Rural Development
Association of Northeast Kansas
About RDA
Grant Services
Incentives
Microloans
As the economic development organization for Brown and Nemaha Counties, the main goal of RDA develop and attract as many businesses as possible. The result of these efforts, of course, are more jobs and an increase tax base for Northeast Kansas. To that end, RDA employs comprehensive strategies to assist New Businesses as well as Expanding and Relocating Businesses. Since the beginning of 2000, RDA has worked with approximately 90 current and potential businesses and their representatives to procure state and local incentives, develop business plans, and secure financing for their ventures. Contact RDA to inquire about how we can help you to start or expand your enterprise!
Right: Koch & Co. is a highly successful wood door and cabinet manufacturer in Seneca, Kansas. RDA recently procured a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) on behalf of Koch & Co. for $500,000 of low-interest financing. The City of Seneca also received grant funding to extend utilities to the company's expansion site.
There are many things to think about before you start your business. Most entrepreneurs have an idea for a marvelous product or service and they ask themselves two questions. 1) "Where do I get the money to start my business?" and; 2) "How do I get all of the government paperwork I need to start my business?"
RDA can help. We work with the NORTHEAST KANSAS ENTERPRISE FACILITATION INITIATIVE which was begun in five areas of Kansas in 2003 by a Kansas Department of Commerce program to help rural entrepreneurs. This program was begun with the assistance of the Sirollis Institute. The premise of the program is a business coaching system developed by the Sirolli Institute.
The Northeast Kansas area encompasses Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, and Nemaha Counties. The area is served by Janet Griesel, Enterprise Facilitator who coaches businesses in the development stages. The expenses of the program are paid by the Northeast Kansas area and services are free to the clients. You can find more information on this program by contacting janetgriesel@hotmail.com or calling her at 785-364-0583.
Janet will begin by asking the preliminary questions
that many potential entrepreneurs forget. Why do you want to go into business for
yourself? Are you prepared to commit long hours, sacrifice family and
personal time,
including vacations, for your dream? Are you prepared to "tighten your
belt" and be more stringent with your money until your business begins to take
off? If you can answer these questions positively, you may be ready to move
forward.
She will start with the basics.
She can tell you how to "rip
through the red tape" and obtain licenses, permits, tax numbers, etc. She
will
also explain the various financing and incentive options
available to your business. Finally, she will help you put together a strong
financial and marketing team together so that your business will flourish.
Throughout the process, all RDA clients have access to our Business Resource Center, which
contains numerous publications and aides on business planning and techniques.
Once you have the basics, it's time to do some serious Business Planning!
Expanding and Relocating Businesses
Business expansion is an exciting and tumultuous period that is rewarded to the best entrepreneurs who have worked hard to fulfill their dreams. Expansion is a measure of vision, dedication, and most importantly, success. RDA wants to be a part of the success stories of Brown and Nemaha Counties.
If you are considering expansion in Brown or Nemaha Counties, we continue to work on a comprehensive list of Available Properties, which includes both land and buildings that may fit your business needs.
The State of Kansas has many incentives and credits available for businesses to locate and expand in Kansas. In addition, Nemaha and Brown Counties as well as most individual cities have many of their own incentives to offer. RDA will help your organization to obtain all of the incentives for which you qualify.
Finally, if you would like business planning assistance, RDA can assist with developing your new venture, too!
