Develop your business plan
Create a business plan
You will need at least a basic business plan in order to secure outside funding, understand your market, determine feasibility of your business and provide clarity as you grow.
Who to talk to
Helpful Links
Form your Company Structure
Pick a Name
The main purpose of a name should be to communicate what products or services you offer while being easy to remember and unique, if possible. Be sure to check for an available domain name before you decide on a business name.
Who to talk to
Helpful Links
Obtain Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
If you will be hiring employees, you must have an FEIN. You will usually also need one to open a business bank account. There is no fee to apply for a FEIN.
Who to talk to
- IRS Website
Helpful Links
Set up a bank account
As soon as you start accepting or spending money as your business, you should open a business bank account. Opening up this account is one of the most obvious proofs that you really are in business.
Who to talk to
- Your Bank
Helpful Links
Permits/licensing (if applicable)
If you’re involved in certain professions, you must get a permit from City Hall in order to lawfully to do business in Atchison. In addition to licensure, construction projects may require a construction permit.
Who to talk to:
- City of Atchison
- State of Kansas
Helpful Links:
Sales Tax Registration
If you sell goods, admissions, or provide taxable services, you must be registered with the Kansas Department of Revenue to collect sales tax. Kansas does not require businesses to collect sales tax on the sale of digital goods or services.
There is no fee to apply for your Kansas Business Tax License.
Who to talk to:
- State of Kansas
- Your attorney
- Your accountant
Helpful Links:
Accounting System / Record Keeping
Strong financial management is essential to a successful business. Often it is recommended to have assistance with this key aspect of running a business.
Who to talk to:
- Your accountant
Helpful Links:
Consider Insurance Needs
Business insurance coverage protects businesses from losses due to events that may occur during the normal course of business. There are many types of insurance for businesses including coverage for property damage, legal liability, and employee-related risks.
Who to talk to:
- Your insurance agent
Helpful Links:
Marketing
Marketing is the process of getting what you have to sell to the people who want to buy it. There are many aspects of marketing that you will need to address. We have local resources in Atchison that can help you make a marketing plan for your business.
Helpful Links:
BUsiness Directory
Letting people know you are open for business is one of the most exciting parts of getting started. Whether you are a new business to Atchison, or have been here for a while, be sure your business is accurately listed in the free Grow Atchison business directory.
Who to talk to:
- Submit your business to the Grow Atchison business directory
Helpful Links:
Find a location
Purchase or lease building
Atchison commercial real estate listings are managed by individual real estate companies. You can search local real estate listing websites or speak with a representative from the City to get assistance with locating a building in Atchison for your business.
Who to talk to:
- Your real estate agent
- City of Atchison
Helpful Links:
Obtain Financing
Seek a loan
In addition to traditional bank loans, Atchison businesses can take advantage of other types of loan packages and incentives.
Who to talk to:
- Your bank
- City of Atchison
Helpful Links:
Locate Incentives
Atchison businesses can take advantage of several incentive programs to help fund startup, growth, or improvement costs.
Who to talk to:
Helpful Links:
Find Employees
Review hiring resources
Hiring employees, interns, or contractors is an important part of running a business. Employers of local Atchison residents are a great asset to the Atchison community.
Who to talk to:
Helpful Links:
Connect With others
Join local business groups
Atchison has a strong support network to connect with other businesses and mentors to help you succeed.
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