Incentives                   Resources

Republic County Economic Development can assist with your business needs for start-up, expansion and relocation. The history of work ethics representing integrity, character, and resiliency instilled in our citizens as well as the incentives and resources listed below, Republic County has a lot more to offer your business.

INCENTIVES

ENTERPRISE ZONES
Businesses locating or expanding to Republic County are eligible for various incentives based on the type of company and the net number of new jobs created by the project. A sales tax exemption on the purchase of materials and services associated with the expansion and construction of a business facility is available.

$1,500 Job Creation Tax Credit for each net new job created
$1,000 - $100,000 Investment Tax Credit

Credits are limited each year to 50% of the business' corporate tax liability and unused credits may be carried forward. Enhanced and additional benefits may be available depending on the location of the business, size of business, and/or type of business.

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT
Property tax abatements may be obtained for new and expanding industries. Abatements are granted at the discretion of Republic County Commissioners. Abatements are based on an evaluation of location and timing of the expansion/relocation. Cost Benefit Analysis and Feasibility Studies are recommended. Contact Republic County Economic Development Office to for information on the property tax abatement process.

REPUBLIC COUNTY REVOLVING LOAN FUND
Loan funds, administered by a loan committee, approved by the Republic County Commissioners are available for new and existing businesses in Republic County. Funds are available year around. The maximum interest rate is 3.5% below the national prime interest rate, with a minimum interest rate of 4%. Businesses must remain in Republic County, Kansas. Contact Republic County Economic Development Office for an application or more information.

WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
Employers receive a federal income tax credit to hire individuals who are members of targeted groups that have traditionally faced significant barriers to employment. Republic County is designated as a Rural Renewal County, therefore employers who hire an 18-39 year old resident or members of the other targeted groups, can receive up to $2,400 in the first year of employment. Important: forms must be filed within 28 days of the new employee’s start date. Contact Republic County Economic Development Office for the applicable forms or additional information.

INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS
Republic County may issue bonds at their discretion for up to 100% financing of land, buildings, equipment and construction.

BELLEVILLE UTILITY BILL INCENTIVE
For one (1) year a commercial business may receive a one (.01) cent per kilowatt reduction from its current commercial rate. Eligible if reoccupation of existing business building, construction of a new business building, or expansion of existing building occurs. Contact the Republic County Economic Development Office for an application or additional information.

STATE AND FEDERAL GRANTS
Funds may be available to new and expanding industries which create jobs, through Kansas Community Development Block Grants (KCDBG), Economic Development Administration (EDA), Farmers Home Administration (FHA), or other venture capital sources. Contact the Republic County Economic Development Office for more information.

ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES
Other incentives and tax credits that are available throughout the county include programs through the Kansas Department of Commerce, USDA Rural Development, venture capital companies (state and private). Contact the Republic County Economic Development Office for further information.

RESOURCES

North Central Kansas Small Business Development Center (NCKSBDC) goal, to grow Kansas entrepreneurs, is accomplished by assisting established firms, growth companies, and start-up businesses meet the challenges in today’s evolving global marketplace. The KSBDC provides free, confidential, one-on-one consulting designed to find practical solutions to business problems. Education and guidance is offered through counseling, business plan assistance, seminars, marketing plan development, financial projection development and more.

North Central Kansas Small Business Development Center
Linda Sutton, Consultant
606 Washington Street ∙ Concordia, KS 66901
785-243-9913
ksbdc@ncksbdc.com

Kansas Department of Commerce
Republic County Economic Development Corporation works closely with Kansas Department of Commerce representatives on retention and recruitment, incentive packages, financing programs, trade development, marketing, and educational seminars.

North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) provides basic planning services to member counties and cities within a 12-county region with its skilled staff capable of both preparing applications and administering awards. The NCRPC has a strong economic development component, working with private businesses to identify market potential and financial sources. Supporting this activity, the NCRPC maintains a revolving loan program serving eight counties.

North Central Regional Planning Commission
109 Mill Street ∙ Beloit, KS 67420
785-738-2218
ncrpc@nckcn.com

Four Rivers Development, INC (FORDI) is a non-profit whose mission is to successfully increase banks and business access and approval of specialized financing programs for projects in North Central Kansas by informing them of funding options, reviewing loan feasibility, and providing loan packaging services to start, expand, or purchase a business. FORDI provides confidential, one-on-one assistance through every step of obtaining financing for your business.

Four Rivers Development, Inc.
Debra Peters - General Manager
109 Mill Street ∙ Beloit, KS 67420
785-738-2210
-OR-
218 N. 7th Street ∙ Salina, KS 67401
785-823-6106
dpeters@nckcn.com

NetWork Kansas connects aspiring, emerging and established businesses to a wide network of business-building resource organizations in Kansas.  NetWork Kansas provides small businesses and entrepreneurs with free, easy access to the resources they need to succeed. Republic County Economic Development Corporation is a NetWork Kansas Resource Partner, creating access to unique educational programs and economic resources.

NetWork Kansas
Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship
1845 Fairmount, Box 202 ∙ Wichita, Kansas 67260-0202
877-521-8600
info@networkkansas.com

The Belleville Main Street Program was established in 2002 with the purpose of revitalizing the downtown area. Using a four-point approach of Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring, the Belleville Main Street Program plans events, promotions and education activities as well as coordinates incentives available to members.

Belleville Main Street Program
Melinda Pierson, Director
1309 18th Street Suite 100, P.O. Box 261 ∙ Belleville, Kansas 66935
785-527-5524
mainstreet@nckcn.com

The Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purpose of advancing tourism, commercial, industrial, civic and economic interest of the City of Belleville, Kansas and surrounding areas. Committees including Retail, Agriculture, Education, Fair Amusement, and Bed Tax along with the Board of Directors plan and coordinate activities and events for the community and area businesses.

Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce
Melinda Pierson, Director
1309 18th Street Suite 100, P.O. Box 280 ∙ Belleville, Kansas 66935
785-527-5524
bellevcham@nckcn.com