The Entrepreneurial Support Program provides financial assistance to entrepreneurs seeking professional business support services. This grant program aims to strengthen local businesses by facilitating access to essential professional services such as marketing, legal counsel, and accounting expertise.

• Grant Details
  • Maximum Grant Amount: $4,000
  • Grant Type: Professional Service Support
  • Disbursement: Based on demonstrated need and service quotes
  • Note: Maximum amount is not guaranteed; awards are based on specific needs and circumstances

Examples of Eligible Services

• Marketing Support
  • Brand development and strategy
  • Website design and development
  • Social media marketing planning
  • Market research and analysis
  • Advertising campaign development
  • Content creation and copywriting
  • SEO optimization
  • Marketing materials design
• Legal Services
  • Business entity formation
  • Contract review and development
  • Intellectual property protection
  • Licensing agreements
  • Regulatory compliance review
  • Employment law consultation
  • Terms of service development
  • Privacy policy creation
• Accounting Services
  • Bookkeeping setup
  • Financial statement preparation
  • Tax planning and preparation
  • Payroll system setup
  • Budget development
  • Cash flow analysis
  • Financial projections
  • QuickBooks/accounting software training
• Additional Professional Services
  • Business plan development
  • HR consulting
  • Insurance consultation
  • Business process optimization
  • Project management support

The Youth Employment grant provides funding support to eligible youth seeking to enhance their employability through skill development and educational advancement, or to organizations working with youth to develop such skills. This program aims to prepare young individuals for successful entry into the workforce through comprehensive training and education.

Examples:

• Technical Skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to acquiring job-specific technical skills relevant to chosen career path
  • Participation in hands-on training programs or workshops
  • Achievement of industry-recognized certifications when applicable
  • Development of practical workplace competencies
• Soft Skills
  • Professional communication abilities
  • Teamwork and collaboration capabilities
  • Time management and organizational skills
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Workplace etiquette and professional conduct
  • Leadership potential
• Computer Literacy
  • Proficiency in basic computer operations
  • Familiarity with common office software
  • Understanding of digital communication tools
  • Basic troubleshooting abilities
  • Digital safety and security awareness
• Financial Literacy
  • Understanding of personal budgeting
  • Knowledge of banking and savings
  • Comprehension of credit and debt management
  • Basic investment awareness
  • Tax preparation knowledge

More information coming soon!

Required Documents

• Completed grant application form
• Current business plan or business concept outline
• Detailed description of the services needed
• Quotes from service providers
• Previous year’s financial statements or projections for new businesses
• Proof of business registration (if existing business)
• Tax returns for the previous year (if applicable)
• Documentation of all completed services must be submitted to Go Topeka after completion. Required documentation includes:
  • Proof of payment
  • Description of services rendered
  • Service completion date
  • Service provider contact information
  • Failure to submit required documentation will result in ineligibility for future Economic Mobility grant opportunities
• All funds must be used within 3 months of award 
• Changes to approved service providers require prior authorization
• Only eligible for one grant award per calendar year.
• Once approved for a grant, you must fill out and sign the Economic Mobility Grant acceptance form, which will be sent to you by email, after approval.

FAQ questions here

• Who reviews the application?
  • An independent committee reviews the applications.
• What is the Economic Mobility Grant Form?
  • This form is a document where you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the terms as outlined in the program.
• Are home-based businesses eligible?
  • Yes, home based businesses are eligible if they demonstrate that the expenses are entirely for business purposes, are not home-improvements or for the benefit of the homeowner.
• Are franchises eligible?
  • Some franchises are eligible. Franchises in which owner compensation is structured as employee compensation and is not commensurate with ownership are not eligible.
• Will incentives be awarded on a first-come first-served basis?
  • No, incentives are not awarded on a first-come first-served basis. Applications submitted within each application window will be competitively evaluated.

Start the application process here.

The application window runs from the 1st to the last day of each month. A new application window opens at the start of each month. To be considered for funding during a given month, applicants must submit a complete application along with all required documents before the window closes on the last day of that month.

For any questions, please reach out to economicequity@topekapartnership.com