APPLY NOW

$5k Empower Grant Pitch Competition

The EMPOWER Minority Entrepreneur Grant is back! The Pitch Contest will take place in four different cities this year, Wyandotte County, Topeka, Lawrence and Manhattan, Kansas. Each city will have (3) three winners each winning $5,000 each that will directly support businesses with their back office, equipment cost, rental assistance, or general system needs.

Application deadline is May 30, 2023.

  • Deadline to Apply: May 30, 2023
  • Minority-Owned Businesses
  • Must reside within participating cities.
  • Grant is applied towards business purchases.
  • Must present slide deck.
  • Must pitch in person.
  • Virtual Pitch Workshop (Optional)
  • 3 Minutes to Pitch for $5k.
  • Topeka Pitch Date: June 22, 2023
  • WYCO Pitch Date: June 20, 2023
  • Lawrence Pitch Date: June 27, 2023
  • Manhattan Pitch Date: June 24, 2023

FAQ

  1. Who can apply? Any for-profit, minority-owned business that lives and/or operates their business inside the e-community offering the Pitch Contest. Owners must be a person of color.
  2. Are their age restrictions? No. Any entrepreneur that has legally formed their business is eligible to apply. The grant is open to youth entrepreneurs as well.
  3. What is the prize amount? Each e-community will award 3 winners $5,000 each.
  4. How is the prize dispersed? Funds are not given directly to the winner, however all funds must be used towards business operational expenses. Winners will request a fund dispersement toward a qualifying purchases to EBB and EBB will make the purchases on behalf of the entrepreneur within 5-7 business days.
  5. How many purchases can be made with the $5,000? Entrepreneurs are able to make fund dispersement requests until all $5,000 has been distributed. Entrepreneurs will receive all receipts in their business name.
  6. When must all money be dispersed? All monies must be spent by July 15th, 2023.
  7. What are considered qualifying purchases?Purchases must be used towards normal business operations (i.e.; marketing materials, website development, rent/lease payments, trainings/conferences, equipment, inventory, business licenses, etc.)
  8. What are NOT considered qualifying purchases? Cash distributions, payroll expenses, alcohol, gambling and illegal purchases.

Any specific questions regarding the grant can be sent directly to: info@ebbckc.com