LaunchKC is accepting applications for its 2023 Grants Competition to advance economic development in the Kansas City region by attracting and retaining innovative entrepreneurs. S
Donor Name: LaunchKC
State: Missouri
City: Kansas City
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/17/2023
Size of the Grant: $50,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Powered by a purpose to ignite Kansas City’s entrepreneurial spirit, LaunchKC searches nationwide for innovative, diverse early-stage startups looking to take their business to the next level. LaunchKC is a source of equity-free funding for early-stage startups and an opportunity to root your business within a growing entrepreneurial hub surrounded by a community of mentors, collaborators, and resources.
Each year, they invest $500,000 into startups, offering founders a chance to secure $50,000 in funding, and gain access to a host of support services – in exchange for headquartering their business in Kansas City, Missouri for at least one year.
Funding & Support Business
For nearly a decade, LaunchKC has given early-stage startups the tools, resources, capital, and talent they need to thrive and grow. Each year, the grant recipients receive a share of a $500,000 investment and also receive:
- One-on-one mentorship with industry experts
- Curated programming, fundraising support, and access to the LaunchKC network
- Free office space in Downtown Kansas City
It believes the promise of tomorrow starts with championing the people building it today. At LaunchKC, they look for companies that are:
- Founders with pre-seed and seed stage companies
- Companies with an innovative and scalable business model
- Technology-enabled solutions
- Diverse founder teams with a desire to help Kansas City’s ecosystem grow
- A strong desire to grow your business in Kansas City
LaunchKC grant recipients are required to relocate to Kansas City, MO for one year. Founders should not only be willing to relocate their company to Kansas City but should see significant value and opportunity in operating in the city.
- Companies must agree to locate in Kansas City, MO for at least one year
- Locate 50% of the full-time team or one full-tiime founder and 50% of their staff in Kansas City for at least a year
Eligibility Criteria
At LaunchKC, they look for companies that are:
- For-profit entities with technology-based products, services, or solutions.
- All industries
- Scalable business models
- Early-Stage companies (includes Bootstrapped, Pre-Seed, and Seed Stage)
The following companies are not eligible:
- Retail businesses with brick and mortar storefronts
- Residential real property business
- Investment vehicles that invest in the securities of other entities
- Sports venues
- Gaming and gambling businesses
- Places of overnight accommodation
- Past LaunchKC cash-prize winners
- Entertainment-related establishments
- Single-purpose entertainment or event productions (e.g. movies, albums, concerts)
For more information, visit LaunchKC.
