Smith Center Economic Development

08/13/2026

08/13/2026

AmeriTowne enrollment is OPEN!

Enrollment closes on October 31, 2026.
Dates are already filling up fast for the 2026-2027 school year, so don’t wait to reserve your spot!
Schools can apply and view available dates on our website: www.nex-generation.org/young-ameritowne

We can’t wait to welcome students for another exciting year of hands-on learning, teamwork, financial literacy, and real-world experiences at AmeriTowne!

08/13/2026

Life$kills enrollment is OPEN!

Cost for this program is FREE for the upcoming school year!! Thanks to our generous donors there is no cost for the students to participate!
Give your students the tools they need to succeed beyond the classroom through hands-on lessons in budgeting, financial responsibility, career readiness, and other essential life skills.

Enrollment closes September 30th, so don't wait to reserve your spot!
Enroll today on our website at: www.nex-generation.org/lifeskills

08/13/2026

If you are looking for an intern the fall work study is available. Applications are open. Apply by September 30th!

The Work Study Program is an EXCITING opportunity for high school and college students who are employed or participating in a job shadow during the school year. The program helps students get their foot in the door with a local business, gain hands-on experience, develop valuable workplace skills, build their resumes, and become more familiar with the career opportunities available in their community.

-Fall Dates: Opens August 13th and closes September 30th, 2026
-ONLY 125 spots available!
-The Work Study Program is highly competitive so apply as early as possible!

Apply on our Nex-Gen Portal: https://nex-generation.secure-platform.com/workstudy

08/12/2026

If you have a project you have been thinking about that would improve a Smith County community, check out the Nex-Tech grant!

If you live in a Nex-Tech service area, don’t wait to apply! Your organization could be eligible for a $5,000 grant to support a project that improves your community.

Apply soon: https://bit.ly/4cmRTsc

07/21/2026

Smith Center Economic Development wants to recognize Nex-Tech as a champion of rural Kansas.
From reliable internet and innovative technology solutions to supporting local businesses, Nex-Tech is committed to strengthening the future of rural Kansas. Through community partnerships, economic development initiatives, and its Revolving Loan Fund, Nex-Tech helps entrepreneurs and businesses access the resources they need to grow, create jobs, and keep our communities thriving.

The Revolving Loan Fund is available to Northwest and Western Kansas entrepreneurs to provide the capital needed to start, expand, or grow a business.

When local businesses succeed, our communities become stronger, and we're proud to be part of that success story.

Thank you, Nex-Tech, for your continued commitment to connecting people, empowering businesses, and championing economic development across rural Kansas.

06/22/2026

Planning a residential project; remember that SCED offers two programs - the Residential Clean Up and the Residential Revitalization.
Check out the guidelines for each of the Residential Housing programs by contacting the SCED office at 785-282-6517 or go to the webpage for more information. Applications are available there too! https://smithcenterks.com/residential-housing

06/09/2026

If you are looking at opening a restaurant or just wanting to gain some new information, this course could be for you!

🍽️ The Online Foodpreneur Bootcamp is Back!

Ready to launch or grow your restaurant or food truck business? This 6-week online program gives Kansas food entrepreneurs the tools, coaching, and accountability needed to build a strong foundation for success.

This program includes:

✔️ 8 self-paced online modules
✔️ Weekly coaching sessions with ORA experts
✔️ Practical implementation tasks

📆 July 16–August 27 | Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.
💲 Early bird registration: $75 through July 1 ($99 after)
📝 Applications close July 15

Register today: https://www.onlinerestaurantacademy.com/offers/jk5qWoSN/

Sponsored by Network Kansas and America’s SBDC.

05/12/2026

As you start thinking about those summer residential projects; remember that SCED offers two programs - the Residential Clean Up and the Residential Revitalization.
Check out the guidelines for each of the Residential Housing programs by contacting the SCED office at 785-282-6517 or go to the webpage for more information. Applications are available there too! https://smithcenterks.com/residential-housing

See pictures for some amazing projects that have been completed!

05/12/2026

Check out the new job board on Choose Smith County website.

A rewarding career and a better way of life can go hand in hand. In Smith County, Kansas, you'll find job opportunities across a variety of industries- from healthcare and education to manufacturing, agriculture, and more. Explore current opportunities below and find your place in Smith County, KS