Small Businesses Starting, Thriving Despite Recession
The unemployment rate in Kansas is lower than many parts of the country and one organization in Northeast Kansas is working to keep it that way. Some small businesses are getting started and thriving during the recession.
“We were kind of surprised with the support of the community, so we were extremely busy the first four weeks or so, a little overwhelmed with it all, it’s been really great,” said Brandee Longhofer, who works alongside her father at Big Mike’s Diner.
Longhofer and her father opened the diner this past September in Holton. She said they did not know where to begin, then they met Janet Miller.
“I’m with Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation. We’re a five county effort. Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson and Nemaha. We basically provide free, confidential coaching to businesses and entrepreneurs.
The organization started about six years ago with a $200,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Since it’s beginning, Miller said they have helped 476 entrepreneurs.
