Economic Development
Thrive helps to encourage, develop, and recruit businesses that improve the vitality and resilience of the Allen County economy. Thrive provides professional economic development services to Allen County with a full-time Economic Development Manager.
Allen County Economic Development—a partnership with Thrive Allen County, the City of Iola, Allen County Government, and Iola Industries, Inc.—helps local businesses grow, connects them with partners, and is dedicated to bringing new commerce to the area. We:
- Act as a resource and referral center
- Assist in new business site selection
- Recruit and support new businesses
- Provide business growth assistance
- Act as an intermediary with resource providers
- Assist in reports and research data on demographics, businesses, employment, market profiles, census data, workforce characteristics, and available sites
- Provide input in areas such as marketing and business management
About Allen County
Allen County is located in southeastern Kansas and covers about 505 square miles. The county seat is Iola. The population (2017) is 12,519.
Iola is located approximately 100 miles from the major cities of Kansas City, Wichita, and Tulsa, in fertile farming country along the Neosho River. It is serviced by three major highways — US-169, US-54, and US-59 — as well as the Union Pacific Railroad.
Supporting Existing Businesses
Economic and job growth take many forms. Existing businesses, large and small, are essential to that growth. The vast majority of new jobs in Allen County are created by businesses already located here. Thrive, and government and private partners are committed to supporting the growth and well-being of Allen County’s existing businesses. Our services range from helping businesses grow and expand to helping them overcome the hurdles that interfere with their day-to-day operations. Most of this work happens right here, but we also work hard to connect businesses to our partners at the regional and state level, including the Kansas Small Business Development Center and the Kansas Department of Commerce.
At Thrive, we assist local businesses with incentives, programs, tax credits, land/buildings, and local business climate issues, among other services. If you don’t know how to get started, or for more information, contact us at info@thriveallencounty.org or 620-365-8128.
Business Site Selection
Thrive offers seamless, one-stop service for businesses and consultants seeking sites. For assistance in site selection or to receive a customized proposal tailor-made to your specific expansion or relocation project, please contact us at info@thriveallencounty.org or 620.365.8128.
The Allen County Difference
Unlike most rural communities, Allen County, Kansas has decided it will grow and thrive. We have rejected complacency, and taken the steps necessary to be the type of community where businesses and residents WANT to be.
Just look at the facts.
- After decades of decline the county’s population has leveled off and is beginning to climb.
- Over 100 new homes have been built in recent years in Iola, the county seat.
- A $30 million new critical access hospital opened in 2013.
- The county’s health ranking has improved steadily, exceeding even the aggressive goals the community set for itself.
- Nationally and internationally-recognized businesses like B&W Trailer Hitches, Gates Corporation, Monarch Cement and Russell Stover Candies have all significantly expanded their production here.
We want your business, and we’re willing to do what it takes to get deals done. There is strong cooperation between local governments and industry, creating one of the most business-friendly environments in the Midwest. Low operating costs and a smart, hardworking pool of workers combined with Allen County’s central location and easy access to Kansas City, Wichita, Joplin and Tulsa makes Allen County one of those rare places that both makes good business sense and just feels right. Come see for yourself what Allen County’s pro-business spirit can mean for your business.
Available Sites & Buildings
Allen County’s business and industrial sites/buildings are kept in the LOIS database. We encourage you to visit this site to get an accurate representation of our market. In addition, we have available data from the City of Iola about industrial locations and from Iola Industries. To discuss sites or for related inquiries, please click here.
Incentives
New and expanding companies locating in Allen County may take advantage of a number of incentives, many of which can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a particular business. Most of the incentives vary based on a company’s financial investment and the number of new jobs. The state of Kansas also has one of the most business-friendly economic climates in the nation.
Please contact us to request a customized incentive package for your project, or click the links below for more detailed information.
- Local Incentives: Iola, Humboldt, and Allen County.
- State of Kansas: Business and Community Finance and Incentives
- Utility Incentives: Iola, Humboldt
Target Industries
Across Allen County, a wide range of businesses, new and old, are driving promise for the future. Our strengths and interests range from manufacturing and distribution to filmmaking and supporting internet-based startups. Each community has different interests and locations. For information regarding target industries, please contact us.
Workforce
A highly motivated, well-trained workforce is critical to economic growth and prosperity and to overall quality of life. Please contact us for information about various aspects of our labor market:
- Labor Force Employment
- Average Wages By Sector
- Labor Market Characteristics
Get Involved
Volunteer
Volunteer with Thrive Allen County!
Work on trails, clean up communities,
and build a healthier tomorrow.
Visit our Volunteer Opportunities Page
for more info and to sign-up!
Thrive at Home
Connect and Grow with Your Neighbors!
Thrive at Home is a trusted exchange
of community expertise through
your favorite Allen County classes,
workshops and meetings.
Donate
Support our transformative work in
Allen County and beyond. Your support of
Thrive Allen County empowers communities
and enhances health in Allen County
far beyond what grants can fund.