The McPherson County Entrepreneurship Community Loan Program was created through the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship Tax Credit Program and Network Kansas. The program is administered by the McPherson Chamber of Commerce to encourage entrepreneurial activity in the communities of McPherson County.
The economic development vision goal of the McPherson County E-Community is: To continue to support the collaborative business environment and provide resources to encourage entrepreneurship and expansion of existing businesses.
Funding Program Basics
- Gap financing is available through the McPherson Chamber of Commerce to assist with business start up, expansions or successions in McPherson County.
- Interest rates are 4% for 1–5-year loans, and 6% for loan terms of 6-10 years. No penalty for early repayment.
- The minimum loan request is $5,000 and maximum is up to 1,000,000 depending on the project.
- These funds are for “gap financing” and cannot exceed 40% of the total funding package. See additional information below.
- As of July 1, 2026 a loan origination fee and additional fees will be applied to the borrower upon closing as detailed here. Network Kansas Borrower Fees
Application Process
- Connect with the McPherson Chamber by contacting Debbie Hawkinson, at 306 N. Main, McPherson, KS 67460 by calling 620-241-3303 or email chamberdirector@mcphersonks.org
- Submit the Initial Loan Application 2026 to the McPherson Chamber.
- The McPherson Chamber will initiate an on-line application with Network Kansas and send you a link to upload the following documents. eLoan Document Checklist
- Once all documents have been uploaded by the applicant, a summary will be sent to the McPherson Chamber/McPherson County eCommunity Team to review.
- The McPherson Chamber will reach out to the applicant to set up a time to meet with the eCommunity Team. After the meeting, the eCommunity Team will submit scoring rubrics and their decision on loan approval. You will be notified of the decision as well.
- If your loan is approved, we will collaborate to gather and finalize any additional materials needed by Network Kansas to complete the closing documents. This may include the bank security agreement, lease agreement, etc.
- Once the closing documents are finalized, you can expect to receive your loan funds within 10 business days.
- Annual follow-up. Network Kansas will check in with you annually to track your business’s progress and impact. This follow-up continues until your loan is paid in full.
- The McPherson Chamber is committed to supporting your success beyond the gap financing boost with marketing resources, educational opportunities, and business consultations. Please stay connected and let us know how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of projects qualify?
Startup businesses, existing business purchases, and business expansions located in McPherson County.
Do I need to be a Chamber member?
Yes. The McPherson Chamber of Commerce is a great partner in helping you launch and grow your business.
What are the loan interest rates and terms?
4% interest for loans with 1–5‑year terms. 6% interest for loans with 6–10‑year terms. There is no penalty for early repayment.
What are the minimum and maximum loan amounts?
eCommunity Loans: $5,000 minimum, $50,000 maximum. GrowKS Loans: Up to $1,000,000
How does gap financing work?
eCommunity funds may cover up to 40% of the total project. A 60% match is required from a bank, SBA, USDA, Main Street, or SCKEDD. GrowKS Loans require the matching fund partner to be a bank.
What can loan funds be used for?
Business equipment, inventory, real estate, working capital, and existing inventory.
What can loan funds NOT be used for?
Paying off or refinancing existing debt, salary or owner’s draw, payroll taxes, or personal vehicles.
What types of businesses do not qualify?
Academic institutions, gambling concerns, floor planning operations (e.g., wholesale auto inventory financing), speculative ventures, lending or investment institutions, and multilevel marketing/pyramid sales. Non profits do not qualify for eCommunity loans but do qualify for GrowKS loans.
Who is not eligible to apply?
Individuals convicted of a felony, those past due on student loans, or those past due on child support.
What factors are used to score applications?
Financial soundness, owner/operator experience, business plan quality, projected growth and economic impact, business development partnerships, quality of life impact, owner/third party funding, and community commitment.
What types of projects receive preference?
Projects that create quality jobs, increase economic benefits, and improve property values and design.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Contact Debbie Hawkinson at the McPherson Chamber of Commerce, 306 N. Main in McPherson, call 620-241-3303 or email chamberdirector@mcphersonks.org