Meet the Winners of KC’s First Micro-business Grants; $55K Awarded to Women of Color
Kansas City witnessed a groundbreaking function this Thursday as an unprecedented initiative was unveiled to award a total of $55,000 in grants to women of color helming micro-businesses. The four proud recipients of the grants bear testimony to the vibrant business talent and innovative spirit that KC fosters.
Revitalizing the Business Fabric of KC
A joint collaboration between the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC) and KC BizCare led to the creation of the Micro-Business Grant Program, a committed effort targeting micro-businesses in Kansas City, Missouri. This initiative is part of the diverse array of new programs under the umbrella of The Kansas City Small Business (KC SMB) Capital Programs, all set on empowering local entrepreneurs.
The Successful Four
Underscoring the outstanding entrepreneurial flair of KC, the four winners of the first phase of the Micro-Business Grant Program are The Next Paige, Patrice’s Culinary Collective, Bliss Books and Wine, and Mattie’s Foods. These businesses, now infused with fresh funding, represent an eclectic mix of industries – from talent management and culinary services to independent bookstores and vegan food production.
- The Next Paige, led by Elaina Paige Thomas, received $25,000. The Next Paige is a one-stop-shop for full-service talent management, event space, and media resource center.
- Patrice’s Culinary Collective, run by Dr. Karen Boyd, won $10,000. The collective aims to knit the community over excellent food, with services like culinary teaching and a broad range of catering services.
- Bliss Books and Wine, owned by La’Nesha Frazier, was also awarded $10,000. The business operates as an independent bookstore and community gathering place, effectively bridging the gap between social drinking and introverted reading.
- Mattie’s Foods, spearheaded by Arvelisha Woods, bagged the grant amount of $10,000. This firm is a vegan manufacturing company known for high-quality plant-based retail products and catering services.
The Selection Process
A committee composed of representatives from various entrepreneurial support organizations, financial entities, and business leaders selected the top four recipients based on evaluation criteria applied to the applications.
Looking Ahead to Phase Two
The second phase of the Micro-Business Grant Program is scheduled to commence by Summer 2024, inviting applications from KC, Missouri-based businesses with a team of ten employees or less.
What the Grants Encapsulate
The awarded grants entail far more than just financial aid. For the recipients, the grant program also promises technical assistance in business plan development or reconstruction, feasibility, financial structuring, and collateral and business assessments. In correlation with the Kauffman FastTrac program, the grant winners will also earmark SMART goals and lay out a tactical improvement plan in sync with expense and repayment accountability plans.
The Future of Entrepreneurship in KC
This unprecedented initiative, generated by the combined efforts of EDCKC and KC Bizcare, unleashes potential within the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of Kansas City. More financial support, including small business development accounts and loan application preparation programs, are in the pipeline, ready to invigorate the city’s business landscape even more.
