New scholarship opportunities for urban entrepreneurs available in August

July 7, 2017  |  Meghan LeVota

Photo by Bobby Burch.

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

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

2017 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    From the pitch to the Plaza: KC Current flipping the switch on new retail shop in iconic shopping district

    By Tommy Felts | November 25, 2025

    Add team gear to the holiday shopping list this weekend. The Kansas City Current is kicking off a new permanent retail shop on the Country Club Plaza — just in time for the 2025 Plaza Lighting Ceremony. The Current Shop is set to open Wednesday, Nov. 26, in the former Starbucks building at 302 Nichols…

    Kauffman wraps three fast-paced rounds of capacity building: Meet the year’s final grantees

    By Tommy Felts | November 25, 2025

    A revised strategy to help nonprofit organizations strengthen their internal effectiveness and long-term stability — while still aligning with the Kauffman Foundation’s focus areas — next must showcase outcomes, said Allison Greenwood Bajracharya, announcing a final round of capacity building grant winners for 2025. Built with intentional versatility, capacity building grants are meant to meet…

    Five stocking stuffer gift ideas that brew support for women-owned KC businesses

    By Tommy Felts | November 24, 2025

    Editor’s note: The following holiday feature is presented by nbkc bank, where small businesses find big support [divide] Shopping with intention this season is just one way Kansas City gift-givers can squeeze local impact into each nook and cranny of those holiday stockings, said Melissa Eggleston, highlighting a sleigh-ful of women-owned businesses shoppers should bank…

    Their brands survived legal bruises; here’s what still keeps these founders up at night

    By Tommy Felts | November 24, 2025

    A brand worth building is worth safeguarding, said Bo Nelson, joining a chorus of battle-tested entrepreneurs at GEWKC who encouraged emerging business owners to trademark their own peace of mind early by locking down intellectual property — like designs, names and unique processes — from the start. “If you do have something that you genuinely,…