New funding initiative strengthens small business growth in Kansas City
Kansas City, Mo – The first round of disbursement from the Back to Business Fund, providing critical support to small local businesses impacted by property crime, have been announced.
The City will distribute more than $70,000 from the Back to Business Fund to more than 30 small businesses this week. The fund will support small business owners for repairs of damaged property including broken windows, doors, and graffiti removal. The funding will also be used for preventative security measures including cameras and locks.
“Kansas City’s small businesses are what make our community great, and we must ensure they have the resources to thrive. The Back to Business Fund shows our commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs during challenging times, while investing in the long-term resilience of our small business community,” said Mayor Lucas. “The Back to Business funds will help our local businesses quickly recover and get back to business after a break in. It’s just one of the many ways we are working to support our business community, while improving public safety across Kansas City.”
About 120 applications have been submitted to date, with many business owners still finalizing repairs and preventative measures. Business owners are required to submit receipts or invoices to receive reimbursement grants.
Eligibility Criteria:
Must have a storefront in Kansas City, Missouri
Be independently owned with fewer than 50 employees
Demonstrate physical damage from break-ins or preventative actions taken after July 1, 2024.
Certain entities, including property owners without active businesses and non-commercial spaces, are ineligible.
Funding remains available for businesses who need support, and they are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before funding runs out.
Find more information on eligibility and how to apply at KCMO.gov. For more information, visit KC BizCare, email KC BizCare or call (816) 513-2491.
The Back to Business Fund is just one step in efforts to address crime and concerns regarding public safety in Kansas City. Other initiatives include:
- Plan to return booking and holding space to the 8th floor of KCPD Headquarters to facilitate more arrests.
- Hosted CID Roundtable, bringing together more than 20 CID from across Kansas City to discuss public safety shortfalls and solutions.
- Proposal to the state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners to support an automated camera enforcement system, which will not only reduce collisions and improve public safety but will also free up our valuable and slim officer resources, allowing them to focus on other pressing community needs.
- Proposal to the state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners to unify KCPD and KCFD 911 dispatch systems.
- #SmallBusinessSupport #LocalEconomy #BusinessGrowth
