Small Business & Entrepreneurship Financing Support

We Can Be Your Small Business Concierge!

At the Montgomery County Action Council, we partner with local municipalities and organizations to streamline the small business development process. Whether you're looking to open a boutique, launch a new product, or expand your business, our team is here to walk you through every step of the journey. We're dedicated to helping you make your business vision a reality.

We've curated a variety of resources and programs designed to support your entrepreneurial journey in Montgomery County. Explore the options below and feel free to reach out for guidance along the way. We're here to help!

logos

Small Business Loans

Get Started with Kansas SBDC

The first step to receiving personalized support for your small business is to become a client of the Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC). This partnership will provide you with free business consulting services, helping you refine your business plan, secure funding, and navigate local resources.

Financial Planning Tools for New Businesses

Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing finances. To help you get started, we've created a downloadable financial worksheet that will help you estimate your start-up costs and cash flow. Our team is available to guide you through the process, ensuring you have the financial foundation needed for success.

Explore Financing Opportunities in Montgomery County

Montgomery County offers many financing options to help your business grow. Our Business Financing Guide compiles a range of resources from local, regional, and state sources, including loans, grants, and other funding opportunities.

Additional Resources:

E-Community Loan Program

The E-Community Loan Program is an essential tool for entrepreneurs in Montgomery County. Administered by the Innovative Business Resource Center (IBRC), this program offers gap financing to complement traditional loans or personal investments.

  • Loan Amount: Up to $50,000 (or 60% of the total project cost)
  • Interest Rates: 4% for 1–5-year loans, 6% for 6–10-year loans
  • Terms: Flexible terms, depending on project specifics

This program is a great option if you're looking to fill in the gaps between your financing sources. Loans must be matched with conventional bank financing or other partner loan programs. Contact Jim Correll at (620) 252-5349 or jim@ibrcenter.org to learn more.

GROWKS: Additional Gap Financing

GROWKS is another gap financing tool designed to help your business grow. With the ability to fund up to $100,000, GROWKS requires matching funds from a financial institution.

  • Loan Amount: Up to $100,000+
  • Interest Rates: 4% for 1–5-year loans, 6% for 6–10-year loans
  • Review Process: Loans up to $100,000 are reviewed locally by the IBRC, while larger loans are reviewed by NetWork Kansas at the state level.

If you’re interested in applying for GROWKS funding, learn more online here.

In addition to the E-Community and GrowKS programs, there are other valuable funding options through NetWork Kansas, check out their website to learn more!
 

Montgomery County Action Council: Rural Development Authority (RDA) Loans

The RDA Loans administered by MCAC are designed to support small businesses and startups with gap financing or total project financing. These loans are available for:

  • Small and emerging private retail and service businesses
  • Commercial and manufacturing businesses
  • Loan Amount: $5,000 to $25,000
  • Interest Rates: Typically, 2-3 points below the WSJ Prime Rate
  • Loan Terms: Up to 5 years for most loans; 10 years for real estate acquisition or large renovations

These loans can be used alongside other funding sources to help ensure the success of your business venture. Reach out to our office to learn more!

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

If you're looking to improve energy efficiency or install renewable energy systems, the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) might be a perfect fit. This program helps businesses and agricultural producers by providing grants and loan guarantees for energy-saving projects.

For more information and assistance with the application process, visit the Kansas Energy Program website or contact their team at ksenergyprog@ksu.edu.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, Montgomery County offers a wealth of resources to help your business succeed. Our team at the Montgomery County Action Council is here to provide guidance and help you navigate the opportunities available to you.

Contact us today to get started and let us be your small business concierge!