NetWork Kansas, in partnership with K-State 105, is offering a one-time funding opportunity through the Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative. This grant program aims to bolster entrepreneurship and small business development across all counties in Kansas. The initiative aligns with the broader mission of fostering economic growth and community vitality by supporting new and early-stage projects. The overall strategic priority is to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the state.
The primary beneficiaries of this program are for-profit businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, municipalities, and other groups focused on entrepreneurship and business development. The grant is designed to support projects that can demonstrate substantial community impact by June 30, 2025. Key impact goals include creating direct jobs, attracting private and public capital, establishing or expanding new businesses, and securing funding or technical assistance for various entities.
The funding opportunity prioritizes projects that establish or expand local small businesses, provide technical assistance and business mentorship, and leverage local capital investments to stimulate economic growth. Collaboration with multiple local, regional, or statewide partners is also a significant focus. This strategic approach reflects a theory of change where targeted support for entrepreneurial endeavors leads to measurable economic benefits and stronger communities.
Each approved project can request up to $125,000 in funding, with a minimum 25% match required. The expected outcomes include a tangible increase in direct jobs, successful attraction and leverage of investment, the creation or expansion of new businesses, and the provision of critical support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. These results are directly tied to K-State 105 metrics, ensuring that the grants contribute to a quantifiable and meaningful impact on the state's entrepreneurial landscape.
