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Direct Financial Incentives

Kansas Economic Opportunity Initiatives Fund: The Department of Commerce can provide a zero percent interest forgivable loan to qualified companies. This loan can offset costs associated with the establishment of a new facility or the expansion of an existing facility. Eligible costs include site improvements, construction, build-out and purchases and relocation of machinery and equipment.  The loan is forgiven in 20 percent annual increments over a five-year period based on the job and payroll targets. Approval of funding for this program is based on the number of new jobs created, the level of wages paid to the new employees and the economic impact of the project.

Kansas Bioscience Authority: Commerce works in partnership with the Authority to assist in the expansion and recruitment of bioscience companies. The Authority has direct financing programs and other resources that can be used to recruit world-class scholars, fund equipment and lab space for research and to facilitate the commercialization of bioscience discoveries.

Workforce Training:

The Department of Commerce routinely works with Kansas educational institutions to develop business-relevant training. These programs can be customized to meet an employer’s specific needs. Kansas’ universities, community colleges and technical colleges can help businesses analyze jobs; design, develop and evaluate training; screen potential employees; assess incumbent and potential employee skills; and recruit qualified employees.

The Department also continues to offer its traditional workforce training programs. Companies may design training programs to meet specific skill requirements and can apply to receive financial assistance to offset training costs. Companies creating new jobs may qualify for Investments in Major Projects and Comprehensive Training (IMPACT) or Kansas Industrial Training (KIT) assistance. Jobs created within a Kansas Basic Industry — which includes manufacturing, distribution, regional or national service facilities or another business primarily engaged in goods production or development or service provision for out-of-state sales — may qualify for these programs. Eligibility for either program depends on the number of jobs created and the corresponding wages.

Both programs offer direct financial assistance to pay a negotiated portion of the costs to train a company’s employees. Companies may apply the assistance toward items such as instructors’ salaries; meals, travel and lodging (including out-of-state or international travel); videotape development; textbooks and training manuals; supplies and materials; temporary training facilities; and curriculum planning and development.