Osage County Economic Development - Kansas

10/22/2026

📣 OSAGE COUNTY 📣
Shawnee County, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Transportation, is conducting a Regional Transportation Study for Auburn Road.

The study includes evaluating a potential new I‑335 Turnpike interchange and possible roadway extensions north of I‑70 to US‑24 and east to US‑75.

These improvements would boost regional mobility, improve access to key corridors, reduce travel times, strengthen logistics network, and unlock economic growth for Osage County.

All are invited to attend come | go public open house to learn and provide input!

Share your ideas and concerns for the future of Auburn Road. Take the survey: https://arcg.is/1uiO1S4

Public Open House: Thursday, October 29th from 4 - 6 p.m. at Washburn Rural North Middle School.

10/22/2026

October is National Women’s Small Business Month, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the women who are making a difference through entrepreneurship!

According to the 2026 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Businesses report, women-owned businesses continue to make a powerful impact on the U.S. economy. Between 2022 and 2025, the number of women-owned businesses grew from 14 million to 15.7 million — a 12.1% increase!

Today, women own 40.6% of all U.S. businesses, employ 12.6 million people nationwide, and generate an incredible $2.8 trillion in annual revenue.

Here in Osage County, women entrepreneurs play an important role in strengthening our local economy, creating jobs, serving our communities, and bringing new ideas to life. This month, we encourage you to celebrate the women behind our local businesses and show your support by shopping small, spreading the word, and choosing local.

👏 Here’s to the women who take the leap, build something of their own, and help our communities thrive!

10/21/2026

Another exciting milestone for Lyndon! The Payne Financial Strategies, Inc. building is officially complete, and we’re excited to see this business continue to grow right here in Osage County!

When asked why they chose to expand in Lyndon, Josh Payne shared:

“We want to help other families and businesses with the things we have experienced as a small family business ourselves. We have a wide reach, but deep roots here, and are excited to continue growing and reaching more.”

We love seeing businesses invest in our communities, put down roots, and create opportunities to serve more families and businesses throughout the region. ️

📅 Mark your calendars! Payne Financial Strategies will host an open house on November 10 at 405 Topeka Avenue in Lyndon. Join us in celebrating this next chapter for them and the continued growth of Lyndon!

10/20/2026

Osage County offers the space, community connections, and opportunity your business needs to grow. With a welcoming small-town atmosphere and a strong local workforce, it’s a place where businesses can build lasting relationships and become an important part of the community.

Located within reach of the Topeka and Kansas City regions and surrounded by established communities, Osage County gives businesses access to customers, suppliers, and regional markets without the congestion and overhead often found in larger cities.

Osage County is also home to a strong quality of life, with outdoor recreation, community events, and a relaxed pace that can help attract and retain employees. For business owners looking for affordability, flexibility and room to grow, Osage County is worth a closer look.

Message us if you're ready to find your place. Explore the opportunities, connect with local leaders, and discover why there’s room for your business here.

10/19/2026

Digital Ready’s $10,000 small business grant opportunities are open now, part of over $1M in total funding available this year from Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. You only have to apply once to remain eligible all year!

10/18/2026

Small business owners: Do you feel like your business is invisible in a noisy marketplace? In an upcoming webinar through the Main Street America Small Business Hub, we'll help walk you through ways you can start building a brand that truly stands out.

Join Lindsay Newland, a small business consultant and founder and CEO of Not So Small Business on Thursday, November 12 at 1 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT for an insight-packed 60-minute masterclass designed specifically for independent small business owners. You’ll discover how to design an eye-catching brand, leverage authentic connection, and turn casual visitors into lifelong brand advocates.

Reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/4ypTRjM

10/14/2026

🎉 Huge congratulations to the Burlingame Community Library on securing both the Jones Foundation Grant and a state CDBG award for its upcoming expansion!

Beyond updating the facility, this project expands community impact by providing local families, young learners, and residents with enhanced technology, vital educational programming, and a gathering space.

Investing in our local library directly elevates the quality of life, workforce readiness, and overall economic vibrancy of Burlingame and Osage County.

Fantastic work to everyone who made this achievement possible! 🚀📚

We are so excited to share this news with everyone! Huge thanks to my past and present library trustees for your support and dedication to this vision. We did it! Also, a great big thank you to the City of Burlingame, we couldn’t do this without your support of this project!

10/13/2026

Economic development is about creating the conditions communities and businesses need to succeed.

That can mean supporting an existing business, helping an entrepreneur find resources, encouraging new investment, improving housing or working with local leaders on long-term community goals.

It all connects back to one purpose: building a stronger future for Osage County.

10/13/2026

🌾🚜 National Farmers Day —
Honoring the Hands That Feed US 🇺🇸

Osage County has 865 farms and ranches; 337,246 total acres.
24 Food and Agriculture industries contribute $59,200,000 to the local economy, equating to 14.2% of the counties GDP and supports 1,265 jobs.

Huge Thank You to the generations of Osage County Farmers | Ranchers and families!🌱💛