Build Your Career in Ottawa
AT A GLANCE
Application
QuickApply: Hear back in 1 business day
Package Highlights
Cash, Welcome Gifts & Local Perks, Memberships & Community
Ideal for
Jobseekers ready for a fresh start
Value
Up to $7,900 across 16 benefits
Build Your Career in Ottawa
AT A GLANCE
Application
QuickApply: Hear back in 1 business day
Package Highlights
Cash, Welcome Gifts & Local Perks, Memberships & Community
Ideal for
Jobseekers ready for a fresh start
Value
Up to $7,900 across 16 benefits
What’s Included - Up to $7,900 in Value
Explore the incentives and perks included in this program.
Money & Financial Support
$6,000 cash for relocation
Welcome Gifts & Local Perks
Sewer scope inspection for home purchase – provided by KG Excavating
$100 in Ottawa Chamber Currency
Daylight Donuts Gift Certificate
Experiences & Attractions
Lunch with the Mayor of Ottawa
All-Access passes to every home sporting event at Ottawa University, plus 12 complimentary meal tickets
Additional Benefits
$7,900Program Value
16 Benefits • Cash Included
Get pre-approved in one business day with Quick Apply.
Am I eligible?
Ottawa, Kansas is currently recruiting job-seekers who:
Make at least $20,000 in their current employment and will secure new full-time employment earning at least $55,000 annually in Franklin County, KS for the entirety of the program term
Are 18 years or older
Currently reside outside of Kansas
Must commit to living in Franklin County for at least 1 year
Will secure full-time employment in Franklin County, Kansas
Will provide employment and residency documentation to confirm eligibility
Remote workers, gig workers and self-employed workers are not eligible
Wait just a second while we retrieve your eligibility status for this program.
Wait just a second while we retrieve your eligibility status for this program.
Meet the Program Manager
Ryland—your dedicated program manager and personal Ottawa welcome guide! Ryland works for the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and loves sharing what makes Ottawa such a special place to live and work. He’s here to answer your questions, share local insights, and help you feel right at home. Simply submit an application to get in touch.
Ottawa Program Photo Gallery
Take a closer look at everything this program has to offer, from the location to the benefits to the neighbors.
Living in Ottawa
Learn about where you could live, before you get there. The below Places are eligible relocation destinations for this Program.
We’ve helped 4,000+ people move since 2021.
What's Included in the Job Seeker Program
Financial Incentives
💰 $6,000 Cash Relocation Grant to help cover moving expenses and get settled in Ottawa.
🏦 Up to $500 Appraisal Credit through OakStar Bank for eligible homebuyers.
💵 $100 in Ottawa Chamber Currency to spend at participating local businesses and restaurants.
Community & Networking
🤝 One-Year Chamber of Commerce Membership with networking opportunities, community events, and local business connections.
👨💼 Lunch with the Mayor to meet community leadership and learn more about Ottawa.
Local Experiences
🎭 Ottawa Memorial Auditorium Show Voucher for live music, comedy, theater, and more.
🎬 Plaza 1907 Theater Gift Card for a movie night downtown.
🍔 PrimeTime Grille Gift Card to enjoy one of Ottawa’s local restaurants.
🍩 Daylight Donuts Gift Certificate to start your morning like a local.
🎓 Gift Shop Credit at Neosho County Community College.
Sports
🏈 Ottawa University All-Access Athletic Passes with admission to every home Braves sporting event—including football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and softball—plus 12 complimentary meal tickets to enjoy on game days.
🏟️ Ottawa High School Household Sports Pass with admission to Ottawa High School athletic events throughout the school year.
Home & Family Perks
🏠 Sewer Scope Inspection provided by KG Excavating for eligible homebuyers.
✂️ One Free Haircut for each family member.
🐾 Pet Adoption or Spay/Neuter Gift Certificate to help bring your furry family members home.
Why People Are Choosing Ottawa
Ottawa offers a refreshing balance of small-town living, outdoor recreation, and modern conveniences—all just 50 miles southwest of Kansas City.
Affordable Living: Enjoy a lower cost of living than nearby metro areas, with affordable homes, shorter commutes, and more room to enjoy what matters most.
Outdoor Recreation: Explore the Prairie Spirit Trail, spend weekends at Lake Ottawa and Forest Park, or enjoy fishing, golf, parks, and outdoor recreation throughout the year.
Historic Downtown & Local Charm: Stroll through Ottawa’s historic downtown, discover locally owned shops and restaurants, visit the Old Depot Museum, and experience a community where neighbors quickly become friends.
Community Events & Entertainment: Enjoy year-round events, concerts, and festivals, catch performances at the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium (OMA), or spend an evening at the historic Plaza 1907 Theater.
Education & College Spirit: Cheer on the Ottawa University Braves, attend local sporting events at Ottawa High School, and enjoy the energy that a college town brings to the community.
Career Opportunities: Build your career with growing employers across healthcare, manufacturing, education, and professional services while remaining just 50 miles southwest of Kansas City for even more opportunities.
Explore Ottawa's Top Employers
Program Sponsors
Sponsored by the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and the State of Kansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have a remote job and want to relocate to Ottawa, Kansas
No problem! Ottawa also offers a Remote Worker Relocation Program. Click the link below to learn more about the program and submit an application.
What is MakeMyMove?
MakeMyMove is the first-ever marketplace connecting movers with relocation programs, provided by communities across the country actively recruiting new residents. We help you find the right place and get there, and we help communities grow through talent attraction.
What does “Apply Now” mean?
“Apply Now” indicates that the community is working with MakeMyMove. You can apply on our site, and our team will help you navigate the application and move process.
Discover Places and Vibes
Get a feel for different cities and towns through the eyes of locals. Insider stories, photos, and Q&A help you connect
Find Your Program & Apply
Browse relocation programs designed to warmly welcome new residents. With QuickApply, you can connect with a program in just minutes.
Track Your Progress
Once you’ve applied, we work alongside your local program team to help you secure your spot, find a home, and settle into your new community.
Stay in the loop
We'll notify you with any updates on this program.