Kansas

Kansas offers several programs aimed at workforce development, with a particular focus on youth employment and skill-building. Programs like The Way to Work (TWTW) Summer Youth Program and the Youth Job Training Program provide funding and job opportunities that help young people develop essential workplace skills, supporting communities and businesses across Kansas.

The Way to Work (TWTW) Summer Youth Program

• Purpose: Empowers youth with tools and resources to become successful employees.
• Eligibility: Youth aged 14-17 who meet income guidelines.
• Benefit: Provides summer job opportunities and teaches self-sufficiency skills.
• Application process: Applications are typically managed locally in Wichita, KS.
• More info: Contact Wichita’s local workforce agencies for additional details on eligibility and application.

Kansas grants for small businesses

For Kansas grants for small businesses, programs like The Way to Work (TWTW) Summer Youth Program and the Youth Job Training Program offer pathways for youth employment and training, which benefit local communities and help businesses access motivated young workers.

Other relevant programs in Kansas

• Small Business Research & Development Acceleration Grants: Provides up to $25,000 for small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to fund product and service development, prototyping, testing, and marketing. Offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce.
• GROWKS Loan Program: Matches up to $100,000 from other financial institutions for businesses with under 500 employees. Funds can be used for working capital, startup costs, inventory, and more.
• NetWork Kansas Startup Kansas Loan: Matches investments up to 150%, with up to $45,000 available for working capital, inventory, and equipment. Aimed at helping businesses with financing gaps.
• NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership Revolving Loan Fund: Offers gap financing up to $45,000, matching loans from other public financial institutions. Suitable for both startups and existing small businesses.
• SBA Community Advantage Mid-Size Loan: Provides longer-term funding for disadvantaged business owners and businesses in low/moderate-income areas, supporting businesses valued under $15 million.
• SBA Microloans: Offers up to $50,000 for women, minorities, veterans, and other underserved groups. Can be used for working capital, inventory, and equipment.
• Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit: Provides tax credits to investors in Kansas small businesses, helping to attract capital to startups and growing businesses.
• Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Program: Offers student loan repayments and income tax waivers for businesses operating in designated rural Kansas counties.
• High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP): Provides tax credits of up to 10% on eligible capital investments for businesses paying above-average wages.
• Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK): Allows companies to retain up to 95% of payroll withholding taxes for up to 10 years, supporting job creation and retention.