Pilot Micro Grant Program

The Overland Park Chamber Economic Development Council has launched a 2026 Pilot Micro Grant Program aimed at fostering growth and development for small businesses within the city of Overland Park, Kansas. The program is part of the Chamber's ongoing efforts to stimulate economic vitality at the local level, with a particular focus on providing early-stage and growth-stage small enterprises the opportunity to enhance operations, build capacity, and contribute meaningfully to the community’s commercial landscape. The Chamber's Economic Development Council (EDC) plays a central role in promoting sustainable business ecosystems, and this pilot initiative underscores their commitment to supporting scalable, locally rooted businesses. This grant offers micro-level funding between $500 and $3,000 to eligible small business applicants. The grant funds are to be used in alignment with specific business development activities, which include staff development initiatives (such as training, certifications, and professional development), launching or funding paid internships, commercial space improvements (such as signage, paint, or repairs), equipment purchases, technology upgrades (including hardware, point-of-sale systems, and connectivity tools), commercialization projects, and proof-of-concept development. An additional use case includes resources to support businesses contributing to services for a global soccer sporting event. Eligibility for this grant is limited to businesses located in Overland Park that have been operational for at least one year and maintain fewer than 25 full-time employees. Applicants must also be in good standing with the State of Kansas and able to demonstrate financial stability. Importantly, applicants are required to provide up to a $3,000 match, which may be in the form of either monetary contribution or in-kind investment. The matching requirement is a core aspect of the program, reinforcing a shared commitment between the funder and recipient to advancing the proposed project. The application period opened on January 5, 2026, and will close on March 15, 2026. Interested applicants must complete and submit the official grant application form, which is available through a provided link. All applications must be submitted by a business owner, partner, or major shareholder actively involved in the company’s daily operations. Submissions will be evaluated based on clear criteria that include eligibility status, alignment with permitted use cases, financial readiness, and the ability to fulfill the match requirement. Grants will be awarded in Spring 2026, following the close of the application window. No formal pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers are required. However, businesses are encouraged to ensure all eligibility and documentation requirements are met before submitting. Evaluation will prioritize proposals that show high potential for impact, alignment with the program’s funding categories, and evidence of preparedness to execute the proposed activities. For inquiries or additional support, interested parties may contact the Economic Development Council through the dedicated program email or the listed phone number. This is a non-recurring, pilot initiative, and as such, future rounds or iterations of this grant are not guaranteed. The grant is administered by a private organization and is intended solely for businesses based within Overland Park. Businesses not located within the city or those failing to meet the outlined eligibility criteria are not qualified for funding.