give small businesses a leg up in southeast Kansas. All they have to do is ask.
When Anderson showcased the different opportunities available to area businesses, she didn’t have a shortage of things to say; the papers stacked up on her desk. Advantages are possible for nearly every aspect of the industry — everything from retail to manufacturing and construction — and some of them are ready for the taking.
“There’s a lot of things out there, you just have to ask,” she said.
Anderson is the regional project manager of business and community development for the southeast Kansas region, 17 counties in total. She said Allen County is an underutilized resource for business, and different groups recognize that. Her job is knowing who to put prospective business owners in touch with to help explore their options.
“I’m not an expert, but I strive to be an expert on knowing who you need to talk to,” she said.
Here are some of the options businesses have in southeast Kansas:
— The Kansas Small Business Development Center has an office out of Neosho County Community College. Their programs offer advice on business plan development, marketing, strategic planning and government procurement at little or no cost. They also have local events scheduled in Iola. They are in the Allen County Courthouse from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 3, April 25, May 8, May 22, June 12 and June 26.
— Kansas Business Development Incentives offer a plethora of tax deductions and exemptions for emerging and existing businesses, including costs on machinery, training, equipment, sales tax, property tax, utility tax and numerous others.
— The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program has specific opportunities for businesses in the area. There is a guaranteed loan program meant to back bank loans for small businesses, as well as a renewable energy grant program that aids project costs that will save on energy for small businesses.
—The Community Development Block Grant program is a federally funded initiative that will aid in rehabilitation costs for buildings in downtown areas, specifically small businesses.
— Other opportunities are available through the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, the Southeast Kansas Prosperity Foundation (tax credits) and Mid-America Angels LLC — they provide investors an opportunity to meet with small business owners for funding, and they receive a tax credit as well.

ANDERSON said the opportunities are numerous for prospective small business owners, and that is a good sign for the economic condition in the area.
“I think our numbers are going to go up, but we are still in the baby stages here in Allen County,” Anderson said. “The trend is turning, things are getting better.”
But, problems still exist.
She said oftentimes people think they must have a college degree to make a decent living. Not so, Anderson said, the need for jobs in the area is urgent and some small business owners can hit the ground running right out of high school. Many self-starters can make headway right here in Allen County.
Also, Anderson said baby boomers are beginning to reach retirement age, and many of them don’t have a successor to operate their small business. She said there are approximately 13,000 business owners in Kansas that will retire in the next five years.
Her office has contacts with organizations that have succession training as well, in addition to loan advice for those looking to purchase an existing business.

SMALL BUSINESSES are already doing incredible things in the area, Anderson said, and groups in the state recognize the value of a local business, whether it’s retail or manufacturing.
“It’s really amazing what’s going on in these small businesses,” Anderson said. “You’d be surprised how many things are exported (from Kansas).”
She said she has already helped prospective business owners get in touch with groups with tax incentives — one man is looking to start a forestry equipment sales service.
Cara Bolling Thomas, manager of Bolling’s Meat Market, reached out to the KSBDC for information on market strategy for her deli department, and it is up and running.
Anderson said the options are nearly limitless, yet competitive. But the fact that many businesses don’t make an effort to receive any sort of financial or informational support can narrow down the competition. It’s all about asking.
For more information on what Kansas is doing to foster small business growth in Allen County, or to have questions regarding your own business venture, contact Anderson at (620)-717-5713.