Step 4 - Financing Resources for Starting a Rural Grocery
While financing is not necessarily a “step in the process” it is a necessary part of developing a store. In this section of the tool kit, you will find links and resources for getting started with organizing funding options. Because the funding sources and priorities for funding are somewhat dynamic, we have linked to some of the organizations that provide start-up business resources and support for entrepreneurial or start-up businesses.
Federal Resources:
The USDA Rural Development division has loans and funding resources to support rural development. USDA Rural Development in Kansas has winnowed the programs they offer to those most appropriate to rural grocery and food systems in the attached document. |
USDA Rural Development Financing for Food Hubs Prepared for this tool kit by the Kansas USDA Rural Development, this document details food and business related funding initiatives through the USDA Rural Development. |
State Resources:
Kansas Department of Commerce; Business and Community Development Division The Kansas Department of Commerce oversees community and business development resources. |
 This website is here to assist you, the entrepreneur or small business concern, by answering your questions about developing a business in Kansas. The website also helps to assist you in accessing the financing you need to fulfill your goals. |
 Nebraska Department of Economic Development This website provides a listing of funding resources available to Nebraska businesses. |
Private Resources: Private organizations with an emphasis on funding business start-up and food related initiatives include:
A non-profit organization that can assist with accessing financial resources for entrepreneurial efforts and start-up businesses. |
 A non-profit organization that supports community development initiatives and funding. |
The CDFI Fund’s Capacity Building Initiative for Financing Healthy Food Options is a tool created by the US Department of the Treasury. This tool details both public and private sources that fund food related initiatives. |
IKE – Raising Capital In Kansas The Invest Kansas Exemption (IKE) is a project of the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner provided in order to remove some of the regulatory hurdles for small businesses based in Kansas. This is a suggested “first call” before talking with others about public financing arrangements. |
Steps to Success is a document intended to assist a business owner or entrepreneur in their planning to open a business. Supported by NetWork Kansas, this tool provides a wealth of references and resources to assist with the launch of a small business. |
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