Granting Opportunities: Small businesses can apply for micro grants through March 15

Small businesses can apply for micro grants through the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce through March 15. Applications opened on Jan. 5, and the 10-15 available grants will range from $500 to $3,000.

Any small business located in Overland Park is able to apply for the grants, including SM East student and family-owned businesses. 

The grants can be used for technology upgrades, staff development, such as certifications and preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup — the funds may be used to support extra inventory or management during the soccer event.

A business must have fewer than 25 full-time employees, be in business for a year or more, demonstrate financial stability and be able to match up to $3,000 in a grant award to be considered. Matching a grant means the business would provide half of the funds needed for a project. 

This is the first year for the micro grant program, with a total of $35,000 to disperse. The total money was raised through a year of fundraising presentations, run by Chamber president and CEO Tracey Osborne, with around 100 local companies.

“We're setting the base for what the needs [are] of our community in Overland Park,” Economic Development Director and Chamber Staff Member Katie Lindgren said. “How do we best support small businesses so that we can grow the funding for next year to really make a difference in small business owners' lives?”

Osborne encourages high school students to be aware of the program for possible future careers in Overland Park. 

“We think it's important for high school students to understand that Overland Park is a really great place to do business,” Osborne said. “When they're finished with school and are looking for that place for their future, whether they are entrepreneurs or business owners, there are so many businesses and opportunities.”

Senior Addy Sullivan, an owner of a dropshipping and a lawn mowing business, is reassured by her community through support for her business ambitions.

“It really just helps all business owners,” Sullivan said. “I do have a decent amount of cash from all my [businesses], but actually trying to find investors to help is one of the most important things. This is actually an amazing thing, it’s really exciting.”

The program is a part of the five-year plan, Opportunity NOW. The plan is split into three parts: a hope to attract and keep workers in Overland Park, improve existing businesses and cultivate a business-friendly environment, according to the Chamber’s website. 

The micro grant program falls under the economic hope to improve existing businesses, according to Lindgren. As of Feb. 24, the Chamber had received 38 grant applications. 

Although Scott Hull, the owner of KidsZone — an entertainment business located in Overland Park — isn’t applying for the grant, the funds could help with marketing and purchasing new equipment, according to owner Scott Hull.

“I think [this program] is great,” Hull said. “I don't think a lot of communities are doing that. I think Overland Park is really trying to be more visionary. So I'm not surprised they have this program.”

When evaluating the applications, the Chamber is looking for small businesses to make specific requests for money, show the effect the funds would have on their future and demonstrate a plan for their business. The application includes questions such as the number of years a business has operated, the purpose for running the business and the type of funding request.

Lindgren and Osborne are excited to see how the program impacts small businesses in the months after March 15.

“Small businesses are really the meat and potatoes of a community,” Lindgren said. “Small businesses are typically the reason why people move to a region, it adds the character for a region, and we want to support those small businesses to stay and grow in Overland Park and continue to make this community a really vibrant place to live and work and play.”