With scholarships available, urban business effort grows Kansas City

An effort to increase entrepreneurship in the urban core of Kansas City is increasing its area economic impact as well as its scholarship opportunities.

Launched in 2013, the Urban Business Growth Initiative offers a variety of programs that help applicants access resources, classes and counseling to create jobs and support urban business growth.

The UBGI helped its 92 scholarship award-winners generate $29.5 million in sales and $4.3 million in investment capital in 2016, according to a report from the UMKC Innovation Center.  The report also found that the program helped retain about 130 jobs and create 83 new positions.

The UBGI is funded by the City of Kansas City, Mo. and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The initiative is a collaboration of KC BizCare, KCSourcelink, UMKC Small Business and Technology Development Center, the Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Justine PETERSEN and the Women’s Business Center. The initiative pushes its services to low- and moderate-income individuals in the urban core who wish to start or grow businesses.

“The UBGI is defining the path to economic mobility for Kansas City entrepreneurs,” assistant city manager Rick Usher said in a release.

Below is more information on upcoming winter scholarship opportunities. Eligible applicants must live or own a business in Kansas City. Accepted participants may select one free class and one $75 class. To apply, click here.

Winning Government Contracts:The First Steps

When: Jan. 5, Feb 2. Mar 2. Apr 6 and May 4

Cost: no cost with scholarship

Explains how to get started in government contracting including federal, state and local government registration and certification.

Construction Business Management

When: Jan. 17 – March 7

Cost: $645, $75 with scholarship

Assists construction business owners with issues of growth.

FastTrac® NewVenture™

When: Jan. 17 – Feb. 14

Cost: $649, $75 with scholarship

Explores the feasibility of a business concept and teaches participants how to develop a viable business plan.

FastTrac® TechVenture™

When: Feb. 8 – April 12
Cost: $795, $75 with scholarship

Provides technology and science-based entrepreneurs with a proven framework and network of connections to help grow a great idea into the next viable innovation.