UMKC wins an SBA grant

The University of Missouri-Kansas City Innovation Center has received one of eight “ScaleUp America” grants awarded nationwide by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The one-year, $300,000 grant, with potential for a four-year extension, is given to support growing entrepreneurs.

“Typically, business owners have a tough time moving beyond the $150,000 to $500,000 mark in sales,” said Maria Meyers, director of the UMKC Innovation Center. “We know how to help these growth-oriented enterprises over the hump, and this funding will enable us to expand our reach.”

UMKC said the ScaleUp grant will add to the Innovation Center’s existing programs and alliances including: KCSourceLink; Whiteboard2Boardroom (National Science Foundation); Digital Sandbox KC (i6 Challenge); University Center (Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration); and the Urban Business Growth Initiative (city of Kansas City, Mo.)

Diane Stafford/The Star

This story was originally published October 1, 2014 at 4:27 PM with the headline "UMKC wins an SBA grant."