Proper planning is the key to starting a successful business. The following checklist can serve as a guide for planning:

·         Consider your business structure (sole proprietorship, limited liability company, partnership, etc.).
·         Register your business with the Secretary of State’s Office and receive a Federal Tax Identification Number (FEIN) for tax filing purposes.
·         Register your business with the Department of Revenue and receive a tax identification number for remitting sales tax.
·         Submit a Registered Agritourism Operator application to the  Department of Commerce.
·         If serving food to your guests, contact with the Department of Agriculture for the proper inspection and licensing requirements.
·         Purchase liability insurance coverage.
·         Research  zoning requirements in your county.
·         Prepare business and marketing plans for your company.

Registering Your Business

Registering your agritourism business with the Department of Commerce offers many benefits, including:

·         Limited liability signage through the Agritourism Promotion Act;
·         Eligibility for the Value-Added Loan program;
·         Opportunity to become a member of the Simply Kansas trademark program;
·         Eligibility for  the Agritourism Education Scholarship program; and
·         20% tax credit on the cost of liability insurance.

Kansas Small Business Development Centers

Growing Kansas' businesses is the primary goal of the Kansas Small Business Development Centers (KSBDC). With locations throughout the state, KSBDC staff work with established firms, growth companies and start-up enterprises. The KSBDC is a great resource to help with a business plan, marketing plans and other business guidance. For more information on the services available through KSBDC, visit www.kansas.gov/ksbdc.

 "Growing Agritourism in Kansas" Resource Guide

The "Growing Agritourism in Kansas" Resource Guide was written specifically for Kansas agritourism businesses by Jane Eckert of Eckert Agrimarketing. The guide was written from the producer's point-of-view, with step-by-step details, ideas and concepts that can be put into place on your own farm, ranch or vineyard.

"Growing Agritourism in Kansas” addresses many topics, including: 

·         First steps to starting an agritourism business
·         Financial guide for start-up operations
·         Tips for selling at a roadside stand or country store
·         Hunting and fishing destinations
·         Lodges (bed and breakfast, cabins, bunkhouses, etc.)
·         Fall season activities and pumpkin patches
·         Staffing, regulations and permits
·         Resource guide of federal, state and local agencies and organizations