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Quicker. Smarter. Better.

QUICKER.

Right in the heartland of the USA, Topeka is the perfect place for transport with direct access to a 12,800 foot runway with a load bearing capacity of 300,000 tons, major interstates (I-70 and I-35), and railroad arteries that allow for inexpensive, simple shipment and delivery to business sites.
 

The Lifelines. Whether it’s bringing raw materials in or shipping finished product out, our central location makes for timely and cost-effective delivery throughout North America. Within one day, goods shipped by truck reach 25% of the U.S. population, reaching 90% by day two. In addition to convenient access to major roadways, Topeka offers rail service and an air logistics facility at Forbes Field. And Kansas City International Airport is only one hour away.

How Topeka Brings Your Customers Closer to You.
Because Topeka is conveniently located right in the middle of everywhere that means you can get your products to your customers quickly and efficiently. Plus, we have available sites, low energy costs, aggressive development incentives and a highly skilled workforce. If your company wants to ship all over America, read below why you need to be in Topeka, Kansas.
 

SMARTER.

Smart, hardworking individuals gravitate to Topeka. A combination of unparalleled educational opportunities nearby and a thriving business community have made Topeka a strong player in human capital. Young professionals are a valuable community asset. Their energy, new ideas and fresh perspective are contagious. That’s why in Topeka young professionals are invited, and engaged, in every major initiative of this community and will be here to keep the community moving forward in coming decades.

The Talent. Within 60 miles of Topeka, you have access to a highly educated workforce with 13,500 students graduating annually from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Emporia State University, and Washburn University. In addition, our workforce is highly educated with 36.6% of adults over the age 25 holding a Bachelor’s degree compared to 24.4% nationally. (U.S. Census, 2005-2009 ACS)

• Workforce training and grants are available through Topeka's strong partnerships with government, economic development organizations and educational institutions.
• The State of Kansas offers incentives for qualified companies including workforce assistance and training funds. Some of those examples include: the Kansas Industrial Training (KIT) Program and Providing Employment Across Kansas (PEAK) which offers qualified companies the ability to retain 95 percent of their payroll withholding tax for up to 5-7 years.

For more specific information on state incentives visit the Kansas Department of Commerce website at KansasCommerce.com/kbiz.

Creating the Workforce of the Future. GO Topeka’s Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development (EMBD) Program, Topeka Public Schools Unified School District No. 501 and the global firmYaskawa Motoman Robotics have partnered to offer Topeka/Shawnee County the nation’s first secondary education course in industrial robotics. Upon completion of this course, students earn a basic industry-recognized certification to operate and program industrial robots. As the program grows, GO Topeka will continue to strengthen corporate partnerships with local public schools and create shadowing, on-the-job training and/or real time career exploration scenarios with existing businesses. Learn more about Topeka’s Robotics Program. Twenty Million Dollars for a Twenty-First Century Vision. The U.S. Department of Labor awarded $20 million to an innovative consortium of seven (7) public institutions of higher education who are committed to providing workers across the state that support the nation’s competitiveness in a global workforce. Topeka’s own Washburn Institute of Technology will benefit from this grant as well as the existing and future businesses of Topeka and Shawnee County. Click here to learn more about 20/21 Vision.

BETTER.

Topeka and Shawnee County encourage a return on your investment by offering state and local incentives for conducting business here and by keeping your operating costs low. When doing business is affordable, doing great is attainable.

• Cost of doing business is 14% lower than the national average. (Moody's)
• State and local taxes are 11% lower than the national average. (Moody's)
• Aggressive local incentives based on the quality of jobs, and state incentives including state income tax credits.
• Cost of living consistently ranks 8% to 10% lower than the national average. (ACCRA)
• Energy costs are 30% lower than the national average. (Moody's)
• All machinery and equipment are exempt from personal property tax.
• GO Topeka can facilitate up to a ten-year property tax exemption on real property in Shawnee County.

The Heart. The Soul. The Center. Because Topeka and Shawnee County consistently rank below the national average for cost of living some of our greatest assets can’t be measured in dollars and cents. The vitality of Topeka can be seen on rich display within our vibrant arts community, our parks and recreation and our community spirit and pride. We are centrally located, which perhaps has made us more grounded, more even-keeled with an exceptional work ethic. We’re rooted in our Midwestern values of a job well done and if these attributes mirror your company’s ambitions, we should talk.