Welcome to the online application portal for the Kansas Department of Commerce! Review and apply for funding opportunities.
The Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship (KOA) has realized significant growth in high-wage and high-demand occupations, but there still remains a significant need to engage small businesses essential to the state economic success.
This grant specifically targets small businesses with less than 10 full-time employees, and will provide $7,000 one-time grants to support the registration of New Apprentices in high-wage and high-demand occupations.
*This grant opportunity is contingent on funding provided in the State of Kansas approved budget. The KDC reserves the right to not award funding.
Eligible Participants:
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship remains committed to addressing the state’s high-wage, high-demand workforce needs through the continued development and support of Registered Apprenticeship programs.
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and Kansas Apprenticeship Council has a 6-year strategic plan thataligns with the Kansas Framework for Growth and directly meets all four pillars of the framework, specifically “Talent”. The KOA has been strategic in growing Registered Apprenticeship programs in only high-wage and high-demand occupations in each of the target sectors identified for accelerated growth including: advanced manufacturing, aerospace, distribution and transportation, food & agriculture, professional & technical services, healthcare and education.
Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees are the backbone of the Kansas economy, and range from local auto repair shops and HVAC companies to custom harvesting operations. These businesses are not only essential to sustaining daily life across the state, but many are also owned by an aging workforce. Without a clear transition plan, their closure could trigger significant economic decline in their regions. Registered Apprenticeship has emerged as a powerful tool for both workforce development and succession planning, offering a sustainable path to keep these vital businesses operational and rooted in their communities.
This grant is intended to expand the use of Registered Apprenticeship among small businesses and address the misconceptions that have historically limited their participation.
Eligible Entities:
- Have a Kansas-based address and be in good standing with the Kansas Department of Revenue
- Currently employ less than 10 full-time employee's (part-time employees do not count toward the minimum number)
- Occupation to apprentice must be high wage and high demand (starting $15/hr with wage progression and strong current employment and expected job growth)
- Interested in exploring Registered Apprenticeship – and ability to hire or train an employee
Registered Apprenticeship Project Grants Timeline
August 25 - September 25, 2025 – Application open until all funding is awarded.
October 1, 2025 – Earliest Notice of Award
Projects must be completed by September 30, 2026
Use of Funds
An organization may submit one application. The total program budget is up to $105,000, or 15 awards at $7,000 each. Eligible uses include:
- Staff time to explore options, training equipment, related technical instruction, contracted services, and administrative costs.
- This funding cannot be used for apprenticeship wages.
- KDC reserves the right to award all or parts of the request based on funding limitations.
Disbursement Method: Reimbursement
Apprenticeship Grant funds will be administered through an MOU process. Quarterly Narrative and Fiscal reports will be required by all awardees.
Additional information on previous awards for how this is done can be found here: https://ksapprenticeship.org/resource-page/kansas-office-of-apprenticeship-state-grants/
The TAPS Grant is designed to support projects that enhance the quality and usability of public spaces by turning overlooked or unattractive infrastructure into engaging and functional elements of the community. These public art interventions will encourage local artists and organizations to engage with the community, turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and enhance the environment for residents and visitors alike.
By improving the quality of public spaces, this grant aims to repurpose mundane or unsightly objects—such as electrical boxes, fire hydrants, benches, and utility poles—into assets that contribute to the vibrancy, functionality, and beauty of the environment while fostering community pride and stimulating creativity.
Projects will add color, texture, engagement, and creativity to communities and spark conversation about the role of design in our landscapes.
Please refer to the full guidelines to ensure your application fits the criteria. For full scale murals, please visit the Mural Making resources page, the Office of Rural Prosperity's Rural Murals program, and the Kansas Arts Commission's Public Art & Mural additional assistance and funding. TAPS funding is meant for small-scale, playful interventions on public infrastructure to encourage community creativity and future engagement.
Engineering Higher Education Matching (EHEM) Grants Program Application
Kansas Department of Commerce
Application Release Date: August 13, 2025
Application Deadline: September 12, 2025
Purpose of the application
The Kansas Department of Commerce invites eligible state educational institutions and members of the Kansas Independent College Association with accredited engineering programs to complete the form below for the EHEM Grants Program. This program provides funding to support engineering education and development in Kansas.
Background Information
Through HB 2292, the EHEM Grants Program is established by the State of Kansas to promote the growth and development of engineering programs in the state. $3 million in funding is available to institutions that meet specific criteria.
Scope of Work
Any state educational institutions and members of the Kansas Independent College Association with primary locations in Kansas and accredited engineering programs, including computer engineering or computer science, recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) are eligible to complete the application for funding.
Funding Information
Funds can be used for the following purposes:
- Awarding scholarships to undergraduate engineering students.
- Recruiting undergraduate students for engineering programs.
- Expanding the number of potential engineering students through engineering-related activities in secondary schools in Kansas.
- Funding internships for undergraduate engineering students.
- Making necessary facility improvements or equipment purchases to expand engineering program course offerings.
- Hiring additional faculty or enhancing faculty salaries in the institution's engineering program.
Funds may not be used for the acquisition or construction of facilities.
Available Funds
Funding through this program will be provided on a dollar-for-dollar match basis with non-state funds. The minimum amount is $20,000 per graduate from an accredited engineering program for the immediately preceding academic year to the extent the number of engineering graduates exceeds the institution’s threshold amount.
Institution Threshold Amounts:
· Kansas State University – 586 graduates
· University of Kansas – 419 graduates
· Wichita State University – 360 graduates
· Private, independent colleges and other state educational institutions with accredited engineering programs – 1 or more graduates
Amounts are to be prorated if the total amount of funds is insufficient for each grant to be $20,000.
Reporting Requirements
The Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce is required to report on the uses of funding and the progress made toward the program's goals. Annual reports to the House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development and the Senate Committee on Commerce are mandatory.
Each grantee will be required to fill out an annual summary report.
Oversight and Accountability
Oversight and accountability for the program are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the State Board of Regents. Institutions receiving funding are subject to performance assessments to ensure the effective utilization of funds.
The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking grant* 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 the linkage between the project, industry demand, apprentice training, and apprentice recruitment.
*This grant opportunity is contingent on funding provided in the State of Kansas approved budget.
Eligible Participants:
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship remains committed to addressing the state’s high-wage, high-demand workforce needs through the continued development and support of Registered Apprenticeship programs. This year, changes to the program criteria emphasize strategic growth and scalability, but also integration with small/medium and rural companies. To be eligible for funding, apprenticeship programs must present a proposal that demonstrates how the requested funds will increase the number of new apprentices by at least 10% year over year and engage small businesses (with fewer than 10 employees) in the state.
This is the 3rd grant opportunity utilizing this state funding and is designed specifically to support established Registered Apprenticeship programs and is not intended for the creation of entirely new apprenticeship entities. Funds may be used for a variety of operational and expansion needs, such as hiring business support specialists, marketing efforts, purchasing training equipment, and other services that enable programs to broaden their reach and impact. Given that Registered Apprenticeship programs in Kansas currently do not receive regular state funding and have remained self-sufficient, this grant provides critical access to capital to expedite program growth and long-term sustainability.
Eligible Entities:
- State of Kansas Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAPIDS number that starts with KS)
- Must have been established for at least 1 year (established in 2024 or earlier)
- Must be in good standing with the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship
- Must have an established Kansas address and in good standing with the Kansas Department of Revenue
- Must provide a plan to engage rural and small businesses (under 10 employees)
- Must be able to provide a 1:1 match for the funding
An organization may submit one application. The total program budget is up to $450,000. The maximum award is up to $150,000. Applicants are required to provide a 1:1 match for every grant dollar requested. Matching dollars can include FTE costs. KDC reserves the right to award all or parts of the request based on funding limitations.
Registered Apprenticeship Project Grants Timeline
August 25, 2025 – Application Open
Sept 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM CDT – Application submissions due
October 1, 2025 – Earliest Notice of Award
Projects must be completed by Sept 30, 2026
Use of Funds
Grant funds may be used for project needs related to technical instruction for the registered apprenticeship, OJT needs not including apprentice wages, staffing and/or FTE to implement and manage programs, marketing and outreach and other allowable activities as stated in the project proposal.
Examples include but not limited to:
- Related technical instruction tuition costs, course costs, books costs, and anything else related to technical training. This training would need to be transcribed within the Registered Apprenticeship program to qualify.
- Marketing and outreach materials including paid media, social media, web media, printed material and more
- Contract with external apprenticeship subject matter experts o align internal systems including reporting systems, curriculum alignment, RAPIDS reporting, assessments and other reporting.
- Contract with higher education and/or external stakeholders to create crosswalks of existing curriculum in order to build pathways to a career, college degree, and/or certification.
- Administrative costs are permitted as part of this grant.
- Other project concepts will be considered on a case by case basis.
Disbursement Method: Reimbursement
Apprenticeship Grant funds will be reimbursed on a quarterly basis. 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. Quarterly Narrative and Fiscal reports will be required by all awardees.
Additional information on previous awards for how this is done can be found here: https://ksapprenticeship.org/resource-page/kansas-office-of-apprenticeship-state-grants/
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 Apprentice to Educator Grant Program (A2E) - 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 two 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
Application periods:
Year 2025
Funding window 1: January 1 through April 30 for 2025
Funding window 2: Sept 1 through Nov 30 for 2025
Year 2026
Funding window 1: January 1 through April 30 for 2026
Funding window 2: Sept 1 through Nov 30 for 2026
For questions please contact:
Kansas Office of Apprenticeship - apprenticeship@ks.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/.
- Ensure eligibility of apprentices.
- Complete KS Apprenticeship Act - Tax Credit Application form. This needs to be filled out by the company/taxpayer that plans to claim the credits.
- KOA will review and send a 'Tax Credit Confirmation' Certificate back to the company to confirm eligibility and the tax credit amount.
- 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
If your organization is needing to make a change/amendment to your approved grant project(s), please complete this request form.
It will be reviewed and you will be notified via email once your change/amendment is approved or denied.
If your organization is needing to make a change/amendment to your approved grant project(s), please complete this request form. It will be reviewed and you will be notified via email once your change/amendment is approved or denied.
If your organization is needing to make a change/amendment to your approved grant project(s), please complete this request form.
It will be reviewed and you will be notified via email once your change/amendment is approved or denied.
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.
Certified Sites Support Grant
The Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) will provide matching dollars up to $10,000 for eligible entities to utilize towards the completion of the Certified Sites program application.
The funding is available for non-metro counties with a population less than 50,000. Applications from the following counties are not eligible: Butler, Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Reno, Riley, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, & Wyandotte.
Certified Sites Grant Timeline
January 1, 2023 – Applications Open until funding expires
Use of Funds
Eligible expenditures include the consulting services, marketing costs, and engineering expenditures related to the completion of the Certified Sites program application.
Program Requirements
The requirement period begins upon contract execution. Eligible costs will only be allowed within this timeframe. Grantees are required to submit monthly reports to KDC. Grantees much complete site certification within twelve months of award notification. If additional time is needed, a three-month extension request must be submitted through a formal, written request to KDC. Extension requests are due 30 days prior to the end of the approved period of completion, and the request must contain the following information:
- Progress achieved thus far (including obligated and expended funds).
- Timeline detailing key activities needing to be completed.
- Compelling justification as to why an extension is required, such as demonstrating a direct cause and effect between external circumstances beyond the recipients control and the inability to complete a certification prior to the end of the twelve-month period.
Changes in Scope
Recipients are prohibited from changing the scope of the funded project. Recipients shall not modify projects and/or incur costs associated with any modifications without first receiving written approval from KDC.
Match Requirement
All applicants are required to provide matching funds on a 1:1 basis.
Eligible sources for matching funds include:
- General Operating Funds.
- In-Kind donated services related to the Certified Sites Program.
- Valuation of Brownfield Program.
Disbursement Method:
Grant funds will be advanced proportional to the proof of matching funds in the following manner: The first disbursement of funds will include 50% of the organization’s grant award, after required match is documented as committed. All match commitment documentation must clearly identify the dollar amount, the source(s) of the funds, the proposed uses that comply with the requirements of this notice and be signed by the authorized official. The organization must submit sufficient records to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the agreement for the advanced award amount and the proportional match prior to the release of the second disbursement.
The second disbursement will be advanced similar to the first. After the submission of the remaining match commitment documentation, the second 50% of the allocation will be disbursed. Sufficient records are required for 100% of the total project budget, and failure to do so will result in repayment.
Funds will be disbursed within 30 days after all documents are reviewed and substantiated.
Example: An organization is allocated an award of $10,000, and the required match is $10,000. The total project budget is $20,000. Upon execution of the agreement and documentation is submitted that 50% of the match ($5,000) is committed, 50% of the award ($5,000) will be advanced to the grantee. Once the first 50% of the total project budget ($10,000) is expended and proof of cost and payment are submitted and approved, the second disbursement of $5,000 will be advanced following the submission of the remaining match commitment documentation ($5,000).
Program Manager
Corrie Ann Campbell
785-213-7312
Reports are to be submitted even if no activity has taken place during the quarter and must be submitted by the following dates: January 20 (for qtr ending December 31), April 20 (for qtr ending March 31), July 20 (for qtr ending June 30), and October 20 (for qtr ending September 30).
These awards assist local government in 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.
Application for Urgent Need must be completed within 6 months of the issue occurring.
The purpose of Commercial Rehabilitation grants is to help cities improve the quality of their downtown commercial districts by assisting private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted buildings. It is hoped that strategic investment of grant funds will help prevent the spread of blighted conditions to other nearby structures.
Application will remain open until all available funds have been obligated.
Website: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/cdbg/cdbg-comm-rehab/
Under the Economic Development category, a private for-profit business or an agricultural cooperative participates with a city or county in the application process. The city or county is the legal applicant. The private for-profit business or agricultural cooperative must provide financial information and a business plan as part of the application process.
All applicants for Economic Development assistance must notify Commerce 10 days prior to submitting an application for funding. The notification may be in the form of a telephone call, e-mail, fax, or written correspondence.
CDBG funds may be used for infrastructure improvements, land acquisition, site preparation, building construction or renovation, machinery, equipment, lease payments, inventory, payroll and other working capital items. CDBG funds may not be used for bail-outs or financial restructuring. A project funded under this category must lead to the creation or retention of permanent jobs in Kansas.
For more information .....