Recognizing that downtown buildings are key community assets that are essential to growing economic development in rural communities, Commerce has created the SIGNS Grant to improve the attractiveness of downtown retail and commercial business storefront signs. The purpose of this program is to encourage property owners or business tenants to design and install high-quality, creative, and interesting signs that add to the vitality, livability, and overall welcoming atmosphere of a rural downtown commercial district, while following standard sign guidelines that will support the long-term aesthetics and historical character of Kansas downtowns. The goal of this program is to provide matching funding and design support that will enhance sign character and visual appeal for locally owned retail and commercial businesses that are symbolic and unique to the business while maintaining the historical character of the building and the commercial district. 

Funding Available 

The total funds available will be $250,000. Applicants may request funding for eligible one-time project expenses in the range of $1,000 to $50,000. Applicants are required to demonstrate investment in the projects by providing a minimum cash match of 50% if the population is less than 50,000 but more than 2,500 population, or 25% cash match if a community has less than 2,500 population. In-kind contributions are eligible but will only increase the match contribution above the minimum match cash contribution requirement. 

Minimum $1,000 – Maximum $50,000 – The program is intended to support multiple buildings and/or businesses in a downtown or multiple downtowns in a region. Applicants must complete at least 3 or more signs on 3 or more businesses.

Full guidelines can be read at www.kansascommerce.gov/signs

Effective July 1, 2023, Governor Kelly signed into law the Kansas Apprenticeship Act (Act), which establishes a tax credit and grant incentive program for apprenticeships and creates a matching grant program. This act establishes an incentive fund for businesses and non-profits hiring registered apprentices. It is separated into 3 specific areas including $7.5 million in tax credits to for-profit businesses*, $2.5 million for non-profits and healthcare, and $3 million for K-12 Education. The incentive fund is a use-it-or-lose-it fund as it does not allow for carry-over funding nor building value. It also does not have a sunset clause. 

Kansas Educator Apprenticeship Grant Program - Commerce awards and administers grants to eligible Teacher Educator apprentices attending applicant schools and awarded through their employer. The use of grant funds for the payment of apprentice tuition, fees, and the cost of books and materials, up to a maximum of $2,750 per year for four years. Disbursement method: Apprenticeship Grant funds will be reimbursed three times per year. Documentation showing expenditures will be required for each distribution.  Purchase orders, invoices, and/or proof of payment via canceled checks or bank statements can be submitted as proof of expended matching funds and awarded dollars.

*The Non-Profit (non K12 educator) Grant Application is here: https://kansasdepartmentofcommerce.submittable.com/submit/279197/ks-apprenticeship-act-grant-agreement-application 

Grant funds may be used for project needs related to technical instruction for the registered apprenticeship, OJT, apprentice wages, staffing and/or FTE to implement and manage programs, marketing and outreach, and other allowable activities on an as-needed basis. 

Application periods: 

Fiscal Year  – July 1, 2025 (Apprentice must have completed their probationary period and can only be claimed one time per calendar year.)

Funding window 1: January 1 through January 31 for 2025 (finished probationary period July – Dec 2024)

Funding window 2: May 1 through May 31 for 2025 (finished probationary period through Jan - June 2025)

Funding window 3: October 1 through October 31, 2025 (finished probationary period through Jan - Sept 2025)

Funding window 1: January 1 through January 31 for 2026 (finished probationary period July – Dec 2025)

Funding window 2: May 1 through May 31 for 2026 (finished probationary period through Jan - June 2026)

Funding window 3: October 1 through October 31, 2026 (finished probationary period through Jan - Sept 2026)
 

*Kansas For-Profit Businesses Tax Credits

The Kansas For-Profit Businesses Tax Credits authorizes Kansas Department of Revenue to award tax credits up to $2,500 until after December 31, 2025 when it goes up to $2,750 for each employed apprentice, not to exceed 20 such credits in any taxable year per eligible employer and up to 4 years per apprentice. The tax credit is to be claimed by an eligible employer for the taxable year in which the apprentice completed the probationary period or the taxable year succeeding the calendar year in which the apprentice completed the probationary period while employed by the eligible employer.  Please contact the Kansas Department of Revenue for this tax credit: https://www.ksrevenue.gov/  

Effective July 1, 2023, Governor Kelly signed into law the Kansas Apprenticeship Act (Act), which establishes a tax credit and grant incentive program for apprenticeships. This act establishes an incentive fund for businesses and non-profits hiring registered apprentices. It is separated into 3 specific areas including $7.5 million in tax credits to for-profit businesses*, $2.5 million for non-profits and healthcare, and $3 million for K-12 Education. The incentive fund is a use-it-or-lose-it fund.
 

This application is for Kansas For-Profit Businesses. This application is needed to verify eligibility and credit amount for each company applying. Please fill out this application for eligibility verification and review.  The Kansas Office of Apprenticeship (KOA) will review this application and, if eligible, you will receive a 'tax credit confirmation' certificate that needs to be submitted with the Kansas Department of Revenue K-24 form and Kansas Tax Return. 

Outlined below, and on our website, are the 'required steps' that each organization will need to take to qualify for the tax credit. More information can be found here - https://ksapprenticeship.org/resource-page/kansas-apprenticeship-tax-and-grant-act/. 

1. Ensure eligibility of apprentices.
2. Complete KS Apprenticeship Act - Tax Credit Application form. This needs to be filled out by the company/taxpayer that plans to claim the credits.
3. KOA will review and send a 'Tax Credit Confirmation' Certificate back to the company to confirm eligibility and the tax credit amount.
4. The company fills out K-24 Form.

*NOTE* the credit amount allocated for the company will be listed on 'Tax Credit Confirmation' Certificate, which will be needed when filling out Line 1 on the K-24 Form. 

       5. Submit the Tax Credit Confirmation Certificate and K-24 Form with Kansas tax return.
 

Kansas For-Profit Businesses Tax Credits

The Kansas For-Profit Business Tax Credits authorize the Kansas Department of Revenue to award tax credits up to $2,500 for each apprentice employed on their 2024 probationary period expiration date OR 2024 anniversary of said probationary expiration date and may be awarded for up to 20 apprentices employed in each taxable year per eligible employer. 

For questions please contact: 

Kansas Office of Apprenticeship - apprenticeship@ks.gov

OR

Kansas Department of Revenue - kdor_tac@ks.gov

Purpose 

Emergency Response HEAL grants are intended to bring rural downtown buildings back from likely demolition or collapse and rehabilitate them into productive use as spaces for new or expanding businesses, childcare, housing, arts and culture, or entrepreneurship. In 2023, the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly approved an annual allocation of $500,000 for Emergency Response HEAL projects, establishing a rolling deadline program that can be quickly reviewed and awarded to stabilize a building at risk of collapse. 

Buildings that are at risk of imminent loss, that are causing damage to surrounding downtown buildings, and/or have significant damage due to fire, storms, wind, etc. are eligible projects for Emergency HEAL. A maximum of $100,000 will be awarded per community. If there is more than one building affected due to an event, the city or another local organization can apply for the maximum of $100,000 to save more than one building. There is a 1:1 match required for this grant (Example: $100,000 cash match required for a $100,000 grant award).
 

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

A private building owner MUST have an eligible local partnering support organization APPLY for the grant on their behalf. This organization will commit to supporting the project through the fiscal administration of the grant funds (distributing the payments to the building owner), tracking the bi-annual financial reports, and ensuring that the building owner is on track with program deadlines. The applicant will also designate a primary point of contact for all projects under the grant, meaning if there are multiple buildings included, Commerce will be working with this one point of contact who will help manage communications between the various building owners and Commerce.

Eligible supporting and applicant organizations include: 

· Designated Kansas Main Street Programs

· Economic Development Corporations or Chambers of Commerce

· Cities 

· Counties

· Schools

· 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 organizations 

· Local Community Foundations

· Tribal Nations

 

EMERGENCY HEAL BUILDING ELIGIBILITY

• Buildings that are at risk of imminent collapse or have been severely damaged due to water, fire, wind, storms, another building collapse, or a previously unknown structural issue. 
• Buildings must be in the downtown of a rural community.
• Properties must be in cities with a population of less than 50,000.
• Buildings must be older than 50 years. Buildings do not need to be on the historic registry, but they do need to have some historical or unique significance to the community, to show why this building needs to be saved. Buildings made of cinder block, metal or another modern building material lacking any significant architectural details will not be strong candidates for this grant.
• Buildings that are in such condition due to the neglect of the current owner are not eligible. This is intended for buildings that have experienced a sudden loss or destruction. For example, A building owner knew that the roof was leaking but did not address the issue for several months, causing the roof to cave in. This building owner would not be an eligible applicant unless they are willing to sell the building to another owner willing to rehabilitate and properly maintain the building. They would likely need to wait until the next regular HEAL round otherwise. 
• If the current building owner has owned the property for more than 5 years, they must provide proof they have invested in keeping the building in good condition prior to the damaging event to be considered for emergency funding. Receipts or documentation of contractor paid invoices would meet this requirement.
• Projects must show potential for reuse and revitalization as economic drivers in the community.
• The awarded project can include funding from any state or federal source, as long as there is no duplication of benefit. Examples include: Community Development Block Grant, Community Service Tax Credit Program, USDA Rural Development, State Historic Preservation Office programs or 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 4 months after grant award notification with construction complete in 24 months with a tenant in place in 30 Months. Building must be occupied and pass any local occupancy permit or local permitting inspection requirements. NOTE: Site cleanup, removal of debris, and demolition do not qualify as construction.
• A maximum of $100,000 per city per year
• Work to stabilize the building immediately following a disaster is eligible, and can count toward the match within 6 months of the application submission date. 
• Work previously completed prior to the 6 month stabilization window is not eligible for match for this grant program.

BUSINESS AND BUILDING USE OVERVIEW

• The intent of this program is to bring this building into use by the end of the grant term, which is 30 months. 
• The use of the building must be for one of the following: new or expanding businesses, childcare, healthcare, housing, arts and culture, or entrepreneurship.
• In the application, the final intent of use of the building must be identified, however, the specific tenant must be identified by one year from award date, or occupants of the space must be identified and committed to by the 50% mark of construction completion. The second payment of the grant will not be paid until the business plan, proforma, and tenant commitment letter are provided, no later than one year from the date of the contract signing date. 
• If the building was occupied at the time of the damage, it is eligible, however, an insurance claim, evaluation, and funding from insurance must be included as part of the project match.
   

Required Supporting Materials with the Application
 

• A structural engineering report must be provided showing that the building can be saved, or equivalent from an architect.
• Written estimates by a licensed contractor are required. Quotes must include supply cost estimates, labor cost estimates, and a detailed list of work to be done.  Quotes that also demonstrate that the project will be completed by the HEAL deadline are also preferred.
• Pro-forma showing all sources and uses on the project, and a business plan for operation of the building after completion of construction.
• A 1:1 cash match (minimum) and proof of matching funds from the building owner.
• A letter signed by both the applicant and the building owner that confirms commitment by both parties to the project. This is required, and projects that are submitted without this information will not be considered.

Eligible Building Grant Project Expenses
 Masonry, insulation, foundations, roofs and guttering, fire stairs, windows, doors, chimneys, walls, ceilings, floors, interior stairs, elevators, lighting and fixtures, electrical wiring, data and communication, wiring (not including equipment), HVAC systems and components, plumbing systems, fire suppression sprinkler systems, and ADA accessibility solutions. This list is not exhaustive. Project expenses not listed here are at the discretion of the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce for eligibility under the grant. Up to 5% of the grant award may be retained by the applicant organization for project administration expenses.
 

Ineligible Building Grant Project Expenses
 Professional services (architect and engineering fees), acquisition costs, or leasing contracts. This list is not exhaustive. Grant funds are to be utilized for the physical construction of the project.

Building Grant Award Amount
 Up to $100,000 per project or per city


 

If your organization is needing to make a change/amendment to your approved HEAL grant project, please complete this request form.
 

It will be reviewed and you will be notified via email once your change/amendment is approved or denied. 

The Community Service Program provides an opportunity for private non-profit organizations and public healthcare entities to improve their ability to undertake significant capital campaigns for projects involving children and family services, non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship, and youth technical training and health care. Under this program, the state authorizes specially selected non-profit organizations to offer tax credits to donors making contributions to the approved projects.

The CSP application period is from March 1, 2024, to April 30, 2024. The $250 application fee can be paid here.

* The Department of Commerce is responsible for the program. Due to the strong demand for these credits, organizations awarded credits may receive less than the total amount of credits requested.

Reports are to be submitted even if no activity has taken place during the quarter and must be submitted by the following dates: April 20 (for qtr. ending March 31), July 20 (for qtr. ending June 30), and October 20 (for qtr. ending September 30, January 20 (for qtr. ending December 31).

ADGP- Attraction Development Grant Program

Overview:

The Attraction Development Grant Program (ADGP) is designed to assist in the development of sustainable, market-driven travel experiences within the state that will influence destination travel decisions by identified travel customers, creating economic impact resulting from the creation of jobs, capital investment, revenue, and visitation in Kansas. Funding for the Attraction Development Grant Program is provided by Kansas Tourism and is outlined in state statutes K.S.A 32-1420, K.S.A 32-1421, and K.S.A 32-1422.

Purpose:

The intent of the ADGP is to provide strategic economic assistance to public, private entities and not-for- profit groups that are developing new, or enhancing existing tourism attractions in the state of Kansas.

The types of projects we are looking for with ADGP are those that will bring new visitors to Kansas. All projects should have an accountable tie to the tourism industry.

Goals of the Kansas Attraction Development Grant Program are:

• Spur economic growth
• Develop destination-based assets
• Increase visitation to Kansas
• Enhance visitor experience
• Improve the quality of life in communities across the state

Eligible Applicants:

• Not-for-profit organizations
• Government agencies – cities, counties, townships, federally recognized Indian Tribes
• For-profit business
• Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes
• Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education
• Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State

Award Information:

• A maximum of $1,00,000 total will be awarded in this fiscal year split between two rounds (Fall and Spring).
• A maximum of 20% of total grant funding may be granted to any single entity.

Application Timeline:

• Fall Grant Opens: August 1st  |  Application Deadline: October 1st                                                                           
• Spring Grant Opens: February 1st  |  Application Deadline: April 1st                                                 
• Grant Awards Announced: Early November | Grant Awards Announced: Early May

All awarded projects should be completed within 18 months of grant award.

Application Procedures:

• Online applications can be found here: https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/
• Questions and submission of additional documentation should be directed to Babette Dixon at 785-496-0230 or babette.dixon1@ks.gov. 
• Applications that are incomplete or missing documentation will be returned to the applicant.

Funding:

• 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.
• ADGP is a reimbursable grant.
• Grant awards will follow the guidelines outlined in K.S.A 32-1420.

Any entity with an open, incomplete Attraction Development Grant may not apply for additional grant funding. A grant is complete at the time all grant funds have been paid, all reports have been submitted, and the grant period has expired.

Leveraged Funds:

Leveraged funds may include bank loans, bonds, sponsorships, federal grants, cash, and in-kind contributions defined as donated goods or labor. Bookkeeping and organizational salaries do not qualify as in-kind. If a grant project manager’s salary is used as leveraged funding, applications will need to have documentation of the duties, the salary, and begin and end date of employment. Documentation of in-kind contributions must show basis for which donated goods or labor are valued.

Unallowable Leveraged Funds:

• Cost incurred or funds expended prior to the start date of the grant contract.
• Funds from other State of Kansas Departments or other Kansas Tourism funding programs including any TASK grant funding.
• Existing equipment, buildings, furnishings, or inventory that are presently owned by organization.
• Post Project costs such as normal operational expenses
• Debt refinancing
• Land or building acquired prior to the start date of the grant contract.
• Applicants shall not utilize any state moneys to meet the matching requirements under the provisions of this program including any TASK grant funding.

Eligible Projects and Activities:

For the purpose of K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 32-1420 through 32-1422, and amendments thereto, “tourist attraction” means a site that is of significant interest to tourists as a historic, cultural, scientific, educational, recreation- al or architecturally unique site, or as a site of natural scenic beauty or an area naturally suited for outdoor recreation. These may include the following.

• New attraction construction
• Enhancement to an existing attraction
• New or enhanced attraction exhibits to improve a visitor experience.

Ineligible Projects and Activities:

• Casino or any establishment operating class 3 gaming
• Racetrack facilities
• Travel or trade shows
• Refinancing of debt
• General upkeep or improvements (improvements should be supported through the organization’s operating budget)
• Normal operating expenses (staff salaries, rent, phone, supplies, postage, photocopying or other expenses associated with the ongoing normal administrative functions)
• General promotional brochures
• Community centers whose primary use is by local residents.
• Projects not having sustainable, accountable ties to the tourism marketplace.
• Grant administration fees

Release of Information:

Information submitted to Kansas Tourism relating to the application may be subject to the Open Records Law (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.). Confidentiality will not be guaranteed.

ADGP Evaluation and Selection Process:

A committee of three will be selected to review all applications and make recommendations for grants, pursuant to K.S.A 32-1421.

The evaluation used to assess the Project’s economic impact on tourism development will depend primarily on adequate documentation of the following criteria:

1. Visitation

• Out-of-state visitation from multiple states should represent greater than 20% of total annual visitation to be considered a major, unique, destination attraction.
• A minimum of 30% of total annual visitation should be drawn from greater than 100 miles distance from the attraction community.
• Total annual visitation should compare very favorably to comparable existing attractions in the state, as well as to comparable attractions and markets elsewhere.

2. Economic Impact

• Visitor Spending
• Sales Tax Generation
• Quality of life
• Job Creation or retention

3. The unique quality of the project, relative to at least one of the following:

• A national destination attraction market
• A defined regional (multi-state) market
• The Kansas destination attraction market
• The ability of the proposed attraction to leverage or utilize the natural, culture, recreation or heritage that is unique to Kansas,
• The ability of the proposed attraction to capture for Kansas a valuable national market (i.e. sports organization, consumer product brand, entertainment brand, etc.).

4. Integration and collaboration with other regional tourism resources and/or businesses, as determined by:

• The creation of overnight stays
• Collaboration with and support of other existing retail, entertainment, or destination experiences

5. Enhancement of the visitor experience in Kansas

6. Project Accountability

• Third-party verification, wherever possible is recommended. A feasibility study is strongly encouraged.
• Short and long-term marketing plan
• The ability to be sustainable past project completion.
• The ability to maintain status as a significant travel decision driver.
• All of the above should be accountable and verifiable according to best industry or comparative practices.
• Methodologies should be transparent and detailed.

7. Budget

• Budget should be adequate for the completion of the Project.
• Documentation supporting project budget should be detailed and complete.
• Adequate verification of leverage funding

8. Availability to the traveler

• Documentation indicating the regular scheduled days, hours and staffing that the attraction will be open to the public.

9. Management Team:

• Documentation of a qualified management team for the grant process and for management of the attraction once completed.

10. Project Planning and Support:

• Timeline and Documentation of the project to ensure grant activities will be completed within the ADGP grant guidelines.
• Letters of Community support

Applicants may be asked to meet with the Tourism Division Director and Grant Program Manager in person or by phone to further discuss the project for which the funds would be used before a decision is made by the Review Committee.

Disbursement of Grant Funds:

The Attraction Development Grant is a reimbursement grant. The contracted percent of documented expenditures will be paid to the grantee. Paid invoices with canceled checks or other valid documentation as proof of payment are to be submitted along with the Request for Reimbursement Form. All semi-annual reports are to be current with the Tourism Division office before grant funds will be distributed.

Reports:

The Grantee will submit semi-annual reports to the Tourism Division. The schedule of semi-annual reports will be as follows: Report #1 on December 15th of the award year, Report #2 on June 15th of the following award year. Semi-annual reports must be submitted even if work on the project has not taken place during the reporting period. Failure to submit reports on a timely basis will result in a reduction in evaluation scoring for future requests for funding. The Final Report is due with the final payment reimbursement request.

Repayment of Grant Funds:

Kansas Tourism reserves the right to require non-complying grant recipients to pay back the previously awarded money within one year of contract end date.

For projects receiving funding to purchase and/or renovate buildings and/or real estate, if the property is sold within five (5) years of receiving the grant, the owner(s) will be required to refund a prorated amount of the grant to Kansas Tourism. The amount will be prorated based on date of sale.

Department Recognition:

The Grantee must acknowledge Kansas Tourism as a sponsor of the Project.

Where applicable, use of the Kansas Tourism Logo will need to be approved along with the following statement: “Funded in part by Kansas Tourism”

For assistance with the application or submission process contact Babette Dixon at 785-496-0230 or babette.dixon1@ks.gov.