Nearly 3,000 Kansas small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic received nearly $57 million in Small Business Working Capital grants, according to Gov. Laura Kelly.
The Coronavirus Relief Fund assisted some of the hardest-hit businesses in the state when they needed it most, according to the governor.
“We’ll use every resource we can to support small businesses as we recover from COVID-19,” Gov. Kelly said. “SBWC is just one of many programs we mobilized over the last year to strengthen and protect our businesses affected by COVID-19, so our businesses and our economy emerge from the pandemic stronger than before.”
Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees were eligible to apply for SBWC grant funding made available by Governor Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce through the federal CARES Act. Grant funds could be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, insurance, rent, mortgage payments, utilities, inventory and more.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the Kansas economy,” Lt. Gov. and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Our small business community has been valiant in weathering this unprecedented economic storm, and the Kelly administration will continue to do everything in its power to see them recover and grow. I’m pleased that this funding played a significant role in providing relief to so many businesses, but I know that there is still much work to do. We are here to support Kansas businesses and will continue to be a strong partner for them during this crisis and beyond.”
Nearly 3,000 small businesses across Kansas moved forward with critical support from SBWC grants.
Sixty-seven Wyandotte County businesses and nonprofit organizations received the Small Business Working Capital grants. To see a list of recipients, visit https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SBWC-Grant-Awardees.pdf.
As Kansas continues to see the benefit of the SBWC grants, the state is expecting an additional investment of small business funds through the recent passage of the American Recovery Plan, according to the governor’s office. From restaurant revitalization to an expanded paycheck protection program, these dollars will support hard hit small businesses and lift up the communities they serve, a spokesman stated.