Business Resources/Program List

OverviewBusiness Program / Resource List

Private Activity Bonds:
Qualified Private Activity Bonds (PABs) are federally tax-exempt bonds. Under the federal volume cap, Kansas has a total 2005 bond allocation of $239,180,000 for this purpose. The types of bonds qualifying for such tax-exempt status are: 1) Exempt facility bonds; 2) Qualified mortgage bonds; 3) Qualified veterans’ mortgage bonds; 4) Qualified small issue bonds; 5) Qualified student loan bonds; 6) Qualified redevelopment bonds; and 7) Qualified 501(c) (3) bonds. In Kansas, the primary demand for bond allocation has been for the issuance of exempt facility bonds, mortgage revenue bonds and qualified small issue bonds (or industrial revenue bonds). Exempt Facility Bonds are used to fund activities such as: 1) Mass commuting facilities; 2) Facilities for the furnishing of water; 3) Sewage facilities; 4) Solid waste disposal facilities; 5) Qualified residential rental projects; 6) Facilities for the local furnishing of electric energy or gas; 7) Local district heating or cooling facilities, and 8) Qualified hazardous waste facilities. Mortgage Revenue Bonds (MRB’s) and Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC’s) are issued to provide first time homebuyers an enhanced opportunity to finance the purchase of a new home. Persons meeting certain financial and demographic guidelines are able to achieve substantial savings over the life of a home mortgage through the use of these available programs. Kansas legislation allows government units to issue Qualified Small Issue Bonds (Industrial Revenue Bonds) to be used for qualifying industrial or other authorized purposes. Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) are securities issued by cities, counties or the Kansas Developmental Finance Authority (KDFA) to provide the funds for credit-worthy companies to purchase land, pay the cost of constructing and equipping new facilities or purchase, remodel or expand existing facilities
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit:
Helps people move from welfare to work and gain on-the-job experience by encouraging private-for-profit employers to hire nine targeted groups of job seekers by reducing employer's federal income tax liability by as much as $2,400 per qualified new worker; $750, if working 120 hours or $1,200 , if working 400 hours or more, per qualified summer youth. The Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit encourages employers to hire long-term family assistance reciepients by reducing employers' federal tax liability by as much as $8,500 per new hire.
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High Performance Incentive Program:
Offers 5 potential benefits:
1) a 10% income tax credit for eligible capital investment that exceeds $50,000 at a company’s qualified business facility, with a carry-forward that can be used in any of the next 10 years in which the qualified business facility re-qualifies for HPIP.
2) a sales tax exemption to use in conjunction with the company’s eligible capital investment at its qualified business facility.
3) a training tax credit of up to $50,000.
4) priority consideration for access to other business assistance programs offered through the State.
5) grant funding for half of consulting costs, up to $12,500, to help accelerate the growth of the business (funding for this component must be allocated by the legislature each year - no funding is currently available).
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Kansas Industrial Training Program:
The Kansas Industrial Training program is a flexible workforce-training program designed to respond to the specific needs of new and expanding companies. Eligible industries include basic enterprises that are creating at least one new job, excluding the jobs of recalled workers, replacement workers, or jobs that formerly existed. The KIT program may be used to assist firms involved in both pre-employment and on-the-job training. Pre-employment training may be used to allow the company and prospective employees an opportunity to evaluate one another before making any employment commitments. Prospective employees are given the knowledge and specific skills necessary for job entry. On-the-job training is conducted after hiring. Trainees may receive instruction on the company’s own production equipment on the plant floor or on similar machinery in a classroom setting. Examples of eligible expenditures include instructor salaries, curriculum planning and development, travel, materials, supplies, textbooks, manuals, minor training equipment, and certain training facility costs.
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Kansas Industrial Retraining Program:
The Kansas Industrial Retraining program is a job retention tool that assists employees of restructuring companies who are likely to be displaced because of obsolete or inadequate job skills and knowledge. Eligible industries include basic enterprises that are restructuring their operations through incorporation of new technology, diversification of production, or the development and implementation of new production activities. At least one existing employee must be trained to qualify for assistance. Examples of eligible expenditures include instructor salaries, curriculum development, travel, materials, supplies, textbooks, manuals, minor training equipment, and certain training facility costs.
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Business Recruitment:
The Business Recruitment Section provides assistance to out-of-state companies or their consultants who are considering Kansas for new manufacturing, distribution or office facilities. These companies range from Fortune 500 firms to smaller companies. Assistance includes recommending the best Kansas communities based on the company’s criteria for available buildings and site, labor, utilities, and other factors; developing incentive proposals including tax exemptions and workforce training grants; coordinating in-state site visits; serving as a liaison with other state agencies, including the Departments of Revenue, Human Resources, and Health and Environment; and serving as your single Kansas contact point to ensure project confidentiality.
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Minority and Women Business Development:
Promotes business development with a focus on minority and women owned businesses. The office provides assistance by providing information and referrals in the following areas: procurement, contracting, subcontracting, financing, and business management. The office also partners with other business advocates to sponsor business education workshops and seminars. A statewide directory of minority- and women-owned businesses is published annually to assist those searching for businesses, products and services. This office also administers The Kansas Statewide Certification Program where women and minority businesses can be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). Certification may increase opportunities for women and minority businesses to gain contracts and subcontracts from governmental and private entities committed to the inclusion of minority and women owned businesses in the contracting and procurement process. The services of this program are free. MED Week Award Nominations Nominations for the 2005 Kansas Outstanding Minority-and Women-Owned Businesses of the Year Awards are being accepted through Wednesday, July 13, 2005. If you are aware of any exceptional minority-owned or women-owned businesses, that has exhibited outstanding achievements in their respective industries, please nominate them for this important award. If you would like to nominate a business, you can download the nomination form. For additional information, please contact Rhonda Harris at (785) 296-5298 or rharris@kansascommerce.com.
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Kansas Film Commission:
The Kansas Film Commission promotes the state of Kansas as a film location site to the film, television, and video industry. Assistance is varied, from location scouting and serving as a liaison or facilitator, to lending support prior and during production. Benefits of filming in Kansas include diverse landscapes and architecture, a cooperative Film Commission staff, and a knowledgeable crew of industry professionals.

In addition, the Film Commission produces the "Kansas Production Guide," a comprehensive resource on filming in Kansas. Updated annually, this award-winning publication provides listings for over 300 crewmembers and companies, showcases diverse locations, and references pertinent facts, laws, and regulations on the state of Kansas.
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Enterprise Zone:
The Kansas Enterprise Zone Program provides potential Kansas sales tax exemption and Kansas income/privilege tax credits to businesses creating net new jobs in Kansas through major capital investment projects.
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Kansas Economic Opportunity Initiatives Fund:
The Kansas Economic Opportunity Initiatives Fund provides loans for projects that create or maintain jobs and invest new capital in the state
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Certified Development Company Assistance:
A Kansas Certified Development Company (CDC) is authorized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to market and service SBA loan guarantees, including 7a and 504 business loans. They are supported, in part, by COMMERCE based on annual service to their assigned counties.
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IMPACT:
The Investments in Major Projects and Comprehensive Training (IMPACT) Program is designed for new and expanding businesses that are creating new jobs. IMPACT is typically reserved for projects involving at least 100 new jobs at a higher-than-average wage. The IMPACT program may also be used for job retention projects that have compelling economic benefit for Kansas. Qualifying businesses must retrain a minimum of 250 existing employees and incur at least $50 million in capital investment costs associated with the proposed project. There are two components to the IMPACT Program: SKILL (State of Kansas Investment in Lifelong Learning) and MPI (Major Project Investment). SKILL funds can be used to pay training-related costs, including instructors' salaries, curriculum planning and development, travel, materials, supplies, textbooks, manuals, videotape development, certain training facility costs, and training equipment. MPI funds can be used to pay for capital expenses associated with the relocation or expansion. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to, equipment relocation, building and equipment purchases, and labor recruitment. Wages of employees who are receiving training are not an allowable cost under IMPACT. Companies who feel they may be eligible for assistance under IMPACT should contact the Department of Commerce directly before beginning the expansion or relocation.
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Starting a Business - First Stop Clearinghouse:
The First Stop Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) was created to serve as a link between the business owner and state government. The Clearinghouse provides a central point of contact for state government requirements to streamline the registration process. The Clearinghouse provides some state forms, applications and permits that relate to the licensing of new businesses. If the requirements are not clear, the Clearinghouse representative will research all aspects as part of the service. A packet of information and applications will be assembled and mailed for that particular business activity.

Many of your questions may be answered in our Frequently Asked Questions document. Within this document, you will find answers to many basic questions about starting a business. This 26-page document contains definitions of the business structures available in Kansas, links to other State and Federal Agencies, a partial list of required business licenses, and much more.
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Kansas Match:
The Kansas Match Program was developed to match Kansas companies, who are currently purchasing products, materials, and services from out-of-state companies, with Kansas-based businesses who provide the same products, materials, and services.
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Business Retention and Expansion:
The Business Retention and Expansion Section provides assistance to in-state manufacturing companies, distribution or office headquarters. These companies range from Fortune 500 firms to smaller companies. Assistance includes developing incentive proposals including tax exemptions and workforce training grants, serving as a liaison with other state agencies, including the Department of Revenue, Human Resources, and Health and Environment; and serving as your single Kansas contact point to ensure project confidentiality.
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Business Appreciation Month:
Business Appreciation Month gives the State of Kansas and local organizations an opportunity to honor businesses for their contributions to the economy as well as the quality of life within their communities.
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Small Cities Community Development Block Grants:
The program provides Federal funds to local units of government for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities, and economic development needs.
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Economic Development Infrastructure:
The purpose of the CDBG Economic Development program is to enhance the Kansas economic base by creating or retaining permanent jobs, which must be filled by a majority of low- and moderate-income persons.
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Export Assistance to Kansas Companies:
The Trade Development Division provides assistance to Kansas companies wishing to begin or expand their international marketing efforts. Division staff work to increase the awareness of, and develop a demand for, Kansas products in foreign markets. We take an active role in working with U.S. and foreign government trade organizations to plan, promote and participate in trade activities for the benefit of Kansas companies. SERVICES Division staff welcome the opportunity to facilitate your company’s international marketing efforts. Services available from the Division include: - Counseling individual Kansas firms regarding international marketing. - Providing market research. - Helping to identify agents and distributors overseas. - Distributing foreign trade leads to appropriate Kansas companies. - Coordinating with state, federal, and foreign agencies in marketing promotions. - Conducting export seminars. - Recruiting and assisting company participation in international trade shows. - Organizing and leading trade missions. - Hosting foreign delegations. In addition to the services listed above, staff members use the resources of the State’s international contract representatives in ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, CHILE, CHINA, EUROPE, KOREA, JAPAN, TAIWAN, and MEXICO to help Kansas companies in their respective regions. Examples of assistance through our overseas offices include: - Researching local rules, regulations and certification requirements. - Performing local market research. - Providing names and addresses of potential purchasers and distributors. - Assisting Kansas executives when they visit these regions.
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Kansas International Trade Show Assistance Program:
One of the most effective ways to sell your products or services overseas is to exhibit at international trade shows. To encourage companies to take this step, the Kansas International Trade Show Assistance Program (KITSAP) reimburses successful applicants up to 1/2 of their direct exhibition related expenses, not to exceed $3500 per foreign show or $1500 per domestic show. During a state fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a company can receive total reimbursements of $3000 for domestic shows or $7000 in total combined financial assistance. Examples of reimbursable expenses include:

- Booth space
- Booth utility costs
- Transportation of equipment or materials (to foreign shows only)
- Booth furniture and/or equipment rental
- Booth assembly/disassembly
- Interpreter fees at the show
- Translation fees for exhibition materials
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International Investment Recruitment:
The International Investment Section provides assistance to international companies or their consultants who are considering Kansas for new manufacturing, distribution or office facilities. These companies range from major multinational firms to smaller companies. Assistance includes recommending the best Kansas communities based on the company’s criteria for available buildings and sites , labor, utilities, and other factors; developing incentive proposals including tax exemptions and workforce training grants; coordinating in-state site visits; serving as a liaison with other state agencies, including the Departments of Revenue, Human Resources, and Health and Environment; and serving as your single Kansas contact point to ensure project confidentiality.
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Governor's Exporter of the Year:
The Exporter of the Year award recognizes Kansas companies that have demonstrated exceptional marketing prowess outside the United States. The Trade Development Division and Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council (KITCC), comprising public and private business entities, jointly operate the program. Now in its 18th year, the award heightens awareness of the global market in the Kansas business community.
Congratulations go out to BG Products, Inc. of Wichita for becoming the 2005 Kansas Governor Exporter of the Year!

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Attraction Development Grants:
Provides assistance in the development of new tourist attractions or the enhancement of existing attractions within the state of Kansas. The purpose of this grant is to increase jobs and/or revenue back to the state while increasing and expanding quality attractions for the tourist.
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Tourism Public Relations:
Kansas T&T in conjunction with a travel media representative, work to develop positive media publicity for Kansas domestically to leverage Kansas T&T's advertising campaign, and increase public awareness of the state as a tourism destination. Activities include identifying media coordinating media tours (FAM tours) throughout the state, and serving as a central information source for press releases and feature article materials. The primary objective of this program is to generate Kansas travel-related feature articles by working with regional, national and travel trade publications, and establishing relationships with television producers and radio programs to create opportunities to promote Kansas.
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Group Tour Marketing:
Kansas T&T continues to increase promotion of Kansas as a tourism destination to the group tour market. First, we identify domestic tour operators' needs for specific types of travel products, and educate operators on the diverse range of Kansas destinations and attractions. Second, we assist domestic tour operators and wholesalers with opportunities to create and market individual and group tour packages throughout the state. Group tour marketing efforts are completed through tradeshows (National Tour Association, American Bus Association, and others), cooperative advertising (The Group Travel Leader, Courier, and Destinations), Motorcoach Marketing Alliance projects, FAM tours, and other special events (Kansas Sampler Festival, NTA dinner, Kansas Speedway event, and others).
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Domestic Agricultural Marketing:
The domestic marketing program identifies new markets for Kansas products. Services include facilitation of research, market development studies, and exploration of new markets.
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From the Land of Kansas:
The From the Land of Kansas trademark program is a state-sponsored marketing program designed to help small businesses that manufacture products in Kansas, from Kansas sourced ingredients. The Agriculture Marketing Division provides educational opportunities, marketing consultation, and business development assistance to help participants grow and prosper.
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Agricultural Value Added Center:
The Agricultural Value Added Center (AVAC) provides technical and financial support for the creation and expansion of producer-based alliances and value-added businesses. The AVAC pursues this objective through the Foods & Feeds Program, the Industrial Agriculture Program, and Cooperative Development Program. While the AVAC funds value-added projects that involve ventures such as the further processing and/or marketing of agricultural commodities, it cannot provide funding for production agriculture.
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International Marketing:
The Division’s primary responsibilities are to provide professional services and programs to develop and expand foreign markets for agricultural commodities, livestock, products, and processed foods. Program function centers provide targeted assistance in the areas of product development, international market development, and promotion for primary agricultural commodities, livestock, meat products, and processed foods.
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Kansas Visitor's Guide:
The beautiful full-color Kansas Visitor's Guide, published annually, by the Kansas Department of Commerce, Travel & Tourism Development Division is the state’s most comprehensive travel publication available. Approximately 450,000 Guides are distributed through direct inquiries, at Kansas Travel Information Centers, at national and international trade and consumer travel shows, to travel media, and through chambers of commerce and convention and visitor bureaus statewide.

The Kansas Visitor's Guide is a 172 page user-friendly publication featuring colorful photos, enticing editorial content, suggested itineraries, calendar of events, attractions, shopping establishments, accommodations, golf courses, motorsports, retreat centers, and destination dining.
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Foreign Labor Certification:
The Foreign Labor Certification program is designed to assure that the admission of foreign workers for employment in the United States on a permanent or temporary basis will not adversely affect similarly employed U.S. workers. With few exceptions, the U.S. Department of Labor and selected State agencies jointly administer the foreign labor certification program. In Kansas, the Department of Commerce is the designated agency for initial implementation of the program.
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Veterans Program:
The Kansas Department of Commerce with grants funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Service, offers employment and training services to eligible veterans. If you want assistance, visit the Workforce Development Center nearest you and talk with the Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER). The LVER is an employment specialist and has a large reservoir of information about jobs and education/ training opportunities, veterans rights and benefits, laws affecting veterans, employment trends, and all services available through the Workforce Development Center. The LVER also has information about other services available to you from other agencies including veteran organizations. Disabled Veteran Outreach program Specialists (DVOPs) are also available in some locations. When you visit the Workforce Development Center, please remember to bring with you your military separation form (DD-214), your social security card, and other official papers or documents which may be helpful in certifying your veteran status, such as a disability rating.
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Neighborhood Improvement and Youth Employment Act:
The purpose of NIYEA is to: employ eligible students to perform qualified work activities; and, encourage secondary school completion. The goals of NIYEA are to: enhance citizenship skills; promote neighborhood/community pride and responsibility; provide structured, well-supervised work activities to meet special employability needs and improve employability skills; and provide opportunities to explore vocational interests through qualified work activities.
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Board of Tax Appeals Liason:
The Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) Liaison provides instructions and technical assistance to parties interested in property tax abatement. In 1998, the Kansas legislature adopted K.S.A. 79-213, a statute authorizing the Kansas Department of Commerce (Commerce) to provide aid to businesses and government entities applying for economic development and/or industrial revenue bond tax abatements. If you are a business, community official, city, county, or simply in need of information, this free tax abatement assistance is available to you. Commerce will work to make your tax abatement application and review process smooth and ultimately successful. The BOTA Liaison works closely with the Board of Tax Appeals to facilitate exemptions. Additionally, the liaison reviews applications and related documents submitted for tax abatement, explains policy and procedures, makes recommendations regarding statutory guideline compliance, and assists in certification completion. Our objective is improved teamwork, better communication and a higher level of satisfaction with the tax abatement process.
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Workforce Investment Act - Dislocated Worker:
The Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification Act (WARN) is a federal law which requires employers to provide advanced notification to workers when faced with a plant closing or mass layoff. (With this early notice, workers and their families are provided transition time to adjust to the prospective loss of employment, to seek and obtain other employment, and through assistance provided by the Local Workforce Investment Boards, to enter skill training or retraining that will allow those workers to successfully compete in the job market). What does WARN require? WARN requires that employers with 100 or more full-time workers give employees 60 days notice in advance of plant closings and mass layoffs if they: Close a facility of 50 or more workers Discontinue an operating unit of 50 or more workers Lay off 50 to 499 workers, and these layoffs constitute 33% of the total work force at a single employment site Lay off 500 or more workers at a single employment site (Although some businesses are exempt from WARN, the law encourages all employers to give workers sufficient notice, to the extent possible) Who must receive notice? Notice must be given to: Each employee to be laid off, or The employee's union representative, if represented by a union or unions, and; Chief elected official of the unit of local government where the closing is occurring; and, The state's Dislocated Worker Unit.
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Workforce Investment Act - Adult and Youth:
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) formula-funded youth program serves eligible low-income youth, ages 14-21, who have barriers to employment. Service strategies prepare youth for employment and/or postsecondary education through strong linkages between academic and occupational learning.
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Trade Adjustment Assistance:
American workers whose jobs are lost or whose employment is reduced as a result of increased imports, may apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) under the Trade Act of 1974 (as amended). TAA is federal assistance for U.S. workers who are significantly harmed by U.S. trade policies. TAA benefits are aimed to help workers adjust to the special employment problems resulting from increased foreign imports (of products which directly compete with, or are like, those produced by the workers' firm) causing a significant loss of U.S. jobs.
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ADA Training: Business Accessibility:
Provides training about the title III requirements (public accommodations) of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Most businesses (also known as a place of public accommodation) are required to meet these provisions. Businesses are required to comply with more than just making their facility structurally accessible under this section. One other common requirement is provide auxiliary aides and services to people with disabilities, when appropriate. Click on the "Related Links" on the left, click on “ADA”, then “ADA Business Connection” for additional information.
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ADA Training: Employment Provisions:
Provides training about the title I (employment) requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These provisions are designed to protect qualified individuals with a disability in employment. Any employer with 15 or more employees is required to comply with these provisions. One typical provision is for an employer to provide a reasonable accommodation to a qualified individual with a disability that may allow the employee or applicant to perform the essential functions of the position they currently have or have applied for. Click on the "Resource Links" on the left, then ADA, or Employer Resources, or Disability Discrimination – Employment for additional information.
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Training: Disability Awareness:
The training explains the basic premises of communicating (interacting) with people with disabilities. It emphasizes that people with disabilities are people first and should be viewed as such and treated accordingly
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Training: Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities:
Since 9-11 and the Katrina hurricane, the importance of emergency preparedness has become even more important to society, especially for people with disabilities. Training programs can be tailored to: preparing as a person with disabilities for emergencies, planning by organizations and businesses for dealing with people with disabilities in an emergency, or community planning for major disasters.
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Training: Other ADA/Disability Issues:
Provide needed training about other ADA and disability-related issues for different audiences.
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Tourism Attraction Signage Program:
The Tourism Attraction Signage Program was developed to increase awareness for travelers and residents of tourism operations and attractions. The program defines the eligibility, use, design, and authority for Limited Supplemental Guide Signs within the State of Kansas. These Limited Supplemental Guide Signs are official brown guide signs approaching interchanges on freeways and expressways, and intersections on expressways and two-lane conventional highways. The Tourism Attraction Signage Program also ensures that road signage for tourism attractions is consistent with road safety and other road and traffic objectives, and provides effective guidance in directing tourists and visitors to tourism facilities.
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International Tourism Marketing:
The International Tourism Marketing program assists domestic and international tour operators and travel agents in their efforts to create and promote individual tour packages, as well as generate positive media coverage of Kansas by working with international travel media.
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Federal Bonding Program:
The Federal Bonding Program (FPB) provides individual fidelity bonds to employers for job applicants who are (or may be) denied coverage by commercial carriers because of a: 1) record of arrest, conviction, or imprisonment; 2) history of alcohol or drug abuse; 3) lack of employment history; 4) dishonorable discharge. Each bond is for $5,000 coverage for a six-month duration. FBP coverage is provided at no cost to the employer or the job applicant.
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Tourism Marketing Grant Program:
The Tourism Marketing Grant Program (TMGP) was developed as an ongoing grant program designed to assist organizations in innovative, dedicated advertising and marketing. This program is designed to encourage participation from a variety of industry partners in a way consistent with Travel & Tourism’s goals by playing a supporting role while engaging the industry to take responsibility for regional and local initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to, sharing potential leads and information regarding attendance, etc. from an event.
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Business Recruitment Cooperative Marketing Program:
The Business Recruitment Cooperative Marketing Program offers matching funds encouraging local, regional, or statewide development organizations to initiate business recruitment marketing efforts. The marketing endeavor must focus on attracting new manufacturing, warehouse/distribution, or office operations.
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