A new pilot program could make it easier for Kansas City’s artist-entrepreneurs to get microloans for growing their businesses.

Artists will be able to apply for loans from a microloan fund operated by the City of Kansas City, Mo., and the Justine Petersen organization, with help from the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City and the AdvanceKC Arts Industry Sector.

The loans could help borrowers to buy supplies, add equipment and make other investments.

“Local artists are an important part of Kansas City’s economy, and their work helps shape and cultivate our community,” Kansas City Councilman Scott Taylor said. “Artists often have limited access to financing options due to the nature of their work. This program provides the funding necessary to strengthen Kansas City’s creative economy.”

Interested in applying for an arts microloan? Attend an informational seminar from 4 to 8 p.m. on July 8 at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Road in Kansas City, Mo. Can’t make it? Contact Megan Crigger at megan.crigger@kcmo.org or (816) 513-2659.

“Investing in local artists is important to the growth of Kansas City’s arts industry,” Crigger said. “The pilot micro-lending program is being launched with a goal of identifying further business needs of the arts community, and the effort will lead to increased opportunities to build a larger and sustainable micro-lending community.”