EncouragING and SupportING Entrepreneurs IN SHAWNEE COUNTY.
KANSAS COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND
NetWork Kansas introduces the Empower Fund to assist minority for-profit businesses and non-profit entities looking to obtain funding for business projects. This no-match program, a subset of the Kansas Community Investment Fund (KCIF), was created to further the mission of increasing access to funding in socially-disadvantaged populations. For the purposes of this loan program, “minority-owned” is defined as any organization that is at least 51% owned by a non-white person, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latino, and People of Color.
What is Shawnee StartUps?
Who We Are
Shawnee StartUps is an approved NetWork Kansas E-Community that allows a town, a cluster of towns, or an entire county to raise seed money for local entrepreneurs through donations from individuals or businesses within the community.
What We Do
Shawnee StartUps E-Community is in place to provide gap financing to help entrepreneurs start or grow a business in Shawnee County. The loan program matches up to 60% of other public sources of capital and/or funds from a financial institution such as a bank. Up to $45,000 can be provided per project. Funds are flexible and can be used for a variety of business purposes, including equipment, inventory, and working capital.
Testimonials
Essentia Spa
Juli’s Coffee & Bistro
Premier Farm & Home
The E-Community Partnership
Goals
Grow.
Grow a flourishing, sustainable entrepreneurial environment supportive of business startups and expansions
Engage.
Engage and develop entrepreneurial resources to meet identified community and business needs
Utilize.
Utilize the Shawnee County E-Community loan fund to partner with local lending providers to assist entrepreneurs in starting and growing a business
Who can receive the loan?
Qualifying Locations
To find out if your business is in a qualifying location, please contact us directly.
Qualifying Businesses
Anyone wishing to start, purchase, or expand a for-profit business in the rural, incorporated areas of Shawnee County or in the economically distressed areas of Topeka. For more information click on Loan Guidelines below.
Apply Now
Complete the application, include the one-time, nonrefundable application fee, and submit to the address included on the application form.
Explore Resources & Programs
Loan Specifications
Loan Size
Up to $45,000 in match funding with public capital partnership
Appropriate Uses
Purchase of business equipment
Purchase of business inventory
Working capital
Improvements to owned real estate
Real estate when partnered with commercial lender
Fees
$200 Application Fee - non-recurring
$500 closing cost for loan of $20,000 or less
$750 closing cost for loan over $20,000
E-Community Partnership
The E-Community Partnership has grown from 6 communities in 2007 to 64 in 2020. More than $21.8 million has been loaned to over 643 businesses leveraging an additional $99.9 million of additional capital (bank loans, owner down payment, resource partner loans, etc.). Donors receive a 75% Kansas state income tax credit for their donation. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar credit against income tax liability. For every $1,000 donated, donors will receive a $750 state income tax credit. Donors may also be eligible for a federal deduction if they are able to itemize on their tax return. The minimum donation amount per year is $250 and the maximum is $66,667.
Shawnee StartUps is in place to encourage and support the entrepreneurs of Shawnee County
Send Us A Message
If you have a question or need additional information, complete the form below to contact us.