Apply Now for LaunchKC’s $50K Startup Grants

LaunchKC—a new program that will give $50,000 grants to 10 startups—is now taking applications.

launchkc_logoThe grant winners also will receive 12 months of free office space in downtown Kansas City, Mo. They’ll be introduced to local business leaders, some of whom will serve as the winners’ mentors.

The application deadline is July 2. The recipients will be chosen by a panel of venture capitalists and business leaders on Sept. 18 during this fall’s Techweek Kansas City conference. For application information, visit this website.

Local startups and out-of-towners can both seek LaunchKC grants. Organizers are looking for young companies with scalable solutions in ag technology, animal health, data analytics, education tech, financial tech, health tech, cloud services, mobile and real estate, advanced manufacturing or other fields.

The Downtown Council is overseeing LaunchKC with the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. The program is designed to bring more tech startups to downtown.

“LaunchKC will contribute to a more robust startup culture and infrastructure in Kansas City, Missouri,” said Bill Dietrich, president and CEO of the Downtown Council and chief administrative office of LaunchKC. “This will strengthen our growing Innovation District in Downtown, where investors, inventors and entrepreneurs collaborate within a livable, walkable and transit-connected urban center.”