KC Reporter

In a recent announcement, the first phase of the Micro-Business Grant Program, part of the KC Small Business Capital Programs, has revealed its four grant recipients. Launched in February of 2024 with funding support from the Kauffman Foundation, the program has brought a new wave of support to micro-businesses in the Kansas City area.

The winners of the Micro-Business Grant Program were selected by a committee comprising various entrepreneurial support organizations, financial institutions, and business leaders. The surprise recipients, who thought they were attending final interviews, include The Next Paige, Patrice’s Culinary Collective, Bliss Books and Wine, and Mattie’s Foods.

Elaina Paige Thomas, owner of The Next Paige, expressed her gratitude for the program, stating, "Collaborating with the KC SMB Capital Programs was an immensely rewarding experience." Thomas added, "This grant will make an immediate impact on Kansas City’s talent by offering a secure environment for further education, enhancement, and networking opportunities."

La’Nesha Frazier, owner of Bliss Books and Wine, highlighted the significance of the grant for small businesses, emphasizing, "This grant is a lifeline for us; allowing us to stabilize and catch up on our expenses and meet our goal to hire additional employees."

The Micro-Business Grant Program aims to support Kansas City, Missouri-based businesses with ten employees or less that were operating prior to January 1, 2023. Applications for the second phase of the program are set to open in Summer 2024, providing another opportunity for local businesses to receive vital support.

For more information about the KC Small Business Capital Programs and future grant opportunities, interested parties can visit the KC Biz Care website or contact them directly at the provided phone number and email address.