Small Business Grants in Kansas
Kansas offers approximately 15 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and its partner organization, NetWork Kansas.
In This Article
Which Kansas grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 13 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Kansas Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Kansas small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Small Business R&D Acceleration Grants
Kansas Department of Commerce
Up to $25,000
RollingA 50/50 matching grant that pairs Kansas small businesses with public higher education institutions to advance a product or service to commercialization, enter a new market, or gain a new client.
Status check, Page describes ACCEL-KS program supporting early-stage startups with proof-of-concept development, mentorship, and funding resources through partner organizations. No application deadline or specific grant amount mentioned on page.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
GrowKS Loan Fund (SSBCI)
NetWork Kansas / Kansas Department of Commerce
Up to $1,000,000
RollingFunded by $69M from the U.S. Treasury's State Small Business Credit Initiative, this program provides subordinated companion loans matching private capital. Note: this is a loan program, not a grant. It prioritizes underserved communities.
Status check, The GrowKS Loan Fund is currently open with no fixed closing date. Applications are reviewed bi-monthly or on a rolling basis depending on loan type. No paused or closed notices found on official Network Kansas or Kansas Commerce pages.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
SEED Grants (Strategic Economic Expansion and Development)
Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity / Kansas Department of Commerce
Up to $25,000
Deadline Oct 28, 2025Grants supporting economic revitalization in Kansas communities with populations under 5,000. Eligible projects include childcare, community vibrancy, food retail, and library improvements. A minimum 10% local match is required.
Status check, The application portal closed on Tuesday, October 28th at 11:59 PM. Page states to contact email with questions but does not indicate when or if it will reopen.
Last verified, Jul 10, 2026
Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK)
Kansas Department of Commerce
Up to 95% payroll withholding tax retention for 7-10 years
RollingA business incentive allowing companies to retain or be refunded 95% of the payroll withholding tax for qualified new jobs created in Kansas. Basic projects require at least 5 new jobs in non-metro areas or 10 in metro areas.
Status check, PEAK applications are accepted year-round and must be submitted prior to locating, relocating or hiring new jobs in Kansas. Program offers up to 95% payroll withholding tax retention for 7-10 years depending on project size.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP)
Kansas Department of Commerce
10% tax credit on capital investment, plus training credit up to $50,000
RollingProvides tax incentives to qualifying employers who pay above-average wages and invest in employee training. Includes a 10% investment tax credit for capital expenditures exceeding $50,000 (or $1M in metro counties) with a 16-year carryforward.
Status check, Applications for HPIP are accepted year round. Program provides 10% tax credit on capital investment plus training credit up to $50,000. Contact Richard Martinez at 785-207-1660.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 10, 2026
Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ)
Kansas Department of Commerce
Up to $15,000 in student loan repayment plus 100% state income tax credit
Deadline Jun 30, 2026Provides financial incentives to individuals who relocate to one of 77 designated rural Kansas counties, including state income tax waivers for up to five years and student loan repayment assistance. Designed to attract residents and businesses to rural areas.
Status check, The page states an application deadline of June 30, 2026 and notes this is the last year for the program. That deadline has passed and the program has ended.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Kansas Registered Apprenticeship Small Business Grants
Kansas Department of Commerce
$7,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2026One-time grants for small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees to support registration of new apprentices in high-wage, high-demand occupations. Covers training equipment, instruction, and related costs.
Status check, The most recent round closed April 30, 2026, or earlier if funds were exhausted. No new round is currently open. The program operates in time-limited rounds and may reopen, but no future deadline has been announced.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Office of Minority and Women Business Development
Kansas Department of Commerce
Varies
RollingProvides information, referrals, procurement assistance, and statewide certification for disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses in Kansas. Administers the DBE, MBE, WBE, and ACDBE certification programs.
Status check, The Office of Minority and Women Business Development is listed as an active ongoing service on the Kansas Department of Commerce Business Incentives and Financing page, with no application deadline, closure notice, or discontinuation indicated.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Kansas grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Kansas grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Kansas.
Women-owned Business Grants
Kansas supports women-owned businesses through the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, which provides certification, procurement referrals, and contracting opportunities. The GrowKS Loan Fund also prioritizes women-led businesses.
- ›Office of Minority and Women Business Development
- ›GrowKS Loan Fund
- ›Kansas City Women's Business Center
Minority-owned Business Grants
The Kansas Department of Commerce administers a statewide certification program for disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses (DBE, MBE). The GrowKS programs include specific loan tracks for minority-led starter and growth businesses.
- ›Office of Minority and Women Business Development
- ›GrowKS Loan Fund
- ›Kansas Department of Commerce
Rural Business Grants
Kansas offers extensive rural business support, including SEED grants for communities under 5,000 population, Rural Opportunity Zones covering 77 counties with tax waivers and student loan repayment, and the PEAK program with lower job-creation thresholds for non-metro areas.
- ›SEED Grants
- ›Rural Opportunity Zones
- ›Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
The Small Business R&D Acceleration Grants provide matching funds up to $25,000 for businesses partnering with Kansas higher education institutions to advance products to commercialization. The GrowKS Equity Programs also support early-stage tech ventures.
- ›Small Business R&D Acceleration Grants
- ›GrowKS Equity Programs
- ›ACCEL-KS
Tips for Applying in Kansas
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register with the Kansas Business Center One Stop (ksbiz.kansas.gov) to access state resources and verify your business meets Kansas requirements before applying for any programs.
- 2Connect with a Kansas SBDC advisor at one of 8 regional centers across the state for free, confidential guidance on grant applications and business planning.
- 3For GrowKS programs, you must work with a NetWork Kansas-approved resource partner to submit your application. Contact NetWork Kansas at 1-877-521-8600 to get connected.
- 4Many Kansas grant programs, including SEED grants, require a local match of at least 10%. Secure your matching funds before submitting your application.
- 5If you operate a minority- or women-owned business, obtain your DBE, MBE, or WBE certification through the Kansas Department of Commerce's Office of Minority and Women Business Development to access additional procurement and contracting opportunities.
State Economic Development Agency
Kansas Department of Commerce
The state's lead economic development agency administering business incentives, grant programs, workforce training, and entrepreneurial support for Kansas small businesses.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Kansas can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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