*Applications for 2017 are Closed*

Kansas State University has partnered with the Kansas Department of Commerce and KS State Bank to offer entrepreneurs across the state of Kansas the ability to access funding to help develop new ideas or grow Kansas-based goods-producing businesses. This grant program seeks to support the development of new business opportunities across the state that have the potential to generate revenue through product sales and create jobs in the near term. Grant awards from $5,000 up to $15,000 will be made on a case by case basis and will be judged on the strength of the application by a K-State advisory panel and approved by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Program Guidelines and Requirements

Applications are open to all Kansas-based individuals or companies, including but not limited to the following stages of development:

• Entrepreneurial concepts or ideas
• Proof of concept development
• Start‐ups (not limited to first stage)
• Existing company growth opportunities

The application should focus on how the funding will be utilized to move the project or business forward to achieving the next step in its growth process. This may include business planning, engineering support, prototyping, market assessments, marketing materials or other activities that would assist in adding value to the business. Grants will not be awarded to cover wages, bonuses, capital equipment purchases (in excess of $5,000), building purchases or other types of business relocation expenses.

Awardees will be required to report to K-State for a period of up to 18 months on the use of the funds and the impact it had on the venture. These reporting requirements may include:

• Additional capital raised by company
• Sales growth and projections
• Additional number of jobs created

Grant Awards

Grant awardees will typically be notified within 4 weeks of application if the application is approved or denied. If approved, a simply contractual award will be made and the entrepreneur will be responsible for submitting a plan of action and timeline for use of funding. Payment of award will be made in full upon execution of grant contract. All funding must be spent by awardee no later than August 31st, 2017. Entrepreneurs will be responsible for providing documentation of measureable outcomes as a result of the grant funding.

Application Instructions

Applications are closed for 2017.

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to: Chad Jackson, Director - Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship