Shopping Small: These Are Just a Few Ways WKREDA Supports Local Businesses

Finding a location to start or expand a business is challenging. Finding a supportive community in a business-friendly climate is even harder. Western Kansas takes those hardships and turns them into opportunities. As the #1 right-to-work state, Kansas gives entrepreneurs endless opportunities, resources, and incentives to start a thriving business. From tax abatements to business assistance, Western Kansas supports its local businesses like no other state can. Here are a few of the incredible businesses that have found their home here in beautiful Kansas.

Western Kansas Supports Small Businesses

Small businesses are the heart of tight-knit communities. Counties across Western Kansas continuously show support for both long-standing and new businesses, contributing to their lasting success. Among the much-loved local businesses are Brant’s Market, Wilkens Manufacturing, and Boone Art Studio. These and more amazing local organizations are part of the reason that our communities are such great places to live.

One of the oldest meat markets in the country is Brant’s Market. Founded in 1922 in Lucas, Kansas, Brant’s Market spanned four generations of family ownership before being purchased by a local Kansas couple. The market has two popular locations in Plainville and downtown Lucas. Brant’s Market recently won five awards at the 2024 Kansas Meat Processors Association Convention and Trade Show. 

Wilkens Manufacturing in Stockton is always “A Step Ahead.” From innovation to execution, excellence is their standard. Wilkens Manufacturing is a trailer manufacturer that was started in 1972 by native Kansans Art and Mae Wilkens. The company is leading the way in the manufacturing industry, holding eight U.S. patents.

In the small community of Damar, Kansas, is the custom embroidery shop Boone Art Studio. Started by Missy Boone, the studio creates custom clothing, hats, and embroidery patches. Boone Art Studio recently made a huge impact as a vendor at the recent Redline Cruisers Car Show in Plainville.  

Here are some other fantastic local businesses to support in Western Kansas: 

• Garrett's Liquor & Laundry. Garrett's Liquor & Laundry, operated by a hometown hero and his wife, offers a unique blend of trendy and traditional liquors, beer, and wine. Their newly renovated tasting room enhances the experience, making it a great spot for special events.
• Good Grounds. Located just off I-70, Good Grounds is a locally-owned coffee shop and bistro. They serve fresh, hot breakfast items, pastries, and various coffee and espresso drinks. Their menu includes lunch specials, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and soups.
• L&T Family Restaurant. Situated on Main Street in downtown Goodland, L&T Family Restaurant is famous for its locally loved fried chicken. Their diverse menu ensures that everyone can find something to enjoy.
• Hoover Lumber. An Ace Hardware store and lumber yard, Hoover Lumber meets the needs of any project with a knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to assist you.
• Buds N Blooms. A seasonal greenhouse, Buds N Blooms offers vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials, trees, and plant containers. They are known for their friendly customer service and open in the fall for mums and in winter for fresh-cut Christmas trees.
• Country Gate Greenhouse. Located a few miles west of Goodland on Highway 24, Country Gate Greenhouse operates during the Spring season, offering a variety of vegetable plants, flowers, shrubs, baskets, and containers for planting and decorating.
• McClures Plumbing & Heating. A family-owned business for 94 years, McClures Plumbing & Heating, prides itself on efficient and quick plumbing and heating repairs.
• All About You Salon & Spa. This family-owned salon and spa on Main Street offers various beauty and wellness services. They welcome walk-ins and cater to all your beauty needs.
• Brick By Brick Constructive Play. A LEGO enthusiast's paradise in Downtown Goodland, Brick By Brick offers bulk LEGO building and real-life Minecraft creations with "Make-A-Fort" and hosts activities like after-school STEM programs, adult night builds, and birthday parties.

Small businesses like these wouldn’t be possible without the support of a loving, local community. The residents of Western Kansas are united in their efforts to support their local communities, keeping their friends, family, and neighbors in business. 

Incentives for Businesses in Western Kansas

Businesses in Western Kansas benefit from many incentives and resources. Among these incentives are:

• High-Performance Incentive Program: This program provides tax incentives to employers that pay above-average wages and have a strong commitment to skills development for their workers.
• Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK): This incentive is offered to businesses that create five new jobs in non-metropolitan counties or ten new jobs in specific metropolitan counties.
• The Kansas International Trade Show Assistance Program funds Kansas producers who want to exhibit at international trade shows.

A full list of business resources and incentives can be found on our website. 

Western Kansas remains an incredible place to start a thriving business. We love our local organizations and do all we can to support them. At WKREDA, we focus on issues that affect the economic vitality of our 55 communities. Our committees work on solving issues that impact the daily lives of Kansas residents, which includes providing support to local businesses. To learn more about how we help local businesses thrive, visit https://www.wkreda.com.