New scholarship opportunities for urban entrepreneurs available in August
July 7, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
The Urban Business Growth Initiative announced it released new scholarship opportunities for urban entrepreneurs in Kansas City beginning in August.
Launched in 2013, the initiative offers a variety of programs that fuel urban business growth — whether that be counseling, classes or access to resources. The UBGI helped 92 scholarship award-winners generate $29.5 million in sales and $4.3 million in investment capital in 2016.
For entrepreneurs, vetting your idea can be costly. That’s why the UBGI pushes its services to low- and moderate-income individuals in the urban core who wish to start or grow businesses. With these scholarships, residents of Kansas City can test the feasibility of their businesses without hurting their wallets.
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.
Scholarships are limited, but all eligible and interested parties are asked to apply. For more information click here.
Here is more about the available courses:
FastTrac NewVenture
This course explores the feasibility of a business concept and teaches participants how to develop a viable business plan.
When: Tuesdays Aug. 1 — 29
Cost: $649, $75 with scholarship
FastTrac GrowthVenture
Targeting toward existing business owners, this class helps entrepreneurs improve business strategy and performance
When: Fridays Aug. 18 – Oct. 20
Cost: $795, $75 with scholarship
Icehouse Entrepreneurship Program
This program teaches aspiring business owners with an idea how to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset.
When: Aug. 30 — Oct. 18
Cost: $795, $75 with scholarship
FastTrac TechVenture
This course 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.
When: Sept. 27 —Nov. 29
Cost: $795, $75 with scholarship
Featured Business
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Tariffs are driving up costs for American coffee roasters: ‘We’ve never seen anything like this’
Editor’s note: The following story was published by Harvest Public Media and KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. [divide] Coffee has gotten a lot more expensive in the U.S. as tariffs seep into the price…
‘I absolutely refuse to fail’: Sweet Peaches founder battles for national spot in frozen dessert aisles
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. [divide] Denisha Jones is poised to turn America’s devotion to apple pie on…
Kiva KC brings zero-interest microloans to founders shut out of traditional capital
Editor’s note: The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC) and KC BizCare are partners of Startland News. [divide] Kansas City is betting that a global microlending model — one built on $25 contributions and community belief in everyday entrepreneurs — can help close one of the city’s most stubborn gaps: early-stage capital for founders…
How this startup (and a KC sports icon) turned young players into card-carrying legends overnight
An Overland Park-based custom trading card company and a Kansas City soccer star are teaming up on the pitch with a goal to make youth sports fun again. Stat Legend — launched by Chris Cheatham and Nick Weaver in 2023 — created custom cards for all 250 players who suit up for the Captains Soccer…