Lt. Gov. and Secretary of Commerce David Toland recently announced the award recipients for the new Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program. In total, 61 recipients will receive nearly $2.7 million to invest in small communities across the state.
“SEED grants provide funding for quality-of-life enhancements in some of our state’s smallest communities,” said Toland. “These investments will set the stage for future economic development success and prosperity across the state.”
Awardees are located in communities with a population of 5,000 or less, as required by (KS Stat 9-2324 [2021]). They are required to provide a minimum 10% match as well as complete the projects within 12 months. Projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization efforts through one of the following quality-of-life categories:
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Childcare and senior programming – projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment;
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Community vibrancy – projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage;
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Food retail – projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion; and
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Libraries – projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture and building improvements.
Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.
For more information about the SEED Grants and to see the list of recipients, visit kansascommerce.gov/seedgrants.
