Kansas applications for $130 million in grants opens Wednesday

The portal for SPARK economic development and connectivity grant programs has opened for Kansas businesses, millions of dollars in grants now open to support businesses affected by COVID-19 and to expand broadband access.

TOPEKA (Kansas Office of the Governor) – Governor Laura Kelly today encouraged Kansas businesses to participate in the application process for more than $130 million in grants to support businesses affected by the pandemic and enable companies to expand broadband access in the state.

The portal to apply opens at noon Wednesday, Aug. 19 and the application portal for the SPARK economic development and connectivity grant programs will appear online.

“I strongly encourage business owners to apply first thing at noon today if they are eligible,” Kelly said.

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 distinct needs. Therefore, 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