Kansas City Takes Action to Support Local Businesses Hit by Vandalism
Kansas City has recently launched a new initiative aimed at helping small businesses that have fallen victim to vandalism and property crimes. The establishment of the Back to Business Grant Fund comes in response to a concerning trend of break-ins and criminal acts affecting local shops, restaurants, and commercial buildings in the area.
Fund Creation and Purpose
On September 19, the Kansas City City Council unanimously passed **Ordinance 240828**, which approved the creation of the Back to Business Grant Fund. This decision allocated a total of $325,000 from the unappropriated balance of the city’s Violence Prevention and Intervention Fund. This fund is designed to provide financial relief to small businesses dealing with the fallout from vandalism and theft, helping them recover and maintain their operations.
Growing Concerns for Small Businesses
It’s no secret that small businesses are the backbone of our communities. However, many owners feel the pinch of operating on thin margins, and incidents like burglary can be particularly devastating. The recent break-in at The Borough, a local restaurant in downtown Marlborough, where the thieves absconded with a bottle of V8 juice, is just one example of the troubling trend affecting business owners in Kansas City.
This rising wave of vandalism prompted Mayor Quinton Lucas to propose the Back to Business Grant Fund at a press conference earlier in September. There, he articulated the struggles that small business owners face, highlighting that even a small amount of financial assistance can be immensely beneficial. “When you have a break-in… maybe a few thousand dollars doesn’t seem like a lot, but it is a lot to them,” the mayor said.
Voices from the Community
Business owners have echoed similar sentiments. Joe Giammanco, owner of City Barrel, shared his frustration with the increase in criminal activity, stating it was “extremely upsetting” to deal with such issues. He added that programs like the grant fund could help them refocus on what they do best—running their businesses. “I am really grateful for this program,” he noted, expressing hope for the future.
Nia Richardson, managing director of the KC Biz Care office, also acknowledged the necessity of the fund, saying, “While I was excited to figure out how to build this program out, I am not happy that we have to do this.” She is hopeful that the grant will relieve some stress for small business owners, even if it’s not a complete solution to the problem.
Looking Towards the Future
While the Back to Business Grant Fund is a timely response to immediate needs, several business owners believe it’s crucial to address the deeper issues behind these crimes. This sentiment was echoed by Sixth District City Councilman Jonathan Duncan, who believes in the need for both immediate relief and long-term solutions. He stated, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure…while the Back to Business Fund provides important immediate relief to businesses, it cannot replace long-term investment in our communities.”
Grant Availability and Application Process
The KC Biz Care office is set to begin accepting applications for the Back to Business Grant Fund starting in October. Businesses may receive grants of up to $3,000 for repairs related to vandalism and burglaries that occurred between July 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025. Furthermore, businesses looking to invest in security measures can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to cover costs associated with enhancing their safety protocols.
To qualify for the program, applicants will need to have a current business license in Kansas City, Missouri. Interested parties can visit the city’s website to submit a Back to Business Grant Interest Form to receive updates on the application process and additional information.
Conclusion
The new Back to Business Grant Fund represents a vital step in supporting Kansas City’s small businesses during challenging times. By providing immediate financial assistance while also setting the stage for long-term community investment, Kansas City aims to create a safer and more resilient environment for local entrepreneurs.
