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

[adinserter block="4"]

2017 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    Founders discuss tough decisions entrepreneurs face

    By Tommy Felts | May 6, 2015

    Two founders took the stage at Kansas City’s chapter of 1 Million Cups to discuss the vast variety of tough decisions entrepreneurs face when starting and running a business. Stuart Ludlow, co-founder of RFP 365 and Sarah Shipley, co-founder of BikeWalkKC, offered insights and advice for those launching a business. Read about RFP365’s recent funding…

    Lenexa studio joins national coworking relief effort for Nepal

    By Tommy Felts | May 6, 2015

    Despite the nearly 8,000 miles between them, a Kansas City-area coworking studio is helping with relief efforts in Nepal after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake destroyed hundreds of buildings and claimed thousands of lives. Lenexa-based Plexpod has joined the international “Coworking for Nepal” movement that has attracted dozens of studios to encourage fundraising for Nepal relief…

    KC’s first innovation officer reflects on work, city’s tech future

    By Tommy Felts | May 5, 2015

    After more than two years of service, Ashley Hand is leaving the driver’s seat of Kansas City’s innovation efforts. Hand, who soon will be departing as Kansas City’s chief innovation officer, was tasked with implementing innovative strategies to improve how city government can better serve Kansas Citians. The city will be accepting applications for the…

    Welcome to Startland News

    By Tommy Felts | May 2, 2015

    Scrappy. Determined. Gritty. Those often were the words attributed to the Kansas City Royals as the team unexpectedly surged into the 2014 World Series and captured the national spotlight. Those very words are apt for this city, which has been built on the grit and determination of successful entrepreneurs like Ewing Kauffman, Joyce Hall, Henry…