Starting or growing a small business takes more than just a great idea—it takes funding. Fortunately, the Kansas City metro region offers a variety of grants and small business loans designed to help local entrepreneurs succeed. Whether you’re launching a new venture or looking to expand, here’s a rundown of funding resources you should know about.

Grants for Small Businesses in Kansas City

Unlike loans, grants don’t require repayment, making them a highly sought-after form of funding. While grants are typically competitive and come with specific criteria, they can offer critical support for small businesses, especially those led by underrepresented entrepreneurs or focused on innovation.

1. LaunchKC

LaunchKC is a nonprofit initiative that provides grants to early-stage tech startups. Each year, they offer several $50,000 grants through a competitive process, along with access to mentoring, office space, and investor networks.

• Focus: Tech and innovation

• Who Should Apply: Startups with scalable models and growth potential

• Learn More: launchkc.org

2. KCSourceLink Resource Navigator

While KCSourceLink itself doesn’t offer grants, their Resource Navigator connects small businesses to a wide variety of funding sources, including local grant opportunities, pitch competitions, and technical assistance programs.

• Focus: All industries

• Who Should Use It: Entrepreneurs seeking personalized guidance on funding

• Learn More: kcsourcelink.com

3. The Porter House KC

Focused on empowering underserved entrepreneurs, The Porter House KC occasionally offers microgrants, business bootcamps, and access to capital programming.

• Focus: Minority-owned and underserved businesses

• Who Should Apply: Entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities in Kansas City

• Learn More: theporterhousekc.com

Small Business Loans in the Kansas City Region

Loans offer flexible funding options for businesses that need more capital than a grant might provide. Kansas City is home to a number of financial institutions and nonprofit lenders that specialize in helping small businesses grow.

1. AltCap

AltCap is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides affordable loans to entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank financing.

• Loan Size: Up to $250,000

• Ideal For: Underserved and underestimated entrepreneurs

• Bonus: They also offer technical assistance and educational programs.

• Website: alt-cap.org

2. Justine PETERSEN

This nonprofit lender partners with local organizations to offer microloans, credit building, and SBA lending. They work closely with minority- and women-owned businesses in the area.

• Loan Size: Typically $500–$50,000

• Focus: Credit building and financial coaching included

• Website: justinepetersen.org

3. Missouri and Kansas Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

While not direct lenders, the SBDCs provide one-on-one advising to help businesses secure funding. They’ll help you write business plans, prepare loan applications, and navigate SBA loan options.

• Services: Free or low-cost business advising

• Website: missourisbdc.org | kansassbdc.net

Getting Started: Tips for Success

1. Know What You Need – Before applying for a grant or loan, assess how much capital you need and what it will be used for.

2. Prepare Your Paperwork – Strong financials, a business plan, and documentation of your business’s impact or growth potential will go a long way.

3. Leverage Local Resources – Organizations like KCSourceLink, the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, and local chambers of commerce offer free resources and guidance.

Final Thoughts

The Kansas City metro area is rich with resources for entrepreneurs, and funding doesn’t have to be a barrier. Whether you’re looking for a grant to launch your dream or a loan to scale your business, there’s something here for you. Take the first step, tap into the networks available, and get the funding you need to thrive.