K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative

Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses as well as nonprofits, community organizations, municipalities and other groups that have a clear focus on entrepreneurship and business development.

Applicants must emphasize collaborating with multiple local, regional or statewide partners. Examples of partners include NetWork Kansas, K-State Research and Extension, and one or more of the following: Kansas Small Business Development Center; Kansas State University resources, such as the Technology Development Institute, the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, the Office of Engagement, or other K-State entities; Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center; GO Topeka; and other statewide resource partners or higher education institutions.

Here are some important items related to project requirements.

• Projects must be centered on entrepreneurship/small business development.
• Exclusions include projects related to child care, housing and health care.
• The project cost should be no greater than $125,000, subject to approval. Funding will be one-time support.
• A minimum of 25% matching funds or in-kind support relative to the amount requested is required.
• Matching funds can be hard costs, including loans and/or investment. In addition, matching funds can include local, state or federal grants, subject to verification with a three-month look back from the application submission date. The match must be clearly linked to the project proposed for funding through the K-State 105 grant.

• Expected connectivity: K-State 105 is building connections and partnerships across the state. Selected projects will emphasize collaborating with multiple local, regional or statewide partners as applicable. Examples of partners include NetWork Kansas, K-State Research and Extension, and one or more of the following: Kansas Small Business Development Center; Kansas State University resources, such as the Technology Development Institute, the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, the Office of Engagement, or other K-State entities; Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center; GO Topeka; and other statewide resource partners or higher education institutions.

Projects should address identified K-State 105 metrics, including but not limited to creating direct jobs, attracting and leveraging private and public capital and equity investment, establishing or expanding new businesses, and securing funding or substantive technical assistance for businesses, entrepreneurs, communities and municipalities.

Learn more details and read about the one-time funding opportunity. (PDF)

The primary goal of the K-State 105 Entrepreneurial Blueprint Initiative is to support projects that:

• Establish or expand local small businesses.
• Provide technical assistance and business mentorship.
• Leverage local capital investments to stimulate economic growth.
• Can see measurable and meaningful impacts before June 30, 2025.
• Collaborate with multiple local, regional or statewide partners, as applicable.

Some project examples might include, but are not limited to: business/food incubator space and/or retail hub, co-working facility, makerspace, community kitchen, revolving loan fund, retail hub and enhanced business programming among other ideas. New and innovative ideas are encouraged.

Funding is intended as one-time support for projects that demonstrate substantial community impact. There is no guarantee that an application will receive funding. Additionally, there is no expectation that a project will receive follow-on funding.

Before submitting an application for review, the project concept should be pre-screened through the NetWork E-Community regional manager in your area. View a map and find contact information for the E-Community regional managers across Kansas. (PDF)

The K-State 105 leadership team will review applications and choose projects to fund. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2024.

Learn more details and read about the one-time funding opportunity. (PDF)