Starting A Business
...within Ottawa County, Kansas
​
Ottawa County, Kansas is a good place for new businesses! 

​All businesses start with a dream but when it’s time to take those first steps towards reality the dream must be put to paper so you, your family, partners and your lenders understand how you plan to launch and build your business.
There are several resources to help entrepreneurs, including home-based businesses, get started, including help with ideas and funding. See our resource list below.
​
Starting a Business 
The Business Plan
"One-page" business plans are all the rage these days, but your lender will still want to see a marketing plan, 3-year cash flow projections, projected balance sheet, break-even analysis, personal financial statement, profit/loss projections, etc.  One page will help you put your thoughts and dreams to paper but don't overlook the value of the deep insight a conventional business plan. 
 
Even a condensed version will keep you grounded not only in your decision to move forward but as a tool to keep you on track throughout the life of your business.  A well thought out plan is one that can be frequently referenced, reviewed annually and updated.
 
There are literally hundreds of resources on the internet that offer “ready-to-use” business plans.  Beware - they may not pass the “smell” test for your lender; they will insist on seeing your plan.  There are an equal number of internet resources to help you write a truly personalized plan.  Some charge fees for their services others do not. Please use due diligence when selecting an agency for assistance.
The Home-Based Business
One of the best ways to explore the viability of your proposed business is to test the waters from your home. 
  • Use equipment you already have or can rent, borrow or acquire cheaply
  • invest your spare time learning how your new business might best succeed in your market. 
  • Minimize the stress of operating on borrowed money without “guaranteed” income and benefits
  • Enjoy the freedom to experiment
  • Learn valuable lessons while building a customer base and networking in your industry.
Resources

Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
800 SW Jackson St., Ste. 900, Topeka KS  66612
  • Non-profit organization staffed by retired business executives
  • Click Here to view SBDC Training Event Schedule

Small Business Development Center
600 Parker St., Custer Hall 110,   Hays, KS   67601
  • FREE SBA consulting services
  • Online and classroom training
  • Affordable market research

Fort Hays State University Small Business Dev. Ctr.
The Fort Hays State University Small Business Development Center also conducts low cost training seminars and workshops for startups and existing businesses including:
  • 6-Week Start-up  /  Business Boot Camp
  • The 3 M’s Money, Marketing & Management
  • Quickbooks  /  Business Plan Writing
  • Tax Seminars  /  and more
  • View Training Seminar Calendar

SCORE
...the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals.
  • Click here to view planning and financial statement templates @ score.org
  • Click here to view free online workshops and webinars @ score.org
Small Business Administration

.
Funding Your Business
Most businesses are launched by tapping into more than a single source of funding.  This may include:
  • Self-funding (savings, family & friends, credit cards, 401K accounts)
  • Venture Capital from investors
  • Crowd-funding
  • Small Business Loan
  • Small Business Administration Guaranteed Loans
The North Central Planning Commission
108 N Mill St, Beloit, KS   67420
Regional Revolving Loan Funds, such as the North Central Planning Commission based in Beloit, Kansas, can be a source for "gap funding."  That 10% can help you reach the down payment your bank will require; their credit rating requirements are the same as any bank.