Tech Startups: Your Guide to Find Funding and Resources in Kansas City
Could 2022 be the year you get your tech startup idea off the ground? Classes and funding opportunities from the Technology Venture Studio and our partners will provide you with the right resources to launch your startup.
Whether you need to fine tune your business model, test your idea or are ready for early-stage funding – this guide highlights opportunities to launch and grow your startup in Kansas City.
Funding for your tech startup idea
Innovative business ideas need capital to grow. Thankfully, finding startup funding in Kansas City is not as daunting as it may seem.
Here are some great courses and funding programs to explore. Not sure which stage your business is at? Download KCSourceLink’s Resource Rail ecosystem map and follow the Money Line to see what opportunities are out there depending on the stage of your business.
Missouri SBDC at UMKC Winning Federal Research Grants: SBIR/STTR Workshop
What stage is it for? Proof-of-concept capital, rollout capital
What is it? This session offers an introduction to Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) grants. These highly competitive programs can help with research and development as well as commercialization.
When: Thursday, Feb.10 or Friday, April 8, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $49; scholarships may be available
Missouri SBDC at UMKC Pitching to Investors
What stage is it for? Proof-of-concept capital
What is it? This session provides an inside look at how investors think. Participants will learn what investors need to know and what they want to see before they invest in a startup.
When: Thursday, Mar. 24, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Online and Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $49; scholarships may be available
Missouri SBDC SBIR Bootcamp
What stage is it for? Proof-of-concept capital, rollout capital
What is it? This two-day class will lead participants through the process of developing a grant proposal to the competitive SBIR or STTR programs. Group coaching and one-on-one guidance will work through each section of the application.
When: Thursday, April 28, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday, April 29, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Missouri SBDC at UMKC, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: $2,500; scholarships may be available
Other opportunities for funding
Missouri Technology Corporation IDEA Fund
What stage is it for? Proof-of-concept capital
What is it? This fund supports startups via matching equity or convertible debt investments of up to $500,000. Funding can be used for technology and business development. Over the last decade, the fund has invested about $44 million into Missouri startups.
Deadline: Monday, Feb. 7
Comeback KC Ventures
Who’s it for? Proof of concept capital, rollout capital
What is it? This new fellowship helps accelerate innovations, products and service lines, especially in the areas of public health, education and digital equity. Fellows may receive one-on-one coaching, scholarships to innovation workshops and introductions to investors.
Digital Sandbox KC
What stage is it for? Proof of concept capital, prototype development
What is it? Our program awards proof-of-concept funding and couples it with knowledgeable mentorship. Startup ideas in Kansas City with significant IT or digital components and aren’t yet in the marketplace are a good fit. The Sandbox awards grants four times a year.
Ignitex COVID-19 Response Accelerator
What stage is it for? Market intro
What is it? This accelerator through Black & Veatch works with businesses that need help commercializing and deploying outbreak solutions. The program is designed for growing companies looking to scale.
Kite Proof of Concept
What stage is it for? Proof-of-concept capital
What is it? The Kansas Department of Commerce awards funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to help develop a project or product. The goal is to get the organization to the point where it can raise significant capital.
Business Competitions and Awards
What stage is it for? All stages
What is it? This guide to Kansas City’s most prominent business competitions provides a starting point for any innovator in search of capital. Local as well as nationally sponsored awards can help startups get recognition and support.
Missouri SBDC Business Coaching
Who’s it for? Entrepreneurs and small business owners who need help launching or growing their business.
What is it? Personalized, no-cost coaching from knowledgeable business advisers. Some coaches specialize in developing technology-based businesses. This Missouri SBDC offers guidance on everything from financial planning to pitching.
