Office of Rural Prosperity

09/29/2026

🌾 Kansas rural communities — this opportunity is for you!

Is your community ready to invest in the things that make it a great place to live, work and grow?

The SEED Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity offers awards of up to $25,000 for projects that strengthen quality of life and support economic development in Kansas communities of 5,000 or fewer.

Eligible projects can focus on:

💛 Childcare & Senior Programming
🏘️ Community Vibrancy
🛒 Food Retail
📚 Libraries

Whether it’s improving a community space, supporting local food access, investing in a library, or creating new opportunities for children and seniors, your community may have a project that’s a great fit.

Don’t miss the opportunity to turn a community idea into action.

👉 Learn more & apply: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/seedgrants/
Kansas Commerce SEED Grant⁠

Maximum award: $25,000 | 10% local match required. DUE OCTOBER 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM

09/28/2026

On Tuesday, October 6, from 10 am to 3 pm, join K-State Extension’s Community Food Systems team and the Cottonwood Extension District for a Food Business Workshop, bringing together the people food entrepreneurs need to know: funders, food safety experts and inspectors, retail and food business resources, and fellow entrepreneurs who are navigating many of the same challenges and opportunities.

It will offer expert conversations around funding, retail access, food safety and training, along with lunch from local Hays food business LB Brewing.

This workshop is for anyone working toward a food-related venture or community food project. Space is limited and registration is $20. Secure your spot here! https://events.k-state.edu/event/foodpreneur-workshop

08/25/2026

The SEED Grant has reopened for rural communities with populations under 5,000. To learn more, join the Office of Rural Prosperity for weekly office hours every Monday at 2PM. Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hU_2YEZtT8S8SK_ptLHWVw

08/03/2026

The Office of Rural Prosperity is hiring! Join our team at our office in Independence as a Program Manager! This person will help administer our rural grants programs, and be a support to all rural communities as they work towards making their town a better place to prosper! Apply today!!

https://jobs.sok.ks.gov/psc/sokhrprdcg/APPLICANT/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=221693&PostingSeq=1

08/03/2026

Great Opportunity to get involved on a new level!

❗ CALLING ALL KCE COMMUNITY MEMBERS❗

At our July Board meeting, the Board approved the creation of a new Community Engagement Committee and is looking for community members who want to help shape the future outreach activities of KCE.

This committee would plan and provide insight to KCE staff on statewide events and pop-up events.

If this sounds like something you would want to be a part of, please send your information to Matthew Morrison ([email protected]).

Be sure to include:
Who you represent
What experience in KCE or event planning you bring
When you would be most available

Your experience and dedication are what make this program come alive. Every community’s journey looks a little different, and by being a part of this committee, you are taking part in looking towards the future.

07/14/2026

Manufacturing businesses need more than great products—they need a solid strategy to grow and thrive.

Kansas SBDC offers no-cost advising in business planning, financial projections, loan preparation, marketing, growth strategies, succession planning, and more. Whether you're just getting started or preparing for your next big move, our advisors are here to help you build a stronger business.

Ready to take the next step? Find your local Kansas SBDC office at https://www.kansassbdc.net/state-and-local-offices.

07/14/2026

Applications for Common Good Partnerships open August 10.

Formerly known as Leadership Transformation Grants, Common Good Partnerships help Kansas organizations build cultures that embrace change, tackle challenges and make lasting progress through grant-funded leadership development.

Thinking about applying? 💙 Our website has been updated with details about the program, the application timeline and two free informational webinars with Partner Manager Camille Scott.

Learn more & plan ahead: https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/grants/

07/13/2026

Last week’s Community Impact Tour was a great reminder of the creativity, dedication, and vision that make Kansas communities so special. A big thank you to the communities that welcomed us and shared the meaningful projects they’ve been working on.

Along the way, we visited a variety of impactful projects, including a childcare facility and a park cultivating native prairie plants. We also enjoyed a BBQ lunch at the HEAL grant project in Marion.

It’s inspiring to see these projects making a real difference in their communities, and we’re grateful to play a role in supporting them through grants and technical resources. We look forward to seeing their continued impact in the years ahead!

07/13/2026

Make plans to attend an upcoming Community Development Forum near you!

📣Registration is now open for the 2026 Elevate Kansas Community Development Forums!

Join community leaders, nonprofit organizations, local government, businesses, and residents from across Kansas for a day of learning, collaboration, and connection. Hear real stories from Kansas communities, explore practical strategies for strengthening partnerships, and leave with ideas and resources you can put into action.

Five regional forums will be held across Kansas this fall. Learn more and register at the link in our comments!

07/13/2026

⏰ Last chance to register!

Whether you're planning to launch a restaurant, grow a food truck, or strengthen a new food business, this six-week program provides the guidance, accountability, and industry expertise to help you succeed.

Learn from experienced coaches, connect with fellow food entrepreneurs, and build a stronger foundation for your business.

📆 July 16 - August 27
💲 Registration is $99
📝 Applications close July 16

Apply now: www.onlinerestaurantacademy.com/offers/jk5qWoSN/

Sponsored by Network Kansas and America's SBDC