Business Start-up / Launch Support Grant

Business Start-up/Launch Support Grant

Wilson Economic Development was established in 1973 with a mission to promote population and economic growth by improving the availability of housing, supporting local businesses and engaging in projects to enhance the quality of life for all individuals in Wilson. In 2024, the Wilson Economic Development and the Wilson Chamber of Commerce joined forces to allow a unified and more powerful platform for promoting economic growth and business development in our community. This partnership brings together the strengths of both organizations whose programs play a vital role in fostering the growth of local businesses and attracting new investments for our community members by allowing us to expand our services, advocacy, and community development efforts.

Program Overview
The Business Start-Up/Launch Support Grant Program supports the creation and launch of new small businesses in the Wilson community. This grant aims to stimulate economic growth, revitalize main streets, and foster entrepreneurship in underpopulated areas with limited access to capital.

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

•	Business must be new or in operation for less than 24 months
•	Business must be located in the 67490 zipcode area
•	Business must have a commercial presence or have a plan to acquire or build
•	Priority will be given (but is not required) to businesses that: o Fill a community need (e.g., grocery, childcare, trades) o Add to downtown vibrancy o Create at least one local job

Eligible Expenses
Funding can be used for project(s) including but not limited to:

•	Business registration and licensing fees
•	Marketing, signage, or branding materials
•	Equipment or inventory purchases
•	Building rent or lease (up to 3 months)
•	Technology, software, or POS systems
•	Vendor tents or mobile setups for market-based plan

Grant Details
A grant review committee will evaluate applications based on business need, project impact, and alignment with program goals. Recipients will have one year from date the funds are dispersed to complete projects. Applicants will be responsible for submitting proof of project completion, including after photos.

Terms of Grant

This agreement details the responsibilities of the Wilson Economic Development (Eco Devo) and your business (grantee) and the terms and conditions of the grant.

Use of Funds

•	The funds received will be used solely for the purposes outlined in the grant proposal and will not be used for any other project or expense without the expressed consent of the Eco Devo.
•	Grant funds will be expended within one year of receipt. Any unexpended fund or any portion of the grant not used for the specified purposes will be returned to the Eco Devo.
•	The Grantee will notify the Eco Devo immediately of any change in their legal or tax status, any change in executive or key staff responsible for this grant, or thier ability to fulfill the grant's intended purposes.
•	The Grantee will provide the Eco Devo with access to files and records pertaining to this grant should a financial audit, verification, or other review be deemed necessary.
•	The Grantee will include the Eco Devo in any publicity directly associated with the project including media stories.
•	The Grantee agrees to allow the Eco Devo to include information about this grant in any press releases or other public documents.

Grant Requirements and Reporting
The Business Start-up/Launch Grant may be subject to the following requirements:

•	Completion of a basic business plan
•	Regular progress check-ins (quarterly for 1 yr)
•	Participation in at least one community event or business workshop
•	Attend a minimum of 4 Wilson Economic Development/Wilson Chamber of Commerce meetings for 1 year.

A grant report will be due within 30 days of the completion of the project but no later than December 31st of the award year that may include the following:

•	How were the grant funds spent?
•	Photos
•	A story or summary of the impact the grant has made to your business.

Information from this grant report may be used by the Eco Devo. If any of the information submitted to the Eco Devo is sensitive or subject to privacy laws, please contact the Eco Devo. Grantees who have not submitted a report within one year from when the grant was awarded are required to return any unexpended funds or request a grant extension. Failure to report in a timely fashion will be considered when applying for future grants from the Eco Devo.

Application
Business Name*
Contact Name*

First NameLast Name
Tax ID*
Main Contact Number*
Please enter the best contact number if different from the Business Number
Email*
example@example.com
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Is the applicant located in a rural or rurally disadvantaged area as defined by Kansas or federal eligibility guidelines (e.g., Rural Opportunity Zone counties, USDA rural definitions, or other state/federal rural program criteria)?*
Note: Kansas designates many counties as Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ), generally those with smaller populations and rural characteristics, to support workforce and community growth in rural areas.
Please select the range that best represents your business’s net income for the most recently completed fiscal year. Net income is defined as total revenue minus total operating expenses, prior to owner distributions.*
Amount Requested*
Will you accept a lesser amount?*

Briefly describe your business (products / services offered):*

0/400
How does your business fill a community need?*

0/1500
Describe what you will be using the funds for*

0/1500
Project Beginning Date *

MonthDayYear
Beginning Date
Project Completion Date*

MonthDayYear
Completion Date

Project Budget
Expense

List your Expenses. *

	Item	Qty	Cost	Extended Cost
1
2
3
4
5

Total Expense*
Revenue

List Revenue Sources *

	Funding Source	Amount of Secured Funding	Pending Funding	In-Kind Donations
1
2
3
4
5

Total Revenue*
*Revenue & Expense Totals should match.
Disclaimer:
By submitting this application you acknowledge the grant administrator reserves the sole right to determine eligibility, evaluate applications, and award funding. Submission of an application constitutes acknowledgment that funding is contingent upon program requirements, available funds, and final approval. The Eco Deco reserves the right to approve, deny, or partially fund any application, to request additional information, and to modify funding amounts or project scope based on available funds and program guidelines. Futhermore, by submission, you certifiy that all infomation, to the best of your knowledge, is true and accurate.
Should be Empty:

Business Start-up/Launch Support Grant

Terms of Grant

Application

Project Budget

Expense

Revenue