K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Intiative funding opportunity

This funding opportunity is intended for community initiatives that focus on entrepreneurship and small business development.

Organizations eligible to complete the application include nonprofits (chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, community foundations, etc.), community organizations/groups, municipalities and other groups that work closely in the entrepreneurship and small business space. For-profit businesses can be involved in the application if they are part of the project/initiative but they are not eligible to complete the application and have oversight of it.

See a list of project examples.

Applications should be coordinated with the NetWork E-Community regional manager in your area. View a map and find contact information for the E-Community regional managers across Kansas. (PDF)

Applicants must emphasize collaborating with multiple local, regional or statewide partners. Examples of partners include NetWork Kansas, K-State Research and Extension, and one or more of the following: Kansas Small Business Development Center; Kansas State University resources, such as the Technology Development Institute, the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, the Office of Engagement, or other K-State entities; Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center; GO Topeka; and other statewide resource partners or higher education institutions.

Here are some important items related to project requirements.

• Projects must be centered on entrepreneurship/small business development.
• Exclusions include projects related to child care, housing and health care.
• The project cost should be no greater than $125,000, subject to approval. Funding will be one-time support.
• A minimum of 25% matching funds or in-kind support relative to the amount requested is required.
• Matching funds can be hard costs, including loans and/or investment. In addition, matching funds can include local, state or federal grants, subject to verification with a three-month look back from the application submission date. The match must be clearly linked to the project proposed for funding through the K-State 105 grant.

• Expected connectivity: K-State 105 is building connections and partnerships across the state. Selected projects will emphasize collaborating with multiple local, regional or statewide partners as applicable. Examples of partners include NetWork Kansas, K-State Research and Extension, and one or more of the following: Kansas Small Business Development Center; Kansas State University resources, such as the Technology Development Institute, the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, the Office of Engagement, or other K-State entities; Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center; GO Topeka; and other statewide resource partners or higher education institutions.

Projects should address identified K-State 105 metrics, including but not limited to creating direct jobs, attracting and leveraging private and public capital and equity investment, establishing or expanding new businesses, and securing funding or substantive technical assistance for businesses, entrepreneurs, communities and municipalities.

The primary goal of the K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative is to support projects that:

• Establish or expand local small businesses.
• Provide technical assistance and business mentorship.
• Leverage local capital investments to stimulate economic growth.
• Can see measurable and meaningful impacts before June 30, 2025.
• Collaborate with multiple local, regional or statewide partners, as applicable.

It is expected that the project will begin/break ground/roll out within 90 days of funding and that the applicant will provide quarterly milestone updates to NetWork Kansas, K-State Research and Extension and K-State 105.

The main goal of this initiative is to see measurable progress and meaningful impacts before June 30, 2025. While some projects might not be fully completed by that date, projects must show significant progress and impacts within that timeframe. Projects should set a solid foundation for continued development.

Some project examples might include, but are not limited to: business/food incubator space and/or retail hub, co-working facility, makerspace, community kitchen, retail hub and enhanced business programming among other ideas. New and innovative ideas are encouraged.

While the funds are not explicitly excluded from being used for salaries, it is important to note that projects centered on entrepreneurship, building or strengthening partnerships and small business development are the primary focus. Proposals that align more closely with creating direct jobs, leveraging capital investments and establishing or expanding businesses are likely to score higher in our evaluation process.

If salary expenses are included, the applicant must clearly demonstrate how the project will sustain itself once the grant funds are exhausted. This could involve identifying additional funding sources, generating revenue or using other strategies to ensure ongoing financial support.

Funding is intended as one-time support for projects that demonstrate substantial community impact. There is no guarantee that an application will receive funding. Additionally, there is no expectation that a project will receive follow-on funding.

Before submitting an application for review, the project concept should be pre-screened through the NetWork E-Community regional manager in your area. View a map and find contact information for the E-Community regional managers across Kansas. (PDF)

The K-State 105 leadership team will review applications and choose projects to fund.