One of the first to become an E-Community in 2007, Great Bend is located in Barton County and has past and future ties to the land. Natural resources are the foundation of its vitality, both economically and in terms of quality of life. Economically, oil drilling and agriculture are key drivers of the economy.
In terms of quality of life the outdoor amenities are numerous: Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (20 miles to the south of Great Bend) are two of the largest wetland ecosystems in the world and are connected by one of two National Scenic Byways in the state of Kansas. The population of Great Bend is 15,501, while the total population of Barton County (27,511) ranks 19th of the 105 counties in the state.
Jan Peters, President/CEO
Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development
Tel: 620-792-2401
1125 Williams
Great Bend, KS 67530
Email: jpeters@greatbend.org
Application & Process
GreatBend_ECommunity Fund Appln.pdfLinks
Great Bend's Official Website
Key Resources
Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC), Fort Hays State University
The Kansas Small Business Development Center offers free & confidential business management counseling, including business plan development, marketing, financial analysis for existing businesses & start-ups.
KDOC Office of Rural Opportunity (ORO), Southwest Region
The KDOC ORO serves as a contact point for rural communities seeking assistance with community development to help attract businesses, workers, and investment.
Great Plains Development, Inc.
As a Certified Development Corporation, Great Plains Development, Inc. 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, Area 1
USDA offers many different loan and grant programs for business startups and expansions.
Barton County Economic Development
Barton County Economic Development assists with business planning, strategic planning, market & financial analysis, and leadership development.
Central Prairie Resource Conservation and Development
Central Prairie RC&D provides assistance with business planning, technical details, networking, and financial areas of starting or running a business.