South Central Kansas Economic Development District - SCKEDD

10/15/2026

WEATHERIZATION IS WORKING IN SOUTHERN KANSAS

SCKEDD's Weatherization Assistance Program serves income-qualified households across 40 counties in southern Kansas, providing practical energy-efficiency upgrades—like attic and wall insulation, air sealing, furnace repairs and more—that improve home comfort and help lower utility expenses.

Behind every project are local homeowners, trusted contractors, community partners and a dedicated team working to improve Kansas housing one home at a time.

292 homes weatherized · 598 Kansans served · 40 counties reached

These improvements strengthen homes, reduce energy waste, and keep investment and jobs in local communities across southern Kansas.

10/12/2026

SCKEDD's office is closed Monday, October 12th. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday.

10/08/2026

10/07/2026

Meet the newest members of our Weatherization team: Sage and Madison, our new Administrative Assistants. They'll be supporting client coordination, scheduling, and office operations to keep our teams moving. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome.

10/05/2026

10/02/2026

10/01/2026

October is Weatherization Month! 🏠

This year is extra special. The Weatherization Assistance Program is celebrating 50 years of helping households improve energy efficiency, lower energy costs, and make their homes safer and more comfortable.

Throughout October, we'll be sharing more about what Weatherization is, how it works, the people behind the program, and the impact we're seeing right here in Kansas.

Follow along as we celebrate 50 Years of Weatherization!

09/29/2026

At the U.S. Small Business Administration Meet the Lender Event, you'll have the opportunity to participate in scheduled, one-on-one 10-minute sessions with multiple lenders.

That's multiple opportunities to:
💬 Tell a lender about your business
💰 Discuss your financing needs
📈 Talk about your growth plans
❓ Ask questions about funding options
And that's not all. You'll also be able to connect with business resource organizations and participate in a special 1 Million Cups Wichita!

📅 Wednesday, October 28
⏰ 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
📍 WSU Metroplex
5015 East 29th St N
Entrance N, Room 180
Wichita, KS 67220
💵 FREE

⏱️ 10 minutes could be the start of an important business connection.

09/28/2026

📣 SBA 504 Fee Savings Are Coming in FY2027!

For SBA 504 loans approved between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027, qualifying manufacturers, food supply chain businesses, and businesses located in qualifying rural areas will have both the upfront guaranty fee and annual service fee waived.

These fees apply based on when a loan is approved, so timing matters. If you’ve been sitting on a decision to purchase a building, expand your facility, or invest in major equipment, now is a great time to start the conversation.

As a Certified Development Company (CDC), SCKEDD can help you understand whether your business may qualify for a fee waiver and what your total project costs could look like.

💡 Ready to see what the FY2027 SBA 504 fee changes could mean for your project? Reach out to the SCKEDD Lending Team. We can help you explore your financing options, talk through your project, and understand the numbers before you commit to anything.

👉 Start the conversation today at SCKEDD.org.

09/25/2026

We were honored to join friends and partners in celebrating Bob Wetmore’s retirement from Great Plains Development, Inc. (GPDI) after 16 years of service to economic development.

Bob has been a longtime part of the economic development community and a valued partner to many of us. His experience, knowledge, and willingness to support and mentor others have made a difference far beyond the work itself. We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside GPDI and celebrate the impact they have made over the years.

Congratulations, Bob, and thank you for your many years of service to economic development! 🎉