Apply for a Grant | KC G.I.F.T

GRANT APPLICATION

Vine Street Brewing (previous grant recipient)

Thank you for your interest in the G.I.F.T. Grant Program. We are committed to providing funding opportunities that support the growth and sustainability of Black-owned businesses in Kansas City, Missouri.

Grant amounts and funding opportunities may vary throughout the year. Please review all eligibility requirements and application guidelines before submission.

ABOUT THE GRANT

This grant program supports Black-owned businesses with the potential to create jobs, strengthen local economies, and build long-term community wealth.

Our vision is to help build 10 sustainable Black-owned employers on Kansas City's East Side—businesses that, five years after receiving a grant, are still thriving, employ at least 25 people, and provide a living wage of at least $40,000 per year.

Through this grant opportunity, we invest in entrepreneurs building businesses that can create lasting economic impact for future generations.

To be eligible, businesses must:

Be at least 51% Black-owned
Be located in one of the following areas:
- Kansas City, MO: 9th Street to Bannister Road, Troost Avenue to Hardesty Avenue
- Southeast Kansas City
- Raytown
- Grandview
Have been generating revenue for at least 3 months
Have annual revenue that does not exceed $1 million
Demonstrate the potential to create jobs and contribute to economic growth within the community
Be properly registered and in good standing with the State of Missouri

GRANT GUIDELINES

APPLICATION
REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit a complete application and the following required documentation:

Required Documents

A detailed plan outlining how grant funds will be used
Articles of Incorporation or other official business formation documents
A current Letter of Good Standing from the State of Missouri
A most recent quarterly Profit & Loss (P&L) Statement for the business
A completed application and all requested business information
A $25 non-refundable application fee

Applications that are incomplete or missing required documentation may not be considered for funding.

This grant cycle includes a three-step review process designed to assess business readiness, growth potential, and overall impact.

Step 1: Application Submission
Interested businesses must submit a complete application and all required documentation by the application deadline.

Step 2: First Interview
Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a First Interview. This interview provides an opportunity for applicants to discuss their business, growth strategy, operational needs, and proposed use of grant funds.

Step 3: Second Interview
Seven finalists will advance to the Second Interview round.

Prior to the interview, finalists will receive a pitch deck template and must submit the completed presentation for review. During the interview, applicants will present their business, growth plans, anticipated impact, and proposed use of grant funds.

Two grant recipients will be selected following the completion of the review process.

REVIEW & SELECTION PROCESS

Grant Recipient Award and Technical Assistance Package

Grant recipients will receive a comprehensive business growth package that combines grant funding with one year of technical assistance services designed to support long-term business success.

Award Package Includes:

$25,000 in grant funding
One year of Business Coaching
Marketing Services
Legal Support
Accounting & Bookkeeping Support

These services are provided with the grant award to help recipients strengthen operations, increase sustainability, improve financial management, and accelerate business growth.