Atchison, KS – The City of Atchison’s E-Community Program, which began offering loans for small business startups, expansions, and acquisitions earlier this year has awarded two new loans.
CK Taylor, LLC, owned by Chris and Kim Taylor, was approved for a $45,000 loan to acquire the existing Raven Liquor business located at 18th & Main. The new owners plan to expand the selection of wine and beer and upgrade the facility to include a walk-in beer cave.
The Sunflower, owned by Jo Kuckelman and to be operated by Katie Wagner, was approved for a $45,000 loan to open a coffee shop at 123 N. 5th Street. The venture seeks to provide an upscale atmosphere housing “The Roasterie” coffee, baked goods, craft beers, and gift items.
Both E-Community loans are coupled with loans from Exchange Bank in addition to personal investment to complete the full financing package for each business.
Everyday businesseslike restaurants, cleaning services, small manufacturers, daycare facilities, construction companies, retail stores, etc… can use this locally controlled, revolving loan fund as gap financing to make their small business dreams come true. Raven Liquor and the Sunflower represent the fourth and fifth loans made by the Atchison E-Community program, which began offering loans in January of 2017.
The funding for the Atchison E-Community Program is created through the sale of entrepreneurship tax credits,
which are allocated to the program by the Kansas State Legislature.
The funding for the Atchison E-Community Program is created through the sale of entrepreneurship tax credits, which are allocated to the program by the Kansas State Legislature.
The full slate of economic development programs that are available to the Atchison community are detailed at www.growatchison.com. To learn more about the E-Community Program, contact Justin Pregont with the City of Atchison at justinp@cityofatchison.com or 913-367-5561.
*Photos taken at both loan closings are available on the next page.
From left to right: Chris Taylor, Kim Taylor (both of CK Taylor, LLC), Todd Gigstad (Exchange Bank), Becky Berger (City of Atchison)
From left to right: Jo Kuckelman (owner) Dan Raplinger (Exchange Bank), Katie Wagner (operator), Justin Pregont (City of Atchison)