The Urban Business Growth Initiative – which offers training for entrepreneurs in the urban core – is taking applications for the next round of classes starting Aug. 1.

Now in its fifth year, the program is designed for low- and moderate-income people who live or own a business in Kansas City, Mo. By supporting new and growing businesses, the Urban Business Growth Initiative hopes to help create jobs in poorer neighborhoods.

Scholarships are available that knock the price of a course – normally costing a few hundred dollars – to $75.

Upcoming Urban Business Growth Initiative courses include:

FastTrac NewVenture // Tuesdays, Aug. 1–29

Would-be entrepreneurs will learn how to create a business plan and test their business idea’s feasibility. The course normally costs $649, or $75 with UBGI scholarship.

FastTrac GrowthVenture // Fridays, Aug. 18–Oct. 20

This course is designed for people who have already launched their own business. Participants will get help with preventing problems, sharpening performance and increasing their company’s growth. Cost is $795, or $75 with a UBGI scholarship.

Icehouse Entrepreneurship Program // Aug. 30 – Oct. 18

Icehouse explains the eight critical parts of an entrepreneur’s mind-set. Cost is normally $545, or $75 with a UBGI scholarship.

FastTrac TechVenture // Sept. 27 – Nov. 29

This is the course for entrepreneurs developing technology- or science-based businesses. It costs $795, or $75 with a UBGI scholarship.

You can learn more about the Urban Business Growth Initiative and apply for a scholarship by visiting this website. A limited number of scholarships is available. Participants are allowed to receive only one scholarship.

The program is a collaboration involving KCBizCare, the UMKC Small Business and Technology Development Center, the Procurement Technical Assistance Center and KCSourceLink. The City of Kansas City, Mo., provides funding.