The FORGE Grants
Creating access to capital infusion opportunities for small business owners in Southeast Kansas.
Grant types and amounts Application process Deadlines Grant Recipients
Pittsburg State University has been awarded a $350,000 FORGE Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to expand resources for businesses and entrepreneurs in Southeast Kansas. The FORGE program—Fostering Opportunities for Research, Growth, and Entrepreneurship—is designed to support and accelerate innovation within state universities, driving new economic activity in Kansas.
This funding will support the Foundry Network, a pilot program led by PSU's Division of Research + Economic Development (RED) at Block22 in downtown Pittsburg. The initiative aims to strengthen the state's economy by providing critical support to businesses in key sectors such as:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Aerospace & Defense
- Distribution, Logistics, and Transportation
- Food and Agriculture
- Animal Health and Biosciences
The FORGE Grant will create access to capital infusion opportunities for small business owners through mini-grants and technical assistance, with $225,000 reserved specifically for these purposes. The program offers market analysis, product prototyping, grant writing, and social media services, empowering businesses to take the next step in their growth journey.
For more information or additional details contact:
Division of Research + Economic Development
Program Overview
Launched by Kansas Department of Commerce in 2024, the Kansas Fostering Opportunities for Research, Growth and Entrepreneurship (FORGE) program is designed to support and accelerate innovation activities within state universities to create new economic activity in Kansas. FORGE’s mission is to cultivate a dynamic culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across Kansas driven by our state’s higher education institutions. FORGE is also about bridging the gap between academia and industry. It’s about ensuring that groundbreaking research happening within our universities doesn’t just stay within the confines of the campus but makes its way to creating new wealth in Kansas.
This pilot program supports projects that directly boost technology commercialization, fortify university-industry partnerships, launch faculty and student ventures, and expand industry access to university resources. FORGE aims to create tangible results that propel economic growth and solidify Kansas as a national leader in innovation. Universities are encouraged to think creatively and aggressively when proposing a project.
Pittsburg State University (PSU) has been awarded a portion of Kansas FORGE funds and is using those funds to support and expand the development of its Foundry Network, a collaborative partnership with key communities, economic development entities, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in Southeast Kansas (SEK). The Foundry Network will provide entrepreneurship services, market analyses, mini grants, technical assistance grants, product prototyping, grant writing services, and social media partnerships between PSU and towns, county/regional economic development organizations, small businesses, and members of the communities in which transformational work is being done. PSU has allocated $225,000 to provide capital and technical assistance grants.
As one of the stated goals of the funding opportunity is to “create or enhance ‘front door’ services to connect businesses/entrepreneurs to university resources,” this Foundry Network is the access point for communities into PSU and its assets. Designed as a hub and spoke concept, rather than wait for those in the region to seek out the University, the Foundry Network will radiate out to the region and, in conjunction with partners, offer the services listed above. For example, if a city wants to know its pull factor, PSU can do a market analysis to create that report. If a business needs funding, such as a grant, PSU will offer access to resources to make that process much less daunting. In short, the Foundry Network is a way for PSU to serve the region’s entrepreneurial and business community in an impactful way.
Desired Outcomes
The desired outcome of the FORGE Grant through the PSU Foundry Network is a stronger regional economy. A partnership between PSU and its region allows for the fostering of fledgling businesses the needed analysis to understand a community’s strengths and weaknesses, the ability to receive direct funding for operations/purchasing of equipment, and the creation of a map that highlights the regional industry clusters that lead to future economic development. Information drives decisions, and the more information the region has the better outcomes can be. PSU can offer professional and technical services that lead to economic development and a stronger outlook into the future of SEK.
Funding Availability
Pittsburg State University will be responsible for oversight of the FORGE Grant Program and disbursement of funds will take place through the University’s Business Office. Pittsburg State’s Program Partner, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be responsible for program administration, marketing, application processing, underwriting, training and review/approval of financial and business documentation for disbursement approval.
Grant award payments will be processed within 4-6 weeks after the contract is signed.
Application Review and Approval Process
The application will be reviewed by SBDC Advisors to determine application completeness and preliminary eligibility. The application will then be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of individuals familiar with SEK, entrepreneurship and successful business operations.
For additional information regarding the Forge Grant and/or the Foundry Network, please contact the following:
Pittsburg State University
Division of Research + Economic Development
foundry@pittstate.edu
Post Grant Follow Up
The SBDC will continue to work one-on-one with each grantee throughout the next twelve (12) months. If contacted by the SBDC, all awardees will be required to provide an update on their business operations and if additional employees have been hired or employees retained. A six- and twelve-month report will be created by the SBDC and PSU to document the success of the program and shared with the Kansas Department of Commerce. By acceptance of the grant, the business agrees to comply with SBDC information requests that may include use of photos or business logos and information.
FORGE Grant Rubric
Below is the FORGE Grant Rubric, detailing the specific criteria the committee will use to evaluate and award grants. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the rubric to ensure alignment with the evaluation standards.
Types of grants and amounts
- Capital Improvement grant up to $5,000 with a 5:1 funding match
- If you apply for $5,000 you must match $1,000
- Must fit under the key sectors of advanced manufacturing; aerospace & defense; distribution, logistics, & transportation; food and agriculture; or animal health and biosciences.
- Technical Services grant up to $2,500 (i.e. marketing, legal, accounting needs)
Application Steps
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Become a Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Client
Complete Client Registration Form
Already a client? Email us at: foundry@pittstate.edu
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Connect with an Advisor
After you register, an SBDC business advisor will reach out within 5 business days to schedule your initial meeting - either in person or via Zoom.
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Develop Your Business Plan
Collaborate with your advisor to create or refine your business plan.
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Prepare Financial Projections
Work on your 3-year cash flow projections with your advisor or submit an existing 3-year profit/loss report.
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Complete Project Description
Write a 500-word project description that outlines the need for your business. Use the FORGE Grant Rubric to help guide you.
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Submit Your Grant Application
Complete the digital grant application (link provided by your SBDC advisor) and ensure it's submitted by the deadline.
Deadlines
- Phase 1: Complete
- Phae 2: Complete
- Phase 3: OPEN TO ALL COUNTIES
Phase 1: Allen, Bourbon, Crawford, and Neosho Counties
Phase 2: Cherokee, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson Counties
Phase 3: Anderson, Chautauqua, Elk, Linn, and Woodson Counties + Phase 1 and Phase 2 Counties
*Grant award payments will be processed within 4-6 weeks after the contract is signed.
Grant Recipients
During Round One of the FORGE Grant, over $63,000 was granted to 16 Small Businesses
Meet the small businesses that received funding and see how their grants are helping them grow and thrive.
Capital Grant - 10
Allen County
Wild Bloom Coffee - $5,000 for kitchen expansion
“This project isn’t just about expanding our business; it’s about building the community’s access to fresh, local foods in a region that needs it most.”
Triple K Parts & Service - $5,000 for equipment
“Triple K Parts is operating with antiquated equipment in daily work. Updating this equipment will not only ensure employee safety, but store performance.”
Bourbon County
FB Farms - $5,000 for equipment for production expansion
“These upgrades collectively signify a leap towards achieving the farm's primary objective: to elevate operational efficiency and profitability. This, in turn, supports the commendable goal of providing the community with access to affordable, healthier poultry options.
Tiny Green and Herbs - $5,000 for a generator
“I am applying for grant funding so that I can purchase and install a dual-fuel generator to ensure that I do not have any crop losses. My goal is to provide community members with the nutrient dense produce that have come to depend on over the last several months, even in the event of a power failure.”
Brickstreet Barbecue - $3,300 for equipment
“By allowing us additional funding to cover the costs of equipment, it will ensure that we can continue to purchase quality meats and produce that is paramount in the barbecue industry. The Forge grant will enable us to continue to invest in high-quality ingredients that are essential for creating outstanding dishes”
Rafter BW - $5,000 for cattle chute
“We believe the purchase of this unit will make it safer for both the cattle and the people operating the chute.”
Crawford County
HIX Corporation - $5,000 for Advanced Manufacturing Expansion
“HIX Corporation is seeking grant funding to modernize its production capabilities to meet rising demand. The focus is on expanding production of the Quik n’ Crispy® air fryer line, which provides health-conscious, oil-free cooking solutions.” This is a big project, totaling over $500,000!
The Corner Patio - $5,000 for kitchen equipment
“With these improvements, The Corner Patio will operate with increased productivity and functionality, optimizing our workspace for both staff and patrons. This project will ultimately enable us to serve our community better, maintain a high quality of service, and create a warm, welcoming environment that aligns with our commitment to community and our core values.”
RFB Construction - $5,000 toward an End Dump Truck
“The matched grant money would greatly help RFB finance this end dump and will allow RFB to employ another skilled individual in Crawford County. This grant will in turn help the County with local taxes and local purchasing from RFB.”
Painted Barrels - $5,000 for expansion of storage and packing
“The award would enhance our business viability by increasing sales to create increased revenue and expand access to other markets.”
Technical Assistance Grants - 6
Allen County
Clock Tower Mercantile - $2,400 for marketing campaign
“Clock Tower Mercantile will be relocating in 2025 and the marketing campaign will help spread the word about the move.” Clock Tower will be working with the Iola Register for the marketing campaign, so this grant supported two local small businesses!
Bourbon County
Artificers - $2,500 for marketing campaign
“I want to add a solid professional ad launch for our, woman owned, sister company, Bourbon County Clay. Bourbon County Clay is high end, functional, limited edition ceramic pieces that are made out of clay that we process from right here in Bourbon County.”
Crawford County
Riggs Chiropractic - $2,500 for upgrading server
“Quality healthcare must continue to be a high priority for the area of Southeast Kansas. Chiropractic offers a form of safe, effective, and affordable healthcare to both patients with and without insurance. We are asking for financial support for this project, so we may continue to grow the economy and community without being limited by the cost of this technological improvement. Riggs Chiropractic Mission: “Creating a loving environment through service that focuses on education, healing, growth, and cohesiveness to improve the quality of life of all who enter.” Please, help us to continue to push this mission forward.”
TOAST - $2,500 for marketing campaign for Spread the LOAF
“TOAST LLC is dedicated to enriching Southeast Kansas by addressing food security needs and uplifting local food producers. The Spread the LOAF program delivers fresh, nutrient-dense bread to underserved families through partnerships with area food pantries, fostering a stronger, more resilient local food network” Toast will be using two local social media entrepreneurs for their marketing campaign, so this grant supported 3 local small businesses.
CleanUp Technologies - $2,500 for professional website
“As a tech company, the webpage is our store front and to be competitive in the app market, this type of investment is critical.”
Neosho County
Summit Hill Gardens - $2,500 for advertising and upgraded high-speed internet
“This grant would allow us to enhance operations and attract more clients”
About the Foundry Network
The Foundry Network is a collaborative effort involving key communities, economic development entities, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders across Southeast Kansas. The program aims to enhance 'front door' services to connect businesses and entrepreneurs to university resources. The Foundry Network will provide entrepreneurship services, market analyses, mini grants, technical assistance grants, product prototyping, grant writing services, and social media partnerships.
Our Community.