Applications for second round of CARES Act funding in Kansas to open next week

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has announced that applications will open Aug. 19 for the second round of CARES Act funding, a total of more than $130 million in grants being made available to businesses in the state.

TOPEKA (Kansas Office of the Governor) – Governor Laura Kelly has announced businesses will soon be able to apply for a total of more than $130 million in grants to serve those most affected by the pandemic and for companies that can expand broadband access in the state.

Information on SPARK economic development and connectivity grant programs can now be found online at kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief. Grant applications will be accepted beginning at 12:00 p.m. Wed., Aug. 19, 2020.

“These funds will both provide necessary immediate relief to businesses and contribute to a more strategic, competitive Kansas economy in the future,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I want to thank the SPARK Taskforce for recommending these strategic investments and the State Finance Council for approving the use of these funds.”

In addition to providing financial relief, grants will be available to businesses whose products and services will be needed in greater volume to help combat the virus and its effects. Funding is also being made available to expand broadband access both through infrastructure improvements and by partnerships with internet service providers to serve low-income households. These grants are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act.

This pandemic has affected each sector differently, with industries having very different needs from one another. With this in mind, applications for grants are being made available in the following categories: 

Small Business Working Capital Grants

Securing Local Food Systems Grants

PPE Procurement Grants

PPE Manufacturing Grants

COVID-19 Bioscience Product Development Acceleration Grants

Connectivity Emergency Response Grants

Broadband Partnership Adoption Grants

Domestic Supply Chain Fortification Grant
IT, Cybersecurity & IT Project Management Certification Training Grants

Higher Education Advanced Manufacturing & IT Equipment Grants