Opportunity Overview
The Kansas Department of Commerce 2026 CDBG Economic Development Program supports eligible non-entitlement Kansas cities and counties working with for-profit businesses or agricultural cooperatives on qualifying economic-development projects. The city or county is the legal applicant.
Funding and Deadline
The program has $750,000 available, with a maximum award of $750,000. Kansas Commerce expects approximately two awards. Applications are due October 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time. An approved pre-application is required before the full application may be submitted.
Match and Public Benefit
A 50% match of the CDBG grant request is required. Projects must satisfy the CDBG low- and moderate-income jobs national objective. At least 51% of jobs created or retained must benefit LMI persons, and the program generally limits CDBG investment to $35,000 per permanent full-time-equivalent job created or retained.
Eligible Applicants and Businesses
Only eligible Kansas cities and counties may apply directly through the State CDBG program. Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita, and all of Johnson County are excluded from the State CDBG program. The assisted business must also operate in a non-entitlement area. Eligible assisted entities are private for-profit businesses and agricultural cooperatives that provide required financial information and a business plan.
Eligible Uses
Eligible economic-development activities include qualifying public infrastructure such as water, sewer, roads, drainage, railroad spurs, and related public improvements, together with eligible professional services. Kansas Commerce also identifies broader business-financing uses in its program materials, subject to the controlling guidelines and project structure. Bailouts, financial restructuring, and private infrastructure benefiting the business are not eligible.
Repayment Structure
This program is not a conventional non-repayable grant to the assisted business. Funds are channeled through the local government, and repayment obligations apply under the program guidelines. Applicant and business counsel should confirm the repayment percentage and structure applicable to the specific business classification before commitment.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 54/100. N9+ Fit: 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. Direct Vendor Fit: 0/100. The controlling 2026 materials establish an economic-development and public-infrastructure financing program rather than a healthcare delivery, telehealth, remote-exam, or medical-equipment opportunity. Atlas should not introduce N9+ in ordinary outreach for this program.
Official Sources
Kansas Department of Commerce — CDBG Economic Development
2026 CDBG Economic Development Guidelines