Argentine Betterment Corporation (ABC), is pleased to announce Downtown Argentine Revival micro grants to small businesses located along Metropolitan Avenue and Strong Avenue between S.18th Street and S. 42nd Street. ABC aims to improve Argentine’s visual appeal with exterior business property improvements within the defined area. Local businesses are invited to apply for funding. 

 

These micro-grants are courtesy of an award to ABC from the Rooted Change Fund created by the Community Capital Fund, with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.  This fund is intended to support grassroots, community-based organizations advancing economic mobility in historically underserved areas of the Kansas City metro. ABC’s grant allows for exterior property improvements or other catalytic capital.  

 

Eligibility Requirements: 

To be eligible for this grant, your business must meet all of the following: 

 

• Be physically between Metropolitan Avenue or Strong Avenue from S. 18th Street and S. 42nd Street in Kansas City, Kansas 

• Be currently registered and in good standing with the State of Kansas 

• Be using funds exclusively for exterior improvements to your business property 

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What We Fund: 

This grant supports exterior improvements that enhance the appearance and appeal of your business, including but not limited to signage, painting, window replacement, exterior lighting, storefront renovation, accessibility improvements, sidewalk or parking lot upgrades and other exterior upgrades to your building. 

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Application Instructions: 

Please address each of the following in your application: 

 

Project Description: Describe the exterior improvement you are proposing. What will be changed, repaired, or added? How will it improve the appearance of your business and the corridor? 

 

Project Budget: Provide an itemized budget for your project. Indicate the total project cost, how much you are requesting from this grant, and whether you have additional funds available to contribute toward the project. Applications that demonstrate matching funds or a lower grant request relative to total project cost are looked upon favorably. 

 

Business History: Tell us how long your business has been operating and confirm that your business is in good standing with the State of Kansas.  

 

Community Involvement: Describe any involvement your business has had with the Argentine community. This may include participation in community events such as Silver City Day, Holiday Lighting, Serve Day, or other neighborhood initiatives. Current and ongoing community involvement is viewed favorably. 

 

Coordination with Neighboring Businesses: Are you coordinating your improvement project with any neighboring businesses? Projects that involve two or more businesses making complementary or coordinated improvements are strongly encouraged and will receive additional consideration. Please describe any collaborative plans if applicable. 

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Selection Process: 

Applications will be reviewed by a committee using established criteria. Grants will be awarded based on the overall strength of the application, with consideration given to the visual impact of the proposed improvement, financial need and leverage, business stability, community involvement, and collaboration with neighboring properties. 

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Award Amount: 

Micro grant award range: $2,500 - $5,000 

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Key Dates: 

Application Opens: April 10 

Applications Due: May 1 

Award Notifications: June 1 

Awardees will need to provide a scope of work and timeline: June 15 

Project completion and Reporting: August 28 

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Questions? 

Contact Argentine Betterment Corporation at amanda@argentinekc.org or 913-481-7030 with any questions about the application process.