Business Competitions and Awards

GUIDE: GROWING YOUR BUSINESS > PART EIGHT

Business Competitions and Awards

Name recognition, free promotion and greater perceived prominence are just a few benefits of getting an honor.

Make your company a household name and get well-deserved recognition by competing for and winning locally and nationally sponsored awards.

Check the list below for Kansas City’s most prominent business competitions that are currently taking nominations.

If you’d like to list a competition or award, please contact [email protected]

Artist INC Express helps artists of any discipline develop the building blocks for a thriving and enduring arts practice. Register for an upcoming workshop!

Kansas Statewide, February 2-4, 2024 

Applications for Artist INC – Wichita are open for Spring 2024! Learn more about this incredible eight-week program for artists of all disciplines that covers goal-setting, finances, taxes, marketing, and more.

Click here to apply. 

(Deadline Feb. 23)

Artistic Innovations provides grants up to $15,000 for artists in M-AAA’s six-state region of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. With support from the National Endowment for the Arts, these grants encourage the spirit of experimentation and exploration and the creation of new, original works.

Click here to apply by for an Artistic Innovations grant.

ArtsHERE will award approximately 95 nonprofit organizations

with non-matching grants of $65,000 to $130,000.

ArtsHERE supports organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to equity within their practices and programming and have undertaken consistent engagement with underserved groups/communities. Grants are for specific projects that will strengthen the organization’s capacity to sustain meaningful community engagement and increase arts participation for underserved groups/communities. Grantees have access to peer-learning and technical assistance opportunities designed to share knowledge and build networks.

 

LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business grant program, in partnership with the NBA
and WNBA, will be awarding $1.5 million in grants to 150 small business owners and $1.5
million in products and services to 3,000 entrepreneurs looking to start their own
business.
Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible to
apply for the individual $10,000 grants or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and
services. Entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for up to $500 in LegalZoom

Fast Break for Small Business (legalzoom.com) products and
services.
Winners will first be announced on social media and Action Opportunity Fund will
administer the grant awards. Grant applications close on September 13, 2024 at 8 p.m.

 

Most startups fail because they develop products that customers don’t actually want to buy. In Bounce My Big Idea, you’ll join other aspiring tech entrepreneurs to stress test, or as we say, BOUNCE your idea off of proven tools and assessments before you invest time and resources into the wrong thing.

In this four-week, cohort-based, online workshop, you’ll work directly with experienced tech entrepreneurs and coaches to ensure your idea is capable of being a successful business. Each week building on the last, you’ll learn new methods for testing the desirability, viability and feasibility of your tech idea. At the end of the four weeks, not only will you feel clarity about your idea, you’ll have a new set of tools to continue working on your business, or maybe even discover your next Big Idea worth pursuing!

After successfully completing Bounce My Big Idea, you’ll be eligible to participate in 120-Day Tech Startup where we’ll help you further validate your business model; design, develop and demo a prototype; acquire customers; and prepare to raise pre-seed and angel capital to launch your company.

Your business does not currently need to be in Southern Missouri to apply to Bounce My Big Idea. If you advance to the 120-Day program, a conversation about relocating to southern MO will occur.

Our next workshop kicks off January 23rd. Let’s Bounce!

There are two sessions:

  • Jan. 23 – Feb. 13 – Jan. 16 application deadline
  • Feb. 20 – Mar. 12 – Feb. 13 application deadline

(Deadline April 24)

Challenge America offers support primarily to small organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. Challenge America features an abbreviated application, a robust structure of technical assistance, and matching grants of $10,000.

Click here to learn more about Challenge America Grants.

Calling all agricultural technology #innovators! Applications are open for our 2024 DFA CoLAB Accelerator, our program aimed at developing and growing startups to drive innovation across the dairy value chain. The 2024 cohort has been expanded from a 90-day to a six-month program and will run May–Oct. 2024. Participants will benefit from: ✔️ An immersive program, with both in-person and virtual activities ✔️ Direct access to top executives at DFA ✔️ A team of DFA mentors relevant to their business area ✔️ Educational sessions on topics vital to start-up growth ✔️ Workshops focusing on leadership development and team building Apply by Tuesday, April 2, 2024 >> https://bit.ly/3OSfBRr. Know someone who may be interested in supercharging their start-up journey? Tag them below and let the innovation flow!

Digital Health KC will spur the industry’s growth, increase collaboration among area digital health organizations, and leverage regional strengths into a vibrant digital ecosystem through coordination and communication of regional assets, partnerships, and investments for innovation.

Digital Sandbox KC brings together people, ideas and resources to build thriving companies. The program provides much needed early-stage funding to rising stars. The region’s longtime leaders including private companies, government agencies and universities have united to help this new wave of entrepreneurs. It’s an unprecedented metro-wide effort to help make KC America’s most entrepreneurial city.

RESULTS SO FAR:
93 proof-of-concept projects funded for area startups
35 new KC-based companies created
53 companies have secured follow-on investment
$38.2 million in follow-on funding
More than 480 new jobs created, with more than $12 million in payroll

Digital Sandbox KC broadly seeks new innovation in information technology.  The Sandbox provides innovators with proof-of-concept resources to support early-stage commercialization processes. The Sandbox may cover expenses for project consultants, market research, legal support, equipment and other market validation, prototyping and beta testing needs.

The Digital Sandbox KC process requires:
– Completion of the Digital Sandbox KC Online Application
– A Meeting/Pitch Evaluation
– A Board Vote

Please keep in mind that this application will be viewed by those evaluating your submission; those participating in your meeting/pitch and by the Sandbox board for voting purposes. Once your application is received, it will be reviewed for completeness and you will be contacted with information regarding next steps. Submission Tip: Thoroughly reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions prior to submission may improve your outcome.

Building on the over $2 Million in small business loans awarded by the EDC Loan Corporation, this program is a partnership with the Prospect Business Association, who will provide their business development services to awardees.

Funds can be used by qualifying businesses for any expense. Preference will be given to minority or woman-owned businesses or those operating in financially distressed communities.

Businesses must be for-profit entities located within Kansas City, Missouri that have existed for at least a year, employ no more than 10 employees, and have less than $150,000 in revenue. Other criteria is listed on the program page.

Loan rates and repayment terms are specific to each loan, though competitive rates of 3.5%–5% are offered. There are no penalties for prepayment and no minimum credit score is required.

To learn more and apply, visit the Microloan program page.

Every year, FedEx offers one small business a $50,000 grant and nine others a $20,000
grant to help grow their businesses. So far, the company has given away about $1.9
million in grants since 2012. Applicants must be existing FedEx customers with a valid
shipping account that has been open at least six months.
The application window opens at noon on March 1, 2024, and closes at noon on April 1,
2024. Grants will be announced on May 16, 2024.

The partnership between the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Wells Fargo, and Fresco Marketing, is pleased to announce that we will be awarding Ten (10) $10,000 grants to Hispanic owned business or the second consecutive year

Grant Selection Guidelines:
  • 10 (Ten) $10,000 Grants

  • A selection committee will be selecting the recipients of these grants among qualified applications.

  • Application deadline: Friday, December 22nd, 2023

  • Winners will be notified on Monday, January 15th, 2024.

  • The grant may be used for any business expense, current, future, or past.

  • Criteria to Qualify for a Grant:
    • The business needs to be Hispanic-owned.

    • The business’s commercial address must be located within the following zip codes:

      • Northeast: 64124, 64123, 64127, 64126, 64125

      • KCK/Wyandotte: 66101, 66102, 66104, 66105

    • The business must have been in operation for at least 1 year before November 1, 2023.

    • Must have 10 or fewer employees.

    • Possess a physical location or brick-and-mortar establishment.

    • The business must meet the requirements of the Missouri and/or Kansas Secretary of State and be registered.

    • It is not necessary to be a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to qualify.

    APPLY HERE

Missouri Small Business Development is offering a Phase 0 FAST Grant to fund up to $2500 toward a grant writer for your Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant submission.

For more information reach out to our Innovation & Technology Counselor, Ed Lahue at [email protected]

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses has helped entrepreneurs across the country grow their businesses for over a decade by offering a free practical business training program, access to capital, and personalized support services.

Now, we are expanding, bringing this best-in-class training program to rural communities across America.

APPLY NOW

The Halstead Grant is an annual award for emerging silver jewelry artists. Applicants submit answers to 15 business questions in addition to their design portfolios. The experience is designed to help jewelry entrepreneurs create a strategy to kick-start their careers. The grand prize is a $7,500 cash grant plus other benefits. The deadline is May 1st.

Apply

Only 20 spots available for next stage business leaders

HEMP has generated more than $750 million in economic benefits for Kansas City by helping aspiring and successful entrepreneurs grow. The key is building relationships that facilitate trust and sharing – which is why we limit our mentee program to 20 new participants each year.

Mentees accepted into the program receive the following:

  • 3 years of one on one mentoring with the best business minds in KC
  • A peer group of entrepreneurs
  • A 3-year business training program
  • Access to all 200+ HEMP members – CEOs in the KC area

Apply Now

Queer|Art announces The Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists. This annual $10,000 grant, awarded to draw attention to an existing body of work, sheds light on the under-recognized contributions of Black trans women visual artists and provides critical support to their continuing work. Winning artists will receive additional professional development resources and further guidance to bolster their creative development in the field.

Deadline: July 12
Apply Now

New $25,000 Grants Available for Socially Engaged Artists in Our Region

Artists are problem solvers and community builders. They possess the skills, training, and vision to collaborate across sectors, stimulate dialogue, activate neighborhoods, and creatively respond to civic challenges.

The Interchange program is designed to strengthen individual artists in the M-AAA region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas) who have a history of impactful work with a socially engaged creative practice. The program will provide 16 artists with practice-based grants of $25,000 each, complemented by professional development, peer-to-peer networking, and one-to-one mentoring.

A program of M-AAA, the Interchange program is made possible through the generous support of the Mellon Foundation.

Click here to learn more about the Mellon Foundation’s investment in Interchange.

We are excited to announce our application is now open for companies interested in pitching at InvestMidwest 2024.
Submit your application for consideration to pitch at InvestMidwest 2024. InvestMidwest will be in Kansas City, Missouri on April 17-18, 2024. You will need to be in Kansas City on April 17 and 18 if your company is selected to pitch. Please don’t start this application until you have your pitch deck and executive summary ready to submit. You will hear if your company was selected to pitch in early January.
This is an exciting opportunity for startups and emerging growth companies to showcase their innovative ideas and connect with potential investors. Companies selected to present at the conference will have the chance to pitch their business to a diverse group of investors and industry leaders. Don’t miss out on this chance to take your company to the next level.
You will notice several differences this year, including a shorter application, two periods of time to submit applications, and a shorter window of time to apply in each period. Your first chance to apply is right now. By applying now you can confirm your spot to pitch at InvestMidwest early. There will be a second chance to apply in January.

(Deadline Feb. 23)

Apply now for funding to strengthen the state’s cultural infrastructure, enhance student success, the economy and connect Kansas communities through the arts. Click on the links below to view funding available:

Kiva connects entrepreneurs with 0% interest loans between $1,000-$15,000 that are crowdfunded by a community of 2M+ individual lenders on their online platform. The Kiva Kansas City team works with local entrepreneurs to help them succeed throughout the Kiva loan application, fundraising, and repayment processes. Kiva engages a community of over 2 million lenders who crowdfund the loans by contributing as little as $25, providing entrepreneurs with affordable capital to support their business. Kiva and its lenders want to support small business owners to create jobs, support their families, and make a positive impact in their communities.

Program Type: Crowdfunded Microloans

For more information contact: Email [email protected] or by phone 816-691-2120

Kiva offers crowd-backed microloans

  • 0% interest, no fees, no collateral
  • Up to $15,000 loan amount
  • Up to 36 months terms
  • Social underwriting – character not credit score

To qualify for Kiva Kansas City:

  • Borrower and business must be U.S. based.
  • Borrower must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Loan must be used for business purposes.
  • Business must not be engaged in multi-level marketing, direct sales, pure financial investing, etc.
  • Borrower or business must not be under foreclosure, bankruptcy, or under any liens.
  • Home-based businesses are eligible for a Kiva loan.
  • Businesses must have a business bank account connected to PayPal. Kiva loans are disbursed and repaid through PayPal.

How does Kiva Kansas City work?

  • Application: 30 min. – 1 hour-Start your application at Kiva.org/borrow. Meet with the KivaKC team to review and edit your application as needed.
  • Kiva Review: 1-3 weeks-Your application is reviewed by Kiva. You may be asked to clarify information or make edits to your application. Kiva determines if you are approved and for what loan amount.
  • Private Fundraising: Up to 15 days-If you’re approved, you have to demonstrate your creditworthiness by having between 5-40 of your friends, family, and personal network lend as little as $25 to your loan. The pitch section of your application is posted on Kiva’s platform.
  • Public Fundraising: Up to 30 days-Kiva lenders around the world (and here in Kansas City) read your pitch and support your loan $25 at a time until your loan is fully funded. Loans must be fully funded within the stated timeframe to be disbursed.
  • Repayment: 30 days after fully funding loan- Repayments terms are between 12 to 36 months, based on loan size. There are no penalties for repaying early, and six-months after repayment, you can apply for another, larger loan.

APPLY HERE

Grant Application Schedule

Micro-business Grant (Round 1) Application Opens: February 1; closes March 1

Micro-business Grants (Round 2) Application Opens: May 1; closes June 1Applications Open: February 1, 2024

Program Type: Grants

Contact: by email [email protected] or by phone 816-691-2120

 

Grant Program Overview

In efforts to assist eligible micro-businesses (less than 10 employees) that experienced negative economic impact from the pandemic, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, has partnered with the Economic Development Corporation – Loan Corporation (EDCLC) to help micro-businesses grow, expand, and retain jobs in Kansas City, Missouri.

Grants are available to Kansas City, Missouri-based businesses operating prior to January 1, 2023, with ten (10) employees or less. The EDCLC will provide grants of $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000. Qualified applicants that own an existing micro-business that is primed for expansion and moving to the next level in business growth can utilize funds towards:

 

  • Overhead costs (Rent, lease, mortgage, etc.)
  • Renovation costs (Sheetrock, flooring, painting, etc.)
  • Technology (Laptop, desktops, etc.)
  • Professional services (Legal, accounting, etc.)
  • Facade and minor roof repairs (Painting, sealing, etc.)
  • Inventory costs (Except office supplies)
  • Equipment costs
  • Marketing (Website, signage, etc.)

 

Ineligible Micro-Businesses: 

  • Liquor stores, payday loans, hookah, vape shops, marijuana related businesses, and rental properties (long and short term).
  • Bars and establishments that sell alcohol with less than 50% in food sales (sites with state and federal license for production and distribution may apply).
  • New businesses operating less than one year.

 

Technical Support Requirement for Grant Recipients

Selected grant recipients will be required to participate in the technical assistance training. Utilizing the foundations of the Kauffman FastTrac program, grant recipients will receive technical assistance focused on collateral and business assessments, business plan development or reconstruction, feasibility, and financial structuring. Additionally, they will set SMART goals and a Tactical Improvement Plan with a focus on expense and repayment accountability plans. This work includes 10 hours of individual 1:1 support or group training, if applicable.

Before you begin, please review the program eligibility criteria carefully to ensure your business qualifies:

 

  1. Must be a private, for-profit business.
  2. Must employ ten (10) employees or less.
  3. Must maintain an active 2024 KCMO business license (upload a copy).
  4. Must maintain a principal place of business within the boundaries of KCMO.
  5. Must have been in business for at least one (1) year, i.e. established before January 1, 2023.

 

 The Grant Application Process

  • Central Eligibility In-Take Form: Begin by completing the general eligibility in-take form through the Beam platform.
  • Program Specific Application(s): After the initial eligibility assessment, applicants will be directed to complete program-specific application(s) through the online platform.
  • Review and Selection: A dedicated review panel will evaluate applications, selecting businesses that align with the program’s mission and goals.
  • Technical Assistance: Selected businesses will receive technical assistance to navigate the application process further, ensuring they are well-prepared for success.
  • Payment: Once the application process is complete and approved, successful applicants will receive their capital infusion.
  • Progress Reporting: The program encourages recipients to provide progress reports, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the funding period.

APPLY HERE

MTC’s IDEA Fund was developed as a state-sponsored venture capital program to support Missouri’s early-stage entrepreneurs in developing technologies and creating jobs across Missouri while positioning companies for future venture capital investment. The IDEA Fund supports technology startups through matching equity or convertible debt investments for the purpose of technology and business development.

To date, MTC has made direct investments of nearly $46M into over 140 of the state’s most promising early-stage technology-focused companies and those companies have raised over $1.1bn in follow-on private funding.

The deadlines for full consideration for each quarterly application review cycle for 2023 are listed below.

April 2023 Award Cycle – Application deadline of 11:59 pm, Wednesday, February 8, 2023
July 2023 Award Cycle – Application deadline of 11:59 pm, Wednesday, May 17, 2023
October 2023 Award Cycle – Application deadline of 11:59 pm, Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Interested in applying? Visit the Missouri Technology Corporation’s website

The NAACP, the Hispanic Federation and L’Oreal USA will provide 40 one-time grants of
$10,000 to small business and entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. Business can use
the money to grow their inventory, refine marketing strategies and open new retail
locations. This is the second round, and the deadline to apply is March 29, 2024, at 6
p.m.

L’Oréal USA Launches Second Edition of its Inclusive Beauty Fund, Calls for Applications (loreal.com)

How to apply.

Applications for the 2024 NRF grant cycle must be submitted by 11:59 PM CST on Monday, April 1, 2024 in one of three ways:

1.  Complete and submit the online form HERE (opens 3/1 at 12PM).

2.  Download the 2024 NRF Guidelines + Application fillable PDF, complete, and email to [email protected]

3. If online or email submission is inaccessible or burdensome, please print, complete, and mail your grant application: to Community Capital Fund, ATTN: Neighborhoods Rising Fund, 3200 Wayne Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109  (Copies of the grant application can be picked up at the CCF office.  Please call in advance, (816) 502-9584)

General 2 — Community Capital Fund (ccfkansascity.org)

Pay It Forward is Spectrum Reach’s commitment to inspiring and growing underserved businesses. The program awards grant packages to multiculturally owned businesses nationwide. These grants include

  • Complimentary TV and streaming ad campaigns
  • Creative services
  • Educational resources
  • Business-building mentoring and insights

Since 2001, over 2,000 diverse grantees have received more than $50M in media and services through Pay It Forward. In 2024, 250 additional businesses will be empowered through grant awards.

The program fulfills Spectrum Reach’s commitment to foster growth and opportunity within diverse communities.

APPLY

(Rolling applications)

These grants support projects that showcase the work of touring artists in M-AAA’s six-state region of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Arts presenters and programmers from within M-AAA’s region may receive matching funds of up to 50%, up to $5,000 when creating a program that brings an out-of-state, but within region, guest artist to their venue.

Click here to apply for a Regional Touring Program Grant

2024 REGNIER VENTURE CREATION CHALLENGE

The Regnier Institute will host the annual Regnier Venture Creation Challenge (RVCC) on April 12, 2024 during the first ever Regnier Student Founder Summit, a day of startup competition, resource sharing, and career development.

RVCC is a business plan and pitch competition for new student & community ventures. In 2023, more than $90,000 in prizes were awarded. This money serves as an equity-free prize to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their own businesses.

The contest is open to all degree-seeking students at a college or university located in Missouri and its bordering states. Additionally, any student (degree-seeking or not) who completes the Entrepreneurship Scholars (E-Scholars) program in the 2023/2024 academic year (fall 2023 or spring 2024) is also eligible.

There are also tracks for local founders in Kansas City, as well as metro area high school students.

Applications for the 2024 RVCC are now open! Please refer to the links below to apply to the appropriate competition track.


Regnier College Startup Awards
For college student entrepreneurs from Missouri and bordering states, this competition track is focused on scalable venture ideas.

The contest is open to all degree-seeking students at a college or university located in Missouri and neighboring states (Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Tennessee) and any student (degree-seeking or not) who completes the Entrepreneurship Scholars (E-Scholars) program in the 2023/2024 academic year (fall 2023 or spring 2024).

Regnier Midwest Social Entrepreneurship Awards
The Midwest Social Entrepreneurship Track is focused on identifying those that are using entrepreneurship to create positive impacts in the world.

The social entrepreneurship track is for college student individual and team ventures from Missouri and neighboring states (Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Tennessee) whose primary goal is to have a positive impact on their local, regional, or global community. This track will award prizes to the best social ventures.

James & Rae Block Kansas City Startup Awards
This track celebrates Kansas City-based entrepreneurs and is limited to non-students.

Regnier High School Entrepreneurship Awards
This competition track is open to Kansas City-area high schools.

  • Open to students currently enrolled in a high school in the Kansas City MARC Region (Ray, Clay, Jackson, Cass, Platte, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Miami counties)
  • Submission must be made by a teacher on behalf of the student team.
  • Students must be accompanied by a representative from their school or district if invited to compete in the finals on UMKC’s campus.

Apply Here

Applications Open: March 1, 2024; closes April 1, 2024

Program Type: Savings Match / IDA

Contact: by email [email protected] or by phone 816-691-2120

Program Overview

The Small Business Development Account program is here to turn your entrepreneurial aspirations into a reality. An Individual Development Account (IDA) is a savings account where the money you save is matched by a program’s sponsor or financial institution. This groundbreaking initiative made possible by the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in partnership with the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, empowers local tourism entrepreneurs to reach new heights. The program provides matched savings funds, valuable business development resources, and crucial networking opportunities to help you and your business thrive.

The IDA Program offers:

This component of the KC Small Business Capital Program provides a checking and savings account with a 4:1 match, allowing eligible businesses to secure up to $10,000 in funding.

Here’s how the IDA program works:

 

  • Save: Commit to saving a minimum of $2,500 over six months in a dedicated IDA matched savings account at Holy Rosary Credit Union
  • Match: City funding provides a generous 4:1 match, potentially doubling your savings to a whopping $10,000!
  • Grow: Access a wealth of workshops, mentorship, and technical assistance to hone your skills and build your business acumen.
  • Connect: Network with fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders, forging valuable partnerships and building a supportive community.

 

Before you begin: Please review the program eligibility criteria below carefully to ensure your business qualifies:

 

  1. Must be private, for-profit business.
  2. Must be operating in the tourism industries. (i.e. arts/entertainment, food, retail, etc.)
  3. Must employ ten (10) employees or less.
  4. Must have been in business for at least two (2) years, i.e. established prior to January 1, 2022.
  5. Must maintain an active 2024 KCMO business license (upload a copy).
  6. Must maintain a principal place of business within the boundaries of KCMO.
  7. Targeting entrepreneurs with annual household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for KCMO. Currently at $57,500 for a family of four. Not required to participate.
  8. Must commit to saving a minimum of $2,500 over a four-month period.

 

Match fund recipients will receive technical assistance training with program partner EBB, utilizing Kauffman FastTrac program foundations. This training includes business assessments, plan development, feasibility, financial structuring, and setting SMART goals with a Tactical Improvement Plan. The training includes 10 hours of individual 1:1 support or group training, if applicable.

Eligibility:

Be a private, for-profit business operating in the Tourism (i.e. Arts/Entertainment, Retail and Food) industries within Kansas City, Missouri. Businesses must be at least 2 years of age (started prior to January 1, 2022).

The IDA Application Process:

  • Central Eligibility In-Take Form: Begin by completing the general eligibility in-take form through the Beam platform.
  • Program Specific Application(s): After the initial eligibility assessment, applicants will be directed to complete program-specific application(s) through the online platform.
  • Review and Selection: A dedicated review panel will evaluate applications, selecting businesses that align with the program’s mission and goals.
  • Technical Assistance: Selected businesses will receive technical assistance to navigate the application process further, ensuring they are well-prepared for success.
  • Payment: Once the application process is complete and approved, successful applicants will receive their capital infusion.
  • Progress Reporting: The program encourages recipients to provide progress reports, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the funding period.

APPLY HERE

Program Eligibility Requirements

Our Mission and Purpose

As part of our mission to support diverse-led certified suppliers with access to capital, resources and connections, Founders First Capital Partners has joined the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (IIE). Targeted to small certified suppliers in California, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, the Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program is designed to engage diverse suppliers in educational funding readiness training and funder matching to support capacity building.

A total of 1,200 small certified suppliers will be selected from the pool of applications by a panel of judges to join the Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program.

APPLY HERE

Techstars has discontinued the Kansas City region accelerator to created a greater reach nationally. However, Kansas City business are encouraged to continue to apply to one of the 50 accelerators worldwide, including a virtual option.

Click Here to find a Techstars Accelerator that is best suited for the needs of your business!

Applications for fully-funded Ford Fund Fellowship powered by Watson Institute (16-week program from March 2024 to June 2024) are now open. The Ford Fund Fellowship is an intensive venture and leadership development program designed to empower entrepreneurs and community leaders to elevate the impactful ventures they are building. This program equips next-generation, early-stage entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and experience to scale the impactful ventures they are building. Ford Fund Fellows will advance skills in entrepreneurship and leadership, have the opportunity to earn venture development stipend, garner experience, and build a global network, as they lay the foundation to empower many more individuals and transform their communities.

This program offers virtual and in-person components that allow fellows to take advantage of the global cohort while also focusing on creating local impact within their communities. Virtual Programming includes courses with successful entrepreneurs and skills workshops. In-Person Programming includes Fellow-led Basecamps and Fellow-led meetups.

Up to $6,000 in Venture Development Stipend is available for select Fellows, based on comprehensive performance in the program, progress, and impact throughout the Fellowship.

Applications to The Ford Fund Fellowship are open and the deadline to apply is January 15th, 2024. Learn more and apply here: https://watson.is/ford-fund-fellowship/

NAACP, in conjunction with Medium Rare and The Shark Group, has launched applications for the fourth annual NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant in celebration of Black Entrepreneurs Day.

The NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant aims to empower Black entrepreneurs and businesses through funding and resources and has, in previous years, contributed largely to the growth of Black businesses across the nation.

The Pilot Research Program is a way for your district or school to engage your teachers, students, and parents in the innovation process. We’ll help you gather data and insights so you can prioritize your biggest challenges. Then, we’ll help you select and research an emerging tech-based program to find out if it works in your context
  • Receive up to $10K in grant funding to support teacher stipends and school needs.
  • Access free learning experiences focused on innovation.
  • Educator leadership opportunities & professional development.
  • Make evidence-based decisions to inform whether you should purchase or implement products at scale.

How it works

Pilot Research Program How it Works Graphic

A school representative starts by completing the short Expression of Interest Form and answering some “Get To Know You” questions. Then, the LEANLAB research team conducts qualitative research through focus groups with parents, teachers, and administrators.

We’ll use those learnings to search the globe and find technology solutions that may work in your context. When a match is found, you’ll go on to co-design a research question and implement the pilot in your school.

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