Business Incentives

Allen County is proud to be part of a pro-business workforce ecosystem that spans the state, the county, and area cities.

State-Based Incentives

The state of Kansas provides multiple business incentive programs, including but not limited to: 

  • Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK): This program enables companies to retain or be refunded up to 95% of the payroll withholding tax of qualified employees for new jobs created in Kansas. Basic projects that create at least ten new jobs in metropolitan areas, or at least five new jobs in non-metropolitan areas, within two years may be eligible for up to seven years of payroll withholding tax savings.
  • The Kansas Industrial training (KIT) Program: This program covers the cost of workforce training for Kansas firms involved in net new job creation. Training can include subjects that provide knowledge and specific skills necessary for job entry including instruction on the company’s own production equipment on the plant floor or on similar machinery in a classroom setting.
  • High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP): This program provides tax incentives to qualifying employers who pay above average wages, along with having a robust commitment to teach skills development for their workers. HPIP provides a 10% tax credit that is eligible for capital investment of at least $50,000 at the company’s facility.

For a full list of statewide incentives, visit: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/businesses/incentives/ 

County-Based Incentives

Allen County currently administers the following business incentive programs: 

  • Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Program: This program provides up to five years of state income tax waivers and/or student loan repayment assistance to eligible employees relocating to Allen County, thereby supporting workforce attraction and retention.
  • Flexible Land Lease & Performance-Based Incentives: Allen County offers highly flexible land lease and purchase structures designed to align with project needs and support long-term success. These incentives are flexible and customized based on capital investment, job creation, and average wage commitments. 

City-Based Incentives

The City of Iola offers a variety of local business incentives, including:

  • Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP): The City of Iola’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program provides a 95% rebate of the property taxes on the increased assessed value for 10 years for qualifying new construction projects within designated areas. This structure significantly reduces early-year operating costs and improves project cash flow during the initial investment period.
  • Fast-Track Development Program: Iola is committed to a streamlined and predictable development process. Projects demonstrating meaningful capital investment, job creation, and competitive wage commitments may qualify for prioritized review and coordinated permitting support, resulting in accelerated timelines and reduced administrative barriers for site plan review, zoning, utility coordination, and construction approvals.
  • Utility Incentives: Utility incentives through the City of Iola are structured to support business recruitment, expansion,and long-term investment. Electric, water, wastewater, and natural gas rates may be discounted or structured competitively based on project impact and community benefit. Incentive consideration is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be influenced by: capital investment, job creation, average wage levels, infrastructure improvements, and a long-term service commitment. . 

To request a customized incentive package for your project, including information on applicable state, county, and city incentives, reach out to ACED Economic Development Director Camille Lavon at our contact page or by emailing [email protected].