UMKC Innovation Center partners with the university and the community to spark and sustain entrepreneurial efforts within our region and across the country.

KCSourceLink connects KC entrepreneurs to the right resource at the right time.

MOSourceLink connects Missouri entrepreneurs to the right resource at the right time.

Whiteboard2Boardroom connects entrepreneurs and businesses to technologies available for licensing.

Digital Sandbox KC provides early-stage proof-of-concept support for digital products.

Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Center provides technical assistance to startup and existing businesses.

ScaleUP! Kansas City helps businesses with revenues around $200K scale toward their first $1 million.

Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers helps local businesses obtain government contracts.

KCInvestED helps investors learn more about investing in KC startups.

SourceLink® helps communities nationwide build vibrant and vital entrepreneurial ecosystems.
UMKC Innovation Center
UMKC Innovation Center

A 10-Part Guide

Funding Your Business

Get the download on how and when to find loans, grants and equity funding for your Kansas City business—and who can help.



Funding Stage Definitions | KCSourceLink

Part One

Funding Stage Definitions

Use this chart to determine what stage of funding to pursue.

Read Part One
The Truth about Free Government Grants

Part Two

The Truth about Free Government Grants

Does the government offer free grants to help you start a business?

Read Part Two
Startup Funding: Friends and Family Funding

Part Three

Friends and Family Funding

Most businesses are funded through the kindness (and generosity) of family and friends.

Read Part Three
A shop owner rings up customers

Part Four

Credit and Credit Repair

Personal and business credit is vital if you're seeking capital.

Read Part Four
Types of Loans Available for Small Businesses | KCSourceLink

Part Five

Types of Loans

From bank loans to factoring, learn about the types of loans that can help grow your business.

Read Part Five
Bank and SBA Loans | KCSourceLink

Part Six

SBA and Bank Loans

Is a traditional bank loan the right financing for your business? Here are your next steps.

Read Part Six
Meet Kansas City's Loan Providers | KCSourceLink

Part Seven

Kansas City Area Loan Funds

Meet Kansas City’s local loan providers.

Read Part Seven
Angel Investing in Kansas City | KCSourceLink

Part Eight

Angel Investing

What are angel investors—and is your startup ready for equity investment?

Read Part Eight
Venture Capital in Kansas City | KCSourceLink

Part Nine

Venture Capital

Find out what venture capital is, if your business is ready and who can help.

Read Part Nine
Technology Grants for Kansas City Entrepreneurs | KCSourceLink

Part Ten

Technology Grants

Find grants that fund research of high-risk, high-growth businesses.

Read Part Ten
List of Funded Kansas City Startups | KCSourceLink

Part Eleven

Which Kansas City Startups Received Funding

KCSourceLink tracks KC startups that received outside capital to grow their businesses.

Read Part Eleven