Follow these simple steps to become Doniphan County’s next entrepreneur!
1. Research
Whether your business is getting started, making changes, growing or expanding, the Kansas Business One Stop is your one-stop-shop for interacting with Kansas government. Here you can learn how to organize a business, locate information and resources needed to start or maintain a business, and more.
- Does a similar business already exist in Doniphan County? Check out the business directory here.
- Does a business with the same name already exist in the State of Kansas? Check the Kansas Secretary of State website.
- Is there already a trademark or patent on your product? Check the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
2. Write a business plan
Need help? Connect with Teresa McAnerney at Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation or Washburn Small Business Development Center and ask for Mary Ann Riederer for free and confidential business coaching! These consultants will walk you through this entire list of things to know and even include discussions on insurance, being bonded, understanding employer responsibilities, legal structure, sales tax and more.
3. Get business assistance, training and certifications
Does your occupation require a degree or special licenses and certifications in Kansas? Start your search here.
- Connect with Teresa McAnerney at Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation for free business coaching.
- Contact Washburn Small Business Development Center and ask for Mary Ann Riederer for free business consultations.
4. Choose a business location
Doniphan County has several vibrant towns and vast countryside to start your business. Contact Doniphan County’s Economic Development office for specific location availabilities.
- Check out available buildings and properties in Doniphan County on LocationOne.
5. Determine the legal structure of your business
Do you need to form an LLC or Corporation?
- Talk with your lawyer or find one locally here.
- Business structure examples can be found on the Kansas Department of Revenue page.
6. Get a Tax Identification Number
Register your business for state taxes through the Kansas Department of Revenue.
7. Finance your business
- There are several banks in Doniphan County. Find one here.
- Hoping to find a grant? Start your search here.
- Other Business Financing Resources:
- Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Rebate Program
Contact: Doniphan County Appraiser office
appraiser@dpcountyks.com
785-985-3977 - Mo-Kan SBA 504 Loan
Contact: Mo-Kan Loan Officer
816-233-3144
info@mo-kan.org
www.mo-kan.org - Northeast Kansas Revolving Loan Fund Program: Glacial Hills Resource Conservation & Development
Contact: Gary Satter
gary.satter@glacialhillsrcd.com
785-608-8801 - Kansas Women’s Business Center
Contact: Brande Stitt
bstitt@kansascitywbc.com
kansascitywbc.com
913-492-5922 - Network Kansas: Matching Loan Programs
Contact: Network Kansas
info@networkkansas.com
networkkansas.com
877-521-8600 - Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Contact: MaryAnn Riederer
riederer@washburn.edu
www.washburnsmallbusiness.com
785-207-0267 - USDA programs
- Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Rebate Program
8. Network and connect with other local resources
- Consider joining the Doniphan County Chamber or Commerce and meet other local business and community leaders. Find more contacts here.
- Are you running a non-profit organization? Connect with the Doniphan County Community Foundation about starting a fund to support your organization’s fundraising efforts.
9. Connect with State Resources
When in business small or large, it is wise to be aware of state resources, incentives, grants, tax credits, etc. that your business can utilize and connect with for continual help, information, and furthering your business’ success. View and click on the list below of some of the State of Kansas’s main business departments and offices.
10. Promote your business
- Doniphan County area businesses have the opportunity to be listed for free on the county website business directory. Email economic.development@dpcountyks.com your business name, business address, website or social media link, business telephone number, include a logo or company picture and a little information about the business to be listed.
- Also consider starting a Facebook page or company website.
- Don’t forget to reach out to the Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce for a free membership for your first year in business and a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony and promotion.
- Need help recruiting/welcoming new employees? Check out the New Residents Guide for starter information to aide in your welcome packets.