START. GROW.
BUILD YOUR BUSINESS IN ALLEN COUNTY.

Connecting Allen County entrepreneurs with funding, guidance, and statewide business resources.

Allen County eCommunity is a local entrepreneurship initiative connected through Network Kansas that supports entrepreneurs and businesses at every stage, from startup to growth and expansion. Through the program, business owners can access gap-financing opportunities, educational programming, technical assistance, expert guidance, and a statewide network of resource partners.

Local leadership and a local financial review process help ensure that funding decisions are informed by Allen County’s business environment, needs, and opportunities.

Businesses We Serve

Startup and Small Business Support

  • Funding Support
    Accessible gap-financing loan programs that support business startups, expansions, equipment purchases, working capital needs, and other eligible entrepreneurial ventures.
  • Expert Guidance
    Connections to Community Entrepreneurship Advisors and local partners who can help entrepreneurs navigate available resources and identify next steps.
  • Business Incentives
    Incentives support both new and existing Allen County small businesses through Allen eCommunity. The New-to-Market Small Business Incentive helps reduce first-year costs through Chamber memberships, business programs, and connections to technical assistance and mentorship. The Business Reinvestment Incentive offers flexible support for existing businesses, including data analytics, professional development, registrations, signage, and small equipment or supplies. Both programs are designed to reduce barriers and support local business growth.

Youth Entrepreneurship Support

In addition to helping established and emerging adult entrepreneurs, eCommunities are designed to build an entrepreneurial pipeline by introducing young people to business ownership, problem-solving, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial thinking at an early age. Network Kansas specifically identifies youth engagement as one of its areas of focus and uses programs including the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) and Lemonade Day to help communities develop future entrepreneurs.

Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Lemonade Day

Starting a new business?
New Business Incentive Application

Apply Now

Growing an existing business?
Business Reinvestment Incentive Application

Apply Now

Let’s Start a Conversation

Our team is here to listen and help you find the right resources for your business.

Cole Herder

Allen County eCommunity
725 Bridge Street
Humboldt, KS (620) 228-3790

Send us a message!
eCommunity Inquiry

Meet the Allen eCommunity Team

Amanda Clasen

K-State Extension, Southwind District

Matt Rehder

City of Iola

Camille Lavon

Allen County Economic Development

Josiah D’Albini

City of Iola

Cole Herder

City of Humboldt

Kylie Cromer

Allen County Economic Development

Kelly Sigg

Iola Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

Hayden Steadman

Humboldt Chamber of Commerce

Statewide Resource Connections

Entrepreneurs can tap into the broader Network Kansas ecosystem, including access to education, expertise, funding partners, and technical assistance resources across the state.

Janet Miller
Community Entrepreneurship Manager, Southeast Region, eCommunity Partnership
[email protected]
networkkansas.com

Frequently asked questions

Allen County eCommunity loans may provide up to $50,000 in gap financing, generally covering no more than 60% of the total financing needed for a project.

Interest rates for eCommunity loans currently start at 4% for loan terms of one to five years and 6% for terms of six to ten years.

Individuals, businesses, financial institutions, and other community partners interested in supporting entrepreneurship in Allen County are encouraged to connect with the Allen County eCommunity team.

To learn more about current opportunities to support Allen County eCommunity, contact Camille Lavon or Cole Herder. They can discuss available options and help determine the best way to get involved.

View the full Network Kansas FAQ