2 New Microgrants for KC Small Business Owners, Aspiring Entrepreneurs

We know it’s really tough for all small businesses right now and a little bit of help goes a long way.

So we’re highlighting two new grants that aim to help our small business owners, many of whom have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 shutdowns and have had trouble accessing funding.

Even if you don’t qualify for these grant funds, please share this with an aspiring entrepreneur or current business owner who might. In times like these, a little help from a fellow entrepreneur or business owner can go a long way in ensuring all our small businesses that support our communities can create jobs, innovate and continue to make KC the amazing place it is.

And more opportunities are out there: We keep a running list of other small business grants, loans and funding opportunities at the COVID-19 Small Business Financing and Funding page, so check that site often for the latest funding for your Kansas City small business.

We also have a page dedicated to helping your business navigate disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, like remote business coaching, stress management, guides for reopening; payroll tax credits, marketing strategies, legal issues and much, much more. Explore that on the Coronavirus Business Resources page.

Startup Assets for Economic (SAFE) Opportunity Grant Program

Deadline: Aug. 24

This is a new entrepreneurship grant program that launched in KC in late July that will award microgrants that range from $500 to $2,000 to residents who are trying to start a business and live in the 64128 area code in Kansas City, Missouri.

Here’s what the fund will cover, according to a press release:

“Rooted in an asset-based approach to community economic development, SAFE Opportunity will provide funds to grantees to directly support expenses related to starting a small business venture. From supplies and equipment, training and certification expenses, to startup expenses like registration and business license fees, the program will support developing new and aspiring entrepreneurs, while lowering individuals’ risk for involvement in violent activities, and increasing individual wealth and financial stability.”

This fund is administered by the Community Capital Fund, in partnership with the city of Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department.

The fund opened July 23, and applications are due Aug. 24.

If you live in the 64128 ZIP code, here are 3 ways to apply:

1. Complete and submit the online form available at www.ccfkansascity.org

2. Complete fillable PDF application and email to [email protected]

3. Print and mail your grant application to: Community Capital Fund, ATTN: SAFE Opportunity, 3200 Wayne Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109

(You can also pick up copies of the grant application at the CCF office. Please call before you go: 816-502-9584.)

Kansas City Minority Business Resiliency Grant

Applications open noon Aug. 17 to first 100 applicants

This is a new microgrant opportunity specifically for existing business owners of color that opens noon Monday, Aug. 17. Keep that time and date in mind because only the first 100 applicants will be considered for a microgrant of up to $5,000.

Funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and administered by the UMKC Innovation Center and community financial institutions, the Kansas City Minority Business Resiliency Grant is a $100,000 fund intended to help at least 20 vital KC businesses get relief, build resiliency and come back stronger.

Learn more about the microgrant and sign up to stay in the loop.

Who’s eligible?

Businesses that are majority owned by racial/ethnic minority entrepreneurs …

  • AND have documented sales in 2019 that do not exceed $250,000
  • AND that operate in the 14-county KC Metropolitan Statistical Area
  • AND that were negatively impacted by COVID-19

Apply for $500 to $5,000

Here are the steps you need to take to prepare, complete and submit an application:

1. Visit umkcinnovates.com/grant before Aug. 17 to review and prepare required application materials.

2. Go to umkcinnovates.com/grant at noon Monday, Aug. 17 and click “Apply.” Only the first 100 to apply will be considered for funding.

Looking for other funding and financing opportunities? Explore the frequently updated Small Business Funding and Financing page for more opportunities and new funds.

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