Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple is urging local businesses to apply for grants from the state to help with coronavirus-related expenses.
The Kansas Department of Commerce is offering funding through the SPARK (Strengthening People And Revitalizing Kansas) economic development and connectivity grant programs. The SPARK task force has set up $130 million in grants in ten categories, and they are being supported with federal funding from the CARES Act.
Mayor Whipple said it’s urgent for local businesses to apply so the city can get its fair share of funding. He said the grants are first-come, first-served, and they are expected to run out quickly. The grants can be used for pandemic-related costs, such as payroll, personal protective equipment, manufacturing costs, utilities and other areas.
Applications can be made at kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief The applications became available Wednesday. Any questions about the grants can be submitted to backtobusiness@kansas.gov
