Business Programs and Incentives

Program Purpose and Goals

The purpose of the Economic Development Department is to further economic development of Smith Center, Kansas, by:

  • Promoting the City’s assets and other resources which will enhance economic growth;
  • Assisting and encouraging existing industries to ensure their continued operation and growth;
  • Identifying, meeting and negotiating with potential new industries and other potential new business enterprises;
  • Promoting specific industrial sites, buildings and locations (and building as location) suitable for new business and industry;
  • Developing and implementing a citywide economic development plan; 
  • Promoting the maintenance, beautification and restoration of commercial buildings.

The goals are to increase employment, payroll, business volume and expand the local tax base.

To accomplish this purpose we administer several local programs, facilitate county incentives, and connect business people to regional, state, and federal programs. 

Business Loans

Smith Center's Business Development and Expansion Revolving Loan Fund allows the department to offer business loans to expand an existing business, to start a new business, to purchase an existing business, or to relocate a business to Smith Center. This loan does not require the creation of new jobs but does require the investment be paid back through monthly payments.  The interest rate is 0% for the first two years and 5% for the remaining years of the loan.  Click here for more information. 

Business Grants 

Smith Center's Economic Development department currently offers three grant programs. Click here for more information.

Disclaimer

All Smith Center Economic Development Programs are subject to the availability of funds. SCED reserves the rights to alter or discontinue any program at any time without written notice.

 

Rural Opportunity Zone Incentive

Smith County is one of 77 rural Kansas Counties authorized to offer one or both of the following incentives to new, full-time, Kansas residents.

  • Kansas Income Tax waivers for up to 5 years, if relocating from another state

  • Student Loan Repayments for up to $15,000

For detailed information, click here. 

 

Regional and State Resources

Several partnerships and memberships are maintained with a number of organizations to connect regional and state resources to our community and surrounding area.  Some of those organizations include: