Aug 13, 2020

SPARK grant application process for businesses announced

Posted Aug 13, 2020 7:18 PM

Kansas Department of Commerce

Website: kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief/

TODAY, Thursday, August 13th, at 4:00 PM the application will go live to view on the Website listed above.

Applications will not be accepted to submit until Wednesday, August 19th, at 12:00 PM.

There are $78.6 million in Economic Development funds and $60 million in Connectivity funds. Below are the nine grant programs becoming available:

1.    Small Business Working Capital Grants

Industries:

·         Arts & Entertainment Venue

·         Business/Professional Services

·         Communications & Marketing

·         Educational Services

·         Finance & Banking

·         Grocery

·         Healthcare & Medical

·         Logistics & Distribution

·         Manufacturing

·         Non-Profit

·         Personal Services

·         Restaurant & Hospitality

·         Retail

·         Other

Eligibility:

·         Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 FTE

·         Must have been in operation since July 1, 2019

·         Must be in good standing with Kansas Secretary of State

·         Must be able to demonstrate a loss of at least 25% of gross revenues from January 1, 2020-June 30, 2020, as compared to July 1, 2019-December 31, 2019

·         Must not have received more than $350K or more in Covid-19 related assistance from federal or local sources combined

***(FTE count, loss of 25%, and $350K+ from federal or local assistance – Are all allowed to be appealed for consideration)

Notes:

·         Maximum grant amounts vary by sector and need of business

·         Businesses are not guaranteed the full amount

·         Award determination will be made on several factors including number of employees, extend of business loss, etc.

·         Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds have depleted

2.    Securing Local Food Systems Grants

3.    PPE Procurement Grants

4.    PPE Manufacturing Grants

5.    Covid-19 Bioscience Product Development Acceleration Grants

6.    Connectivity Emergency Response Grant

7.    Broadband Partnership Adoption Grants

8.    IT, Cybersecurity, & IT Project Management Certification Training Grants

9.    Kansas Tech College Advanced Manufacturing Grants

For questions, email the Dept of Commerce at:[email protected]

The applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.