Marion
Marion, Kansas, the seat of Marion County, became an E-Community in 2008. It was founded June 1860 when settlers in five covered wagons were told by surveyors at Emporia that the best land in the territory was to be found about 60 miles to the southwest. Nestled on the western slope of the Flint Hills, Marion is well-situated between major cities and highways; it is only an hour away from Wichita, and two hours from Topeka. McPherson, Emporia, Newton and El Dorado are all within a 45 minute drive.
Marion’s Central Park serves as the community’s hub. From “Chingawassa Days” to “Art in the Park” and “Old Settler’s Day”, Central Park is inviting to all. This six-acre park is home to a newly restored natural springs and waterfall.
The Marion E-Community is currently considering expanding its reach to the rest of Marion County.
Entrepreneurship Community (E-Community) Key Contact
Key Resources
Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC), Emporia State University
The Emporia State University Small Business Development Center offers free & confidential business management counseling, including business plan development, marketing, financial analysis for existing businesses & start-ups.
Kansas Department of Commerce (KDOC), Office of Rural Opportunity (ORO), Central Region
The KDOC ORO serves as a contact point for rural communities seeking assistance with community development to help attract businesses, workers and investment.
South Central Economic Development District
As a Certified Development Corporation, SCKEDD completes business finance packages, does financial analysis on business projects, assists with strategic planning for individual communities or for the region, and completes Community Development Block Grants for communities.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Area 4
USDA offers many different loan and grant programs for business startups and expansions.
Marion County Economic Development
Marion County Economic Development assists with business planning, strategic planning, market & financial analysis, and leadership development.
Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development
Flint Hills RC&D provides assistance with business planning, technical details, networking, and financial areas of starting or running a business.