Kansas City, Kansas, small-business owners looking to grow can apply for grants of up to $10,000 through the Unified Government’s Small Business Grant Program.
The assistance is a grant, not a loan, giving qualifying owners money to invest in their businesses without adding loan payments.
Funding can cover renovations, façade improvements, inventory, equipment and marketing expenses, including websites and signage. The program aims to support business expansion, strengthen the downtown corridor and revitalize older urban areas of Kansas City, Kansas.
Awards are available on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is depleted. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding; awards depend on eligibility and available money.
Who Qualifies?
According to the Unified Government’s program flyer, applicants must operate a business in Kansas City, Kansas, have been in operation for more than one year, work from a physical commercial location and have fewer than 25 employees.
Home-based businesses and businesses operating less than one year are ineligible. Other excluded businesses include liquor stores, payday lenders, and hookah and vape shops.
Applicants must submit:
- A business plan.
- A summary explaining the intended use of grant funds.
- Proof of property control, such as a lease or deed.
- An occupational tax certificate.
- The previous year’s taxes.
- A budget and financial projections for three years.
- Secretary of State registration.
Owners can apply through DotteBiz at dottebiz.wycokck.org. After creating a profile, select the “Applications” tab to begin the grant application.
Information Session Oct. 26
Owners interested in learning more can attend a Small Business Conversation on Monday, Oct. 26, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Shop Cigar Lounge, 407 N. Sixth St., in downtown KCK.
Hosted by Turning Point Training & Development LLC, the session will feature Tifani Portley with the Unified Government’s Economic Development Department. Portley will discuss grant opportunities and success stories from past recipients.
The gathering also offers an opportunity to meet fellow business owners and community leaders. RSVP by emailing mricketts@tptrainingcenter.com.
For questions about the grant program or application process, contact Economic Development at 913-573-5730 or edevelopment@wycokck.org.
