Initiatives and Incentives

Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Project Grant Grants The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking applications from eligible Joint-Apprenticeship Training Councils (including labor unions), state educational institutions (as defined by K.S.A 76-711), businesses, non-profits or workforce boards for projects that will attract and retain employees and build the state workforce through registered apprenticeship. Applications should clearly demonstrate linkage between the project, industry demand, apprentice training and apprentice recruitment. An organization may submit one application. The total program budget is up to $500,000. The minimum award is $75,000 and up to $200,000. Applicants are required to provide a 1:1 match for every grant dollar requested. Matching dollars can include FTE costs. Primary Contact Name, Email address, and Phone number Organization’s Federal EIN and IRS Form W-9 Project geographic scope (regional, county, and/or state-wide) What is your overall program plan? How will this be integrated within business and industry to create longevity for the recruitment and retention of Kansas most high wage and high demand occupations through a Registered Apprenticeship Program. (30 pts) RAPIDS number of the Apprenticeship Single Employer Sponsor or Multi-Employer Intermediary. If a RAPIDS number is not present at the time of application, please provide a brief description of the intention and timeframe to obtain one or to work with an existing Registered Apprenticeship Program. (10 pts) ONET codes and a description for each planned or existing RAP occupation under this grant. (10 pts) Proposed plan for engagement with either business and industry (potential registered sponsors) and/or potential apprentices. How do you plan to aggressively market your program and create elevated engagement? (20 pts) Number of apprentices looking to engage, and the funding needed to support them. Please include a cost budget that includes all aspects of your project. The budget must have a targeted number of apprentices registered in a legitimate Registered Apprenticeship. (25 pts) Please describe any current or recently ended Registered Apprenticeship grants (state and/or federal) your organization is a recipient of and the success of that program. (5 pts) Details State Park Revitalization and Investment in Notable Tourism (SPRINT) Grants During the pandemic some sectors of the Kansas tourism industry experienced increased activity (ex: state parks) while other sectors experienced a decline in activity (ex: museums, performing arts centers, entertainment venues, etc.). While the pandemic highlighted opportunities to grow the tourism sector, investments are needed to revitalize the sector and ensure tourism attractions remain regional economic drivers. This funding opportunity seeks to address the pandemic’s impact and support the tourism industry by funding the development and/or improvement of tourism-focused businesses and tourism agencies. Tourism is a key sector for the Kansas economy and local communities. The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking applications from tourism-focused businesses and tourism agencies for impactful capital projects which spur regional economic development. SPRINT applications can include, but are not limited to: Infrastructure enhancements, capital projects, renovations Construction, engineering and architecture, planning, inspections and environmental assessments Renovation and repair of indoor and outdoor facilities, roads and utility connections adjacent to the project site Development of public land to create a tourism destination Costs associated with recruitment of new permanent and semi-permanent exhibits Application costs for national museum affiliation Details ARPA Building Opportunities for the Disabled & Elderly (ABODE) Grants During the pandemic, many individuals who are elderly or disabled faced housing issues which disrupted their access to medical care, food and other services. High needs populations struggled with housing access and availability prior to the pandemic, and COVID-19 intensified those issues. This program will provide funding for new construction and renovation of affordable multi-dwelling housing units that provide health and safety accommodations for older adults and people with disabilities. The Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) is seeking applications from entities working to provide accommodated housing for individuals who are elderly or disabled and desire to expand or construct new residential multi-housing facilities. This program seeks to provide funding for advanced housing to support health and safety needs while creating a community of resources to enhance each individual’s quality of life. Eligible ABODE applicants include: Residential property developers Nonprofit organizations in good standing with the state of Kansas, county and local units of government Public Housing Authorities Existing licensed entities that provide supportive housing for individuals who are elderly or disabled under the definition of assisted living as provided by the Kansas Department Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). Details Agriculture Exemption Tax Credits & Exemptions Exempts items from sales and use tax used exclusively in farming, ranching, or aquaculture use. Farmers, ranchers, feedlots, fisheries, and others engaged in farming, ranching, aquaculture, or farm and ranch work for hire are entitled to this exemption. Details Aircraft Exemption Certificate Tax Credits & Exemptions Sales tax exemption on the purchase of new, used, rebuilt or modified aircraft, all repair or replacement parts, and the labor services to build, modify or repair any aircraft exempt from sales tax. Aircraft, repair parts and labor, and oil and gas are also exempt when the aircraft is used exclusively for resale, rental, or leasing purposes. The U.S. government and any of its agencies, foreign governments and their agencies, domestic airlines, foreign airlines, and charter companies qualify for this exemption. Persons licensed in interstate commerce also qualify for this exemption. A licensed or certified carrier of persons or property engaged in interstate or foreign commerce is exempt even though the aircraft never leaves Kansas. The exemption also applies to sales made through an authorized agent of the air carrier for the eventual use in interstate or foreign commerce. Details Alternative-fuel Tax Credit Tax Credits & Exemptions A credit against the income tax imposed for any qualified alternative-fuel fueling station placed in service equal to 40 percent of the total amount expended but not to exceed $100,000 for each fueling station. Any person, association, partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, or corporation who owns and operates a qualified alternative-fueled motor vehicle licensed in Kansas or who makes expenditures for a qualified alternative-fuel fueling station qualifies for an income tax credit. Details APEX, Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Assistance, Tax Credits & Exemptions, Training Addresses the unique needs of for-profit companies that invest at least $1 billion in the expansion of their operations or relocation of their headquarters anywhere in the state. Refundable investment tax credits up to 15% of qualifying capital investment. Partial payroll rebate up to 10% per year for no more than 10 years. Training reimbursement up to 50% of qualifying expenses that cannot exceed $5 million per year for 5 years. Relocation reimbursement up to 50% for non-Kansan residents that cannot exceed $1 million per year for 10 years. 100% sales tax exemption on construction materials. Details Attraction Development Grant Program Grants This grant provides assistance to public, private entities and not-for-profit groups that are developing new, or enhancing existing tourism attractions in the state. Assists in the development of sustainable, market-driven travel experiences that will influence destination travel decisions and create economic impact. The ADGP is a 60/40 grant. Applicants must provide a minimum of 60% of the project's cost from leveraged assets. 50% of leverage funding may be in-kind contributions. Eligible projects include new attraction constructions, enhancement to an existing attractions and new or enhanced attraction exhibits to improve a visitor experience. Details Biomass-to-Energy Plant Exemption and Deduction Bonds, Tax Credits & Exemptions A deduction from Kansas adjusted gross income of the amortizable costs of a new facility or expansion of an existing biomass-to-energy plant equal to 55 percent of the amortized costs of the facility for the first taxable year and 5 percent for the next nine taxable years. Any new biomass-to-energy plant property or any expanded biomass-to-energy plant property is exempt from all property taxes levied from and after purchase or commencement of construction or installation of such property and for the 10 taxable years immediately following the taxable year in which construction or installation of such property is completed. "Biomass" means any organic matter available on a renewable or recurring basis, including solid and liquid organic waste. "Biomass-to-energy plant" means an industrial process plant, located in Kansas, where biomass is processed to produce annually any of the following, and coproducts: cellulosic alcohol; liquid or gaseous fuel or oil produced for direct conversion into fuel. Details Broadband Acceleration Grant Program Assistance, Grants Targeted to areas that are unlikely to receive broadband service without state or federal funding support. Grant awards of up to $1 million dollars. Required 50% match. Details Capital Project Fund Program Assistance, Grants Provide access to high-quality, reliable broadband in Kansas with priority given to applications that address unserved areas, economically distressed communities, and areas of compelling need. Details Carbon Dioxide Capture/ Sequestration Exemption Tax Credits & Exemptions Deduction from Kansas adjusted gross income with respect to the amortizable costs of carbon dioxide capture, sequestration or utilization machinery and equipment over a period of 10 years. Any carbon dioxide capture, sequestration or utilization property and any electric generation unit which captures and sequesters all carbon dioxide and other emissions is exempt from all property taxes levied from and after purchase or commencement of construction or installation of such property and for the five taxable years immediately following the taxable year in which construction or installation of such property is completed. The taxpayer can claim the deduction by filing a statement with the Secretary of Revenue of such election. Details CDBG Economic Development Grants Financing, Grants Business finance grants to cities or counties can be loaned to private businesses to provide gap financing that creates or retains permanent jobs. Funding is also available for infrastructure improvements that directly create or retain permanent jobs. Eligible activities include infrastructure, land acquisition, fixed assets and working capital. Some repayment is required for all Economic Development categories. The funding ceiling is $35,000 per job created or retained with a maximum of $750,000. Details Certificate of Free Sale Assistance Also referred to as a Certificate of Origin, is required in certain countries or for certain commodities (such as food products, ingredients). This document certifies that the specified imported goods are normally and freely sold in the exporting country's open markets and are approved for export. Any company located in or using Kansas facilities to manufacture products. Must pay a processing fee. Details Consumed In Production Exemption Certificate Tax Credits & Exemptions Sales tax exemption on tangible personal property consumed in the production for ultimate sale at retail within or without the state of Kansas. Any business buying goods or merchandise that qualifies as “property which is consumed” can use this certificate. Whether the item qualifies for exemption is determined by how the item is used in production or processing. Details Entrepreneurship Tax Credit Tax Credits & Exemptions Taxpayers that invest in the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship, can claim a state tax credit of 75 percent of the amount donated. The minimum investment to claim the tax credit is $250, and the tax credit is limited to a total of $2 million for any fiscal year. The tax credit is limited to $100,000 per individual contributor per tax year. Details GrowKS Loan and Equity Programs Financing These programs provide capital in the form of loans and equiity investments to small businesses. Designated programs support women and minority owned small businesses with increased benefits over regular programs. There are 5 loan programs, Minority/Women/Economically-Disadvantaged Starter program, Minority/Women/Economically Disadvantaged Growth program, Rural/Urban Distressed program, Community Asset program, and Target Sector program, each with its own requirements which are found on the website. The equity program is angel capital support with two categories, each with its own requirments found on the website. Details High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP) Tax Credits & Exemptions 10% income tax credit on capital investment, sales tax exemption and a training tax credit up to $50,000. Taxpayer may sell or transfer up to 50% of the tax credit. Company must pay salaries that are above-average for similar types of businesses within the county/region of Kansas where the company locates and be either a manufacturer or able to document that 51% or more of its sales are to either Kansas manufacturers and/or out-of-state businesses or government agencies. Details Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) Bonds, Tax Credits & Exemptions Issued by cities and counties to provide funds to purchase land, pay the cost to construct and equip new facilities, or to purchase, remodel or expand existing facilities. IRBs allow for fixed-rate financing for the life of the bond for the project. Use of industrial revenue bonds will allow the construction of real property to be eligible for property tax abatement in Kansas. Kansas law allows for a maximum ten year real property tax abatement commencing the year after the bonds are issued. Another benefit of IRBs is a sales tax exemption on the cost of building materials and labor, as well as fixed items of machinery and equipment, from state and local sales taxes when IRBs are used. Specific projects are eligible for tax-exempt financing include small manufacturing facilities (less than $10 million). Under Kansas law, taxable bonds may be issued for agricultural, commercial, hospital, industrial, natural resources, recreational development and manufacturing. Bonds are subject to restrictions, including what may be purchased with the bond proceeds and the amount of issuance costs that may be paid from bond proceeds. IRBs may be issued for retail commercial projects to qualify for a sales tax exemption on materials and labor, but they are not eligible for an ad valorem property tax exemption. Details Ingredient or Component Part Exemption Tax Credits & Exemptions Sales tax exemption on tangible personal property that becomes an ingredient or component part of tangible personal property or services produced, manufactured or compounded for ultimate sale at retail within or without the state of Kansas. Any business registered with the Kansas Department of Revenue buying raw materials or parts that meet the definition of an ingredient or component part may use this certificate. The buyer must have either a Kansas sales tax number or a Kansas Manufacturers' or Processors' Sales Tax Exemption Certificate Number. Details Insurance Tax and Salary Tax Credit Tax Credits & Exemptions Tax credit for insurance companies equal to 15 percent of Kansas-based employees' salaries (not including commissions or fringe benefits),or up to a maximum of 1.125 percent of taxable premiums dependent on the company's affiliation. The company can claim either the 15 percent credit or up to the 1.125 percent, whichever is less. Avaiable to domestic and foreign insurance companies doing business in Kansas. May be used in conjunction with the High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP) tax credits to further offset tax liability. Details Integrated Production Machinery and Equipment Exemption Tax Credits & Exemptions Sales tax exemption on machinery and equipment used in Kansas as part of a operation by a manufacturing or processing plant or facility. All sales of installation, repair, maintenance services, replacement parts on machinery and equipment is also exempt. To qualify as integrated production equipment, the item must be an integral or essential part of a process to manufacture, process, fabricate, finish, or assemble items for wholesale or retail distribution. Details International Credit Report Assistance Quality credit reports at reduced rates. Must pay an application fee. Details Interstate Common Carrier Exemption Tax Credits & Exemptions Sales Tax exemption on rolling stock (including buses and trailers), repair or replacement materials and parts for rolling stock, gasoline, distillate and other motor fuels purchased for rolling stock when purchased by a motor carrier qualifying as a public utility, for immediate and direct use in interstate commerce. Only interstate common carriers or those leased to an interstate common carrier may use this exemption. Details Inventory Tax Exemption Tax Credits & Exemptions All merchants' and manufacturers' inventories have been exempt from property taxes by constitutional amendment since 1989. All merchants' and manufacturers' inventories, this exemption does not apply to public utility inventories. Details Kansas Aviation Tax Credits - Employer Incentive To Hire Qualifed Talent Tax Credits & Exemptions Non-refundable tax credit for 10% of the compensation paid for each new qualified employee (limit of $15,000 per year, per employee) in each of the first five years of employment, adding up to $75,000 in credits per employee. The non-refundable tax credit is available for qualifying new employees hired between 2022-2026. Details Kansas Aviation Tax Credits - Employer Incentive to Upskill Employees Tax Credits & Exemptions Tax credit for companies that reimburse tuition for their employees. The credit reimburses tuition up to 50% of the total provided to the employee. The tuition tax credit claimed if the employee graduates from a qualified program within one year of the date of hire. The credit can be claimed each year for up to four years if the employee remains employed at the company. Employer credits must be applied against the employer's income tax liability after all other credits allowed; it is not refundable and may not be carried forward. Details Kansas Industrial Retraining (KIR) Grants, Training Financial assistance to restructuring companies for retention of employees who are likely to be displaced because of obsolete or inadequate job skills and knowledge. Company must show how they are restructuring their current business operations, retrain at least one existing position at an average wage equal to or greater than the median wage for their county and show how the employee will be displaced. Funding participation requires a dollar for dollar match. Details Kansas Industrial Training (KIT) Grants, Training Direct financial assistance to assist in the training of net new jobs in Kansas. A company must create at least one new position at an average wage equal to or greater than the median wage for their county. Over 50% of the revenues must be from outside of Kansas and the company must provide adequate healthcare to its employees. Details Kansas International Trade Marketing Assistance Program Assistance Assists Kansas companies in accelerating their export business. The program will reimburse 50% of a company's direct expenses up to $5,000 per fiscal year. Products or services must be made or originate in Kansas, or receive substantial value-added processing in Kansas. Details Kansas International Trade Show Assistance Program Assistance Helps introduce Kansas companies to foreign markets through participation in international trade shows. Companies can receive up to $3,500 per show and up to $7,000 in total per fiscal year in reimbursement for trade show expenses Products or services must be made or originate in Kansas, or receive substantial value-added processing in Kansas. Details KITE Angel Tax Credits (KAITC) Designed to bring together accredited angel investors with qualified Kansas companies seeking early stage investment. Details KITE Proof of Concept Fund Bridge between federal funding for basic research and commercial seed funding by angel or venture investors. The POC program will aim to assist: The establishment of promising new technology-based entrepreneurial ventures within the State. The commercialization of inventions resulting from research conducted at Kansas public universities. Details KITE R&D Tax Credits Allows a taxpayer who makes expenditures in research and development activities in Kansas to claim an income tax credit. Details Machinery and Equipment Expensing Deduction Tax Credits & Exemptions Expense deduction for business machinery and equipment, placed in service in Kansas during the tax year. Eligible investment is machinery and equipment depreciable under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) in section 168 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), or canned software as defined in section 197 of the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of eligible equipment include manufacturing equipment, office furniture, computers, software, and racking. Details Machinery and Equipment Property Tax Exemption Tax Credits & Exemptions Kansas law exempts the property tax on commercial and industrial machinery and equipment purchased or transferred into Kansas after June 30, 2006. The personal property tax exemption continues each year under the law. Actual savings will depend on the fair market value of the property, depreciation, the local mill levy rate and if all equipment qualifies for the personal property tax exemption. Personal property exemption can cover such items as: computers, desks & chairs, copiers, fax machines, business machinery, equipment used in manufacturing operations, and equipment used in warehousing. Details Minority and Women Business Development Resources Providing certification and education for disadvantaged, minority-and women-owned businesses. Information and referrals are provided in the areas of procurement, contracting and subcontracting, financing and business management Details Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK) Tax Credits & Exemptions Ability to retain 95 percent of payroll withholding tax for 5-10 years. Relocate or create within two years a minimum of 5 new jobs to a non-metropolitan area or 10 new jobs to a metropolitan area. Aggregate median wage must exceed the relevant county median wage. Offer adequate health insurance. See full details. Details Property Tax Exemptions Renewable Energy Generation Tax Credits & Exemptions Property tax exemption for projects that use wind, solar, photovoltaic, biomass, hydropower, geothermal or landfill gas resources to generate electrical energy. Exemptions granted for new renewable energy facilities are limited to the 10 taxable years immediately following the taxable year in which construction or installation of such property is completed. Exemption for all property actually and regularly used predominantly in the generation of electricity from renewable sources, whether it is an industrial, commercial or utility application. Details Purchases from Qualified Vendor Tax Credit Tax Credits & Exemptions Taxpayers can claim a 15% tax credit for expenditures of goods and services purchased from qualified vendors by meeting the following criteria: Employ blind or disabled individuals, 30% of its employees classified as disabled, Contribute at least 75% of health insurance premiums and pay minimum wage or greater. Details Real Property Tax Exemption Bonds, Financing, Tax Credits & Exemptions State law allows 100% property tax abatement for ten (10) years on real property if industrial revenue bonds are utilized in the project or it qualifies under the state constitution, which allows companies that manufacture articles of commerce, conduct research and development or store goods or commodities sold in interstate commerce to receive a property tax abatement. Tax abatement for real property is a local decision of the community. Details Research and Development Credit Tax Credits & Exemptions Income tax credit equal to 10 percent of a company's investment in research and development (R&D) above an average of the actual expenditures in R&D made in the taxable year and the two immediate preceding taxable years. Only 25 percent of the allowable annual credit may be claimed in any one year. Any remaining credit may be carried forward in 25 percent increments until exhausted. This credit is available to all taxpayers and is transferable. Expenditures in R&D activities are defined as those expenses that are allowable as deductions under the federal Internal Revenue Code. Details Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) Financing, Resources, Zones Designed to aid developers in building housing within rural communities by assisting in the financing of public improvements or upper story housing in downtown districts and infrastructure. RHID also is available for multi-story buildings located in a Central Business District where the program can fund vertical costs. Community must establish an RHID district through ordinance and resolution. This includes completing a Housing Assessment and a parcel record of all parcels that will be included in the RHID district. This is submitted to the Secretary of Commerce for approval. Details Sales Tax Exemption Certificate via the HPIP Program Tax Credits & Exemptions Companies that are eligible for the High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP) can apply for a Project Exemption Certificate (sales tax exemption). This is a 100% sales tax exemption on items used to construct, build-out, remodel, furnish and equip the new worksite. The exemption could cover the eligible taxable purchases of capital investment made by the legal entity submitting an application. Companies applying for the sales tax exemption under the HPIP Program need to qualify for certification under the High Performance Incentive Program. The Request for Project Exemption Certificate (sales tax exemption) needs to be filed prior to making taxable purchases related to the project. Details Startup Housing Opportunity Venture Loan - (SHOVL) Financing Provide funding to developers for expenses incurred prior to the closing of their permanent financing for housing developments in Kansas communities that have experienced housing challenges The housing developments must have a direct connection to past, current or future economic development efforts. For communities under 10,000 population Details State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grants Helps small businesses located in Kansas begin to export and also helps existing exporters to expand into additional markets. Since the program's inception in 2012, more than 200 Kansas small businesses have participated and achieved more than $44 million in actual export sales. Applicants must 1) meet the SBA's small business size standards 2) manufactures products in Kansas or perform substantial value-added tasks in Kansas 3) products must contain at least 51% U.S. content 4) may not be an export service provider 5) may not be debarred, suspended, proposed for disbarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation in transaction by any federal department or agency 6) must have been in business for at least one year. Details Swine Facility Improvement Credit Tax Credits & Exemptions The credit is 50 percent of the costs incurred by a taxpayer for required improvements to a qualified swine facility. If the amount of credit which exceeds the tax liability it may be carried forward to the next four years or until used, whichever is earlier. Any taxpayer who makes improvements to a qualified swine facility is allowed a credit against their income tax liability. Details Tax Exemptions via Industrial Revenue Bonds Bonds, Financing, Tax Credits & Exemptions Property financed with IRBs is exempt from ad valorem taxation for up to 10 years after the bonds are issued. However, localities may elect to negotiate payments in lieu of taxes. The cost of construction labor, building materials and machinery and equipment is exempt from state and local sales taxes. Businesses using Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) as a financing mechanism. Details Utilities Consumed in Production Exemption Tax Credits & Exemptions Exempts sales tax on utilities consumed in the production, manufacturing, processing, mining, drilling, refining, or compounding of tangible personal property, or treatment of by-products or wastes of any above processes. Agricultural and manufactuering operations can utilize this exemption for utilies consumed in production via a single meter. Details Warehouse Machinery and Equipment Exemption Tax Credits & Exemptions Exempts sales tax on material handling equipment, installation, repair, replacement parts and other related machinery and equipment used in a warehouse or distribution facility in Kansas. Only those businesses that operate a warehouse or distribution facility in Kansas may use this certificate. Details Waste Heat Utilization System Exemption Bonds, Tax Credits & Exemptions A taxpayer shall be entitled to a deduction from Kansas adjusted gross income the amortizable costs of a waste heat utilization system equal to 55 percent of the amortizable costs of such system for the first taxable year and 5 percent for the next nine taxable years. Any waste heat utilization system property is exempt from all property taxes levied from and after purchase or commencement of construction or installation of such property and for the 10 taxable years immediately following the taxable year in which construction or installation of such property is completed. A waste heat utilization system includes facilities and equipment for the recovery of waste heat generated in the process of generating electricity and the use of such heat to generate additional electricity or to produce fuels from renewable energy resources or technologies. The Kansas Development Finance Authority is authorized to issue revenue bonds in amounts sufficient to finance the construction of waste heat utilization systems at electric generation facilities. Details Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Tax Credits & Exemptions A federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain target groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment. An employer can receive a federal tax credit that varies between the amounts of $2,400 to $9,600 per applicant. Criteria for new hires can be found here: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/criteria-for-wotc-eligible.pdf Details Arts Integration Program - Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Grants Funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, and enhance community development. Sub-categories include Visiting Artists, Integrated Arts Education (max request $7500),Innovative Partnerships (max request $20,000). There is a 1:1 match requirement for this program. The total project cost must be at least twice the amount of the grant request. Eligible applicants include established 501c3 organizations, units of local government, and federally recognized tribes. Details Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP) Tax Credits & Exemptions Amplifying fundraising activities for non-profits. Tax credits may be transferred to donors in exchange for the following contributions: cash, services, stocks and bonds, personal property or real estate Projects should be new or one-time in nature and create lasting value for the non-profit organization. Awardees must be willing to attend a half-day training session by the Kansas Department of Commerce Details Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) Grants Matching grants for the rehabilitation of underutilized, vacant, or dilapidated downtown buildings and façade improvements of historic downtown buildings in communities of 50,000 population or less. Building grants are intended to bring buildings back into productive use as spaces for new or expanding businesses, childcare, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, or entrepreneurship. Façade grants are intended to rehabilitate the façade or street view of downtown buildings in need of repair to stimulate economic growth and reinvestment in the downtown district. The building in need of façade rehabilitation should either have a tenant or be tenant ready. Properties must be located in cities with a population fewer than 50,000. Properties must be located in the downtown business district or corridor and hold architectural significance for the district. Properties must show potential for reuse and revitalization as economic drivers in the community. Preliminary engineering and/or architect report(s) to support the need for the project Pro-forma and business plan for final tenant use The awarded project may include funding from any state or federal source if there is no duplication of benefit. Examples include Community Development Block Grant, USDA Rural Development, State Historic Preservation Office programs or local Network Kansas programs. Projects must incorporate Main Street Design Standards and follow local ordinances and code for rehab/construction/façade improvements. Award recipients are required to sign a contract agreeing to the conditions of the program. Projects must begin construction no later than April 1, 2023 with construction complete by September 1, 2024 with a tenant in place by December 31, 2024. NOTE: Site cleanup, removal of debris, and demolition do not qualify as construction. Tenant must be leasing the space. No more than one HEAL grant may be awarded to any city. Previously awarded HEAL (Emergency HEAL or regular HEAL) projects and cities are not eligible to apply for HEAL in Fall 2022 or Spring 2023. Work must not begin before the award of the grant except for slipcover removal. Work previously completed is not eligible for this grant program. Details Kansas Main Street Assistance, Grants, Resources, Training A self-help, technical assistance program that targets revitalization and preservation of downtown districts through the development of a comprehensive strategy. Designated Kansas Main Street cities receive direct technical assistance and access to resources. Affiliate cities can enroll in an annual membership for $400 and gain access to the Quarterly Training with up to four volunteers. Details Mural & Public Art Grant - Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Grants Provides funding for communities to create and install permanent and semi-permanent public works of art. The total project cost must be at least twice the amount of the grant request. The maximum grant amount is $10,000. There is a 1:1 match requirement for this program. Eligible applicants include established 501c3 organizations, units of local government, and federally recognized tribes. Details Organizational Mentorship for the Arts Grants Encourages established arts organizations to provide mentorship services to emerging arts organizations, councils and collectives The total project cost must be at least twice the amount of the grant request. The maximum grant amount is $7,500.Applicant organizations must demonstrate the creation of a meaningful partnership between an established arts organization and an emerging organization. The partnership must lead to the creation of an initial sustainability plan by the partner organization. Details Reimagined Spaces - Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Grants Funding for communities to temporarily activate publicly accessible spaces for the purposes of artistic use and public programming. Sample projects include artist studios, galleries and exhibition spaces, performance spaces, art installations, pop-up cinemas. The total project cost must be at least twice the amount of the grant request. The maximum grant amount is $10,000. There is a 1:1 match requirement for this program. Eligible applicants include established 501c3 organizations, units of local government, and federally recognized tribes. Details Rural Murals and Public Art - Office of Rural Prosperity Grants The program is designed for communities with populations under 10,000 to utilize artists and arts organizations to increase community vibrancy and provide space for artistic expression and public engagement. Matching funds are available to established 501(c)(3) or 501(c)6 organizations based in Kansas, units of local government or federally recognized tribes. The maximum grant amount is $10,000, and there is a 1:1 match requirement for each project. The matching funds must consist of at least 50% cash expense provided by the applicant. In-kind, non-monetary donations and volunteer hours may be counted, up to 50% of the required match. To qualifies you must be an established 501(c)(3) organizations based in Kansas, units of local government, or federally recognized tribes. Projects may include: permanent or semi-permanent installations, and mural/public art projects. Population must be under 10,000, be incorporated in KS and in good standing with the state, have fulfilled all outstanding contractual obligations with KCAIC and ORP, and have a SAM UEI number. Details Strategic Economic Expansion and Development Grant (SEED) from TEFFI (Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Development and Expansion Fund) Grants The purpose of TEFFI: SEED grants is to support the economic revitalization of Kansas communities under 5,000 population through investments in quality-of-life initiatives. Communities with populations of not more than 5,000 people located in one of the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Barber, Bourbon, Brown, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Clark, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Comanche, Decatur, Doniphan, Edwards, Elk, Ellsworth, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Greenwood, Hamilton, Harper, Harvey, Haskell, Hodgeman, Jackson, Jewell, Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Labette, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Logan, Marion, Marshall, Meade, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morris, Morton, Nemaha, Neosho, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Phillips, Pratt, Rawlins, Republic, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Scott, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Trego, Thomas, Wabaunsee, Wallace, Washington, Wichita, Wilson or Woodson Eligible entities: (all projects must occur in a community of not more than 5,000 people in the eligible counties listed above) Applications must come from: County or municipal governments Economic Development Organizations Local Chambers of Commerce 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds must be used for tangible projects. Funds cannot be used for strategic planning, consultant reviews, community conversations or related activities. Details Strategic Investment Program for the Arts - Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Grants Funding a variety of professional and organizational development opportunities that impact cultural programming. Sub-categories include Organizational Development, New and Expanded Works, Equipment and Technology. The maximum grant amount for Strategic Investment Programs is $7,500. There is a 1:1 match requirement for this program. The total project cost must be at least twice the amount of the grant request. Eligible applicants include established 501c3 arts organizations, federally recognized tribes, units of local government (in the New & Expanded Works category only). Details Certified Sites Program Resources The program seeks to reduce the risk associated with development by providing detailed information including price and availability, utilities, access, environmental concerns and potential site development costs. Successful recipients of the Kansas Certified Site designation receive many benefits, including marketing and investment attraction support. Kansas Certified Sites will be incorporated into a variety of marketing campaigns and strategies that attract investors. Issued to properties that have successfully completed a set of program requirements to demonstrate that the property is primed for development and ready for investment. The Kansas Certified Site designation is valid for three years, unless the property is sold or leased within that time. To obtain the designation, communities must undergo a stringent review process that demonstrates they have addressed a defined set of prerequisites. Details Individual Development Account Tax Credit Program (IDA) Tax Credits & Exemptions Helping Kansans achieve financial self-sufficiency through a matching savings account. For low-income workers that can be used for small-business development, higher education, or the purchase of a first home. Tax credits are available for charitable organizations that have an individual development account program. Details CDBG Water and Sewer Infrastructure Grants Assistance, Grants A portion of the CDBG 2023 Project Year funds will be utilized towards eligible Water and Sewer Infrastructure Grant projects, for a total of $2 Million Dollars of the yearly allocation. Water and Sewer projects qualify for CDBG funding by meeting the LMI National Objective of 51% Low Moderate-Income residents benefiting from the project. There is a max award of $600,000 for populations 5,000 and under, max award of $750,000 for populations above 5,000. A minimum 25% matching funds is requried For 2023 program year, only eligible for cities with KDHE consent orders for water or sewer. Those Communities must also meet the National Objective of Low-Moderate Income of 51% or higher. CDBG Grant funds are only awarded directly to a local unit of government such as a City or County. Eligible applicants will be asked to submit a response to a Request for Proposal. Details Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Grants Stabilizing communities that have suffered from foreclosures and abandonment. Details Star Bond Financing Bonds, Financing (STAR) Bonds allow municipalities to finance tourism, entertainment attractions, and rural redevelopment, as well as headquarters or office developments resulting in new visitors. STAR Bond financing is used in connection with large retail projects that contain an entertainment and/or tourism destination component. In metropolitan areas, STAR Bonds can be used only for projects with anticipated capital investment of $75 million and with at least $75 million in projected gross annual sales or $40 million each if the project is in a metropolitan area with a population between 50,000 and 75,000 and the project is deemed of high value by the Secretary. STAR Bond projects in rural areas have no specific financial threshold but must be of major regional or statewide significance. Details Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Financing A real estate redevelopment tool applicable to industrial, commercial, intermodal transportation area and residential projects. To receive the benefits of TIF, generally the site must be in a blighted area, conservation area, pre-1992 enterprise zone, intermodal transportation area or other eligible area. Details Kansas Rural Opportunity Zones - 100 % State Income Tax Credit Tax Credits & Exemptions, Zones 100% Personal State Income Tax Credit for new residents to Kansas that move to a ROZ county from outside the State of Kansas. 95 counties are “Rural Opportunity Zones,” which means moving there comes with significant added benefits. Establish domicile in a rural opportunity zone on or after July 1, 2011, and prior to Jan. 1, 2023. Must have been domiciled outside Kansas for five or more years immediately prior to establishing their domicile in a Kansas rural opportunity zone. Must have had no more than $10,000 in Kansas source income in any one year for five or more years immediately prior to establishing their domicile in a Kansas rural opportunity zone; Must have been domiciled in a Kansas rural opportunity zone during the entire taxable year for which the credit will be claimed; The tax return on which the credit is claimed must be timely filed (including an extension of time); and The taxpayer may not be delinquent in filing any tax return with or paying any tax due to the state of Kansas or any political subdivision. Details Kansas Rural Opportunity Zones - Student Loan Repayment Assistance Assistance, Zones Provides up to $15,000 in Student Loan Repayment Assistance over 5 years. 95 counties are “Rural Opportunity Zones,” which means moving there comes with significant added benefits. Must have a degree of an Associate's level or higher. Must have obtained the degree prior to locating to a ROZ county. Must be able to provide proof of residency, identity, transcripts, outstanding student loan balance with disbursement dates. Applicant must also have a county, city, foundation, or employer sponsor to provide a 50% match of their payment. Details AARP Back to Work 50+ Details Affordable Connectivity Program Assistance Monthly discount on a new or existing internet service plan. Based on your annual household income, or by participating in an internet service provider's low income plan. Details CDBG Commercial Rehabilititation Grants Assistance, Grants To help cities improve the quality of their downtown commercial districts by assisting private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted buildings Details CDBG Community Facilities and Services Grants Assistance, Grants A portion of CDBG funds will be utilized towards two targeted uses within our Community Facilities and Services Category; Community Centers, Libraries and Parks, and Sidewalks and Trails. A total of $3 million dollarsin CDBG funds will be available for Community Centers, Libraries and Parks. A total of $1 million dollars will be available for Sidewalks and Trails. Both will have a max Award of $600,000 for populations 5,000 and under, Max award of $750,000 for populations above 5,000. A minimum 25% match is required. The project must meet the national objective of benefitting low -moderate income individuals of 51% LMI or higher. Eligible applicants are Cities and Counties who meet the LMI requirement excluding Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita and all of Johnson County Details CDBG Early Childhoood Education Facilities CDBG funds will be utilized towards non-profit early child care education facilities. The child care activities that are eligible for funding are those designed to address the child care shortage in the state of Kansas. In collaboration with the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and ChildCare Aware of Kansas, the Department makes funding available to address the shortage of available child care in the state of Kansas. A total of $3 million dollars has been allocated with a max award of $600,000 for populations 5,000 and under, max award of $750,000 for populations above 5,000. A minimum 25% matching funds is required. The project must meet the national objective of benefitting low -moderate income individuals of 51% LMI or higher. Cities and Counties may apply on behalf of a non-profit entity who will run the Early Childhood Education Facility. Determination of LMI% is based upon self certification of income at the time of enrollment in the service being provided in the facility. Eligible applicants are Cities and Counties excluding Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita and all of Johnson County Details CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grants Assistance, Grants Home rehabilitation, demolition, neighborhood development, and home-based business rehabilitation. The maximum grant amount for housing is $300,000 and neighborhood development is $500,000. Project must meet one of the national objectives: Benefits low- and/or moderate-income individuals Removes or prevents slum or blighted conditions Complete the Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) to determine needs and encouraged to attend a Housing Interagency Advisory Committee meeting. Details CDBG Regional Water Planning Grants A portion of CDBG 2023 Project Year funds will be utilized towards funding Regional Water Planning Grants in conjuncion with KDHE's planning grant program. A total of $1 Million Dollars of the yearly allocation will be available to meet this need. Applicants will be eligible to apply for $12,500 from the CDBG program, per potental Regional Water Planning Grant and the remaining $12,500 may be obtained from KDHE or paid for on the local side, for a total of $25,000 for a completed planning grant. The goal of these planning grants is to promote the collaborative use of finite water resources across the state of Kansas by helping communtiies pay for the planning portion of their project. Eligible applicants are those that meet one of the following criteria.1. Projects that will result in system consolidation where two or more systems merge resulting in one public water supply system with a single governing body. 2. Projects that result in the creation or expansion of a Public Wholesale Water Supply District. 3. Projects that benefit a minimum of two public water supply systems, must be primary systems not currently connected. CDBG wants to partner with the entities that find regionalization to be feasible to assist in funding project development, construction and implementation. The entities that prove the project meets the national objective and is feasible to move forward with regionalization, will be eligible for CDBG to pay for the design of the project if the fees are within the CDBG median designs fees for professional engineering services in future funding years. Details CDBG Removal of Architectural Barriers CDBG funds will be utilized towards assisting communities in Architectural Barrier Removal (ABR) from public and private buildings. A total of $500,000 is available with a Maximum award of $50,000 per Building or $250,000 City Wide benefit. A minimum 25% matching funds is required. Applicants must document that the proposed activity complies with a national objective which is benefiting 51% low-moderate income persons either through use of the Area Benefit (LMA) or the Limited Clientele (LMC) requirements of the CDBG program. Eligible applicants are Cities and Counties excluding Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita and all of Johnson County. Details CDBG Urgent Need Grants Assistance, Grants For meeting community needs created by severe natural or other disasters that pose immediate threats to the health or welfare of the community and for which no other financial resources are available. $100,000 of the yearly allocation has been set for the use of this grant category. No local match is required. Eligible applicants are Cities and Counties excluding Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita and all of Johnson County. Certification from a regulatory agency such as KDEM, KDHE, USDA or County Emergency Management, must be provided at the time of application, certifying that the issue is a threat to health and safety and that it was not caused by lack of maintenance but by something of urgency within the last 6 months. Details CDBG Youth Job Training Training CDBG funds will be utilized towards job training for youth. The Youth Job Training (JT) Opportunity activities that are eligible for funding are those designed to address the "at risk" youth population. In collaboration with the Area 1 Workforce Broad and the Kansas Jobs of America's Graduates (JAG) Program, the Department makes funding available to further expand the available employment opportunities for youth. A minimum 25% matching funds is required Applicants must document that the proposed activity complies with the 51% low-moderate income requirement of benefitting youth which are considered Limited Clientele. At the time of enrollment in the program, the parent or guardian of the youth must submit a self certification of family income to the facility. Eligible applicants are Cities and Countys excluding Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita and all of Johnson County Details Child Day Care Assistance Credit The credit is 30 percent of the amount spent in Kansas during the tax year for child day care services purchased for the dependent children of the taxpayer's employees or for the service of locating such services for the children. However, the credit for any taxpayer cannot exceed $30,000 for any tax year. Employers wishing to establish a child day care facility primarily for the employees' dependent children can claim additional benefits. A credit of up to 50 percent of the amount spent to establish a day care facility can be taken, up to $45,000 per taxpayer, during the first year. One or more taxpayers may work together to establish such a facility. After the year of establishment, the annual credit for the taxpayer would be 30 50 percent of the amount expended for the annual operation of the facility, but not to exceed $30,000 for any tax year. Amounts received by the taxpayer as payment for use of the child day care services are subtracted from the annual cost of operating the facility. For this credit, the child day care facility or provider must be licensed or registered in Kansas. The amount of credit in excess of the taxpayer's liability for the tax year will be refunded. The aggregate amount of child day care facility credits that may be claimed for any fiscal year cannot exceed $3 million statewide. These tax credits are offered against Kansas income tax liability for businesses providing child day care services to employees. These credits are for taxpayers who pay for or locate child day care services for their employees or provide facilities and necessary equipment for child day care services. Details Disability Resources Details Federal Bonding Program Provides individual fidelity bonds to employers for job applicants who are or may be denied coverage by commercial carriers. The Federal Bonding program is a unique hiring incentive tool that targets individuals whose backgrounds can pose significant barriers to securing or retraining employment, including: Individuals with criminal records, Individuals in recovery from substance use disorders, TANF recipients, Individuals with poor credit records, Economically disadvantaged youth and adults who lack work histories, Individuals dishonorably discharged from the military. Details Federal Opportunity Zones Assistance, Tax Credits & Exemptions Offers investors preferential tax treatment for capital gains invested in low-income communities. Details Foreign Labor Certification The Foreign Labor Certification program qualifies an employer to hire foreign workers if an employer cannot find qualified and available U.S. workers to fill vacancies. H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program. H-2B Certification. Details Incumbent Worker Training Provides employers with the opportunity to build and maintain a quality workforce and increase competitiveness. It is a type of work-based training designed to ensure employees of a company can acquire the skills necessary to retain employment and advance within the company, or to acquire the skills necessary to avert a layoff. Details Kansas Aviation Tax Credits - Employee Incentive Tax Credits & Exemptions New hires in the aviation sector that qualify can now receive up to $5,000 per year as a state income tax credit through 2026, totaling up to $25,000. Available for people who have been hired for a full-time job on or after January 1, 2022, by a Kansas-based employer in the aviation sector. Individual must have a degree or technical certificate from a qualified program. Credit is also available to an employee relocating to Kansas with an out-of-state qualifying degree or certificate. Details Kansas Downtown Redevelopment Tax Rebate For businesses/property owners in the state of Kansas. Details KansasWorks Job Listings Details KANSASWORKS Mobile Workforce Center KANSASWORKS Mobile Workforce Centers feature: Computer labs, Internet access, Appropriate staff numbers for event volume, ADA compliance Details My Reemployment Plan Program Any claimant who receives three (3) consecutive weeks of unemployment payments is automatically a part of MRP. Details Older Kansans Employment Program (OKEP) Designed to provide employment placement services to Kansans 55 years of age and older with emphasis on employment in the private sector. Details On-the-Job Training Program Supports local businesses needing to train and retrain skilled, productive workers. Companies train promising candidates with the necessary skills for the position. For qualifying positions, OJT contracts can reimburse up to 50% of the wages to compensate employers for the cost associated with training and loss of production for newly hired employees. Details Private Activity Bonds Qualified projects these bonds have been used for include, but are not limited to: Mass commuting facilities, Water furnishing, Sewage facilities, Solid waste disposal facilities, Qualified residential rental projects, Facilities for the local furnishing of electric energy or gas, Local district heating or cooling facilities, Hazardous waste facilities. Details Property Tax Abatement Assistance The Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) Liaison provides a high level overview of the bond process, provides contact information for bond experts and offers the Cost Benefit Analysis Report service. For Existing Kansas Businesses, New Startups, Governmental Entities. Details Rapid Response Workforce Rapid Response is a program designed to respond to layoffs and plant closings in Kansas by quickly coordinating services and providing immediate aid to companies and their affected workers. Details Registered Apprenticeship Program Balances a unique partnership between job seekers and employers throughout the state. The program incorporates classroom studies through on-the-job training supervised by a skilled employee. Details RESEA - Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment Grants Details Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Federally funded, work-based training program providing economically disadvantaged older persons the opportunity to gain key work skills necessary for viable employment. Details Ticket to Work Federal program that connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while you are working. Details Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Assistance for workers who have lost their jobs due to foreign trade. Details Veteran Resources Details Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Federal law that requires employers to provide advanced notification to workers when faced with a plant closing or mass layoff. Details