The Back to Business Fund program, a recovery and prevention grant program designed to support small business storefronts in all areas of Kansas City impacted by property crime, is now accepting applications.

The program offers financial assistance to help local business owners recover from damage, enhance security measures, and prevent future incidents.

Mayor Lucas and City Council passed the program last month, allocating $325,000 from the Violence Prevention and Intervention Fund for the program.

There were 184 business owners from all areas in Kansas City who completed interest forms for the Back to Business Fund last month. The interest forms were used to notify potential applicants when the application opened, and to fine tune eligibility and criteria for the grant program to make sure it was as inclusive as possible.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our community and we continue to ensure they have the resources to thrive. I’m proud eligible small business owners impacted by break-ins and vandalism are now able to apply to the Back to Business Fund for grants to ease the burden of repair costs,” said Mayor Lucas. “I encourage eligible businesses to apply and take advantage of the opportunity. Together, we can strengthen our local economy and foster a safer, more secure Kansas City for all.”

Eligible businesses can apply for two types of grants:

• Vandalism and Property Crime Recovery Grant Funding: Up to $3,000 per business for repairs related to incidents occurring between July 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.
• Vandalism and Property Crime Prevention Grant Funding: Up to $5,000 per business for security measures acquired between July 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What expenses are eligible or ineligible for reimbursement?

Examples of eligible expenses include temporary window or door board up, window or door repair, graffiti removal, damaged murals, sign repair, gate repair, light repair, security system repair. Security and prevention improvements include security cameras (equipment only, not monitoring services), alarm systems, gates, overhead doors, security lighting, locks.

Ineligible expenses include inventory replacement, wages or rent, lost sales, any damages that have been submitted to insurance as part of a claim unless that claim has been rejected and closed.

Funds can only be used as reimbursements.

How does reimbursement work? How long will it take for reimbursements to process?

Grants will be awarded to applicants meeting the program criteria and will be awarded until the funds are exhausted. Once approved, grants can be deposited into the accounts within 1-3 business days.

Does my business qualify?

Your business must be independently owned and operated, with less than 50 employees, and with more than $1,000 and less than $8 million in revenue.

Your business must have a physical storefront in Kansas City, Missouri, maintain consistent hours of operation, and have sustained physical damage due to break-ins or vandalism OR have taken steps to prevent such damage, on or after July 1, 2024.

Private residences, landlords, or multifamily residential properties are not eligible.

What paperwork do I need to apply?

A copy of your current KCMO Business License, a copy of a current KCMO Tax Clearance Letter, your 2023 Gross Receipts, number of full-time and part-time employees, and primary business owner information to include primary address, race, sex, and primary language spoken.

Gather proof of damage or prevention improvements, including a KCPD incident report, photos, receipts or invoices for items purchased, proof of insurance, and insurance claims and payments if filed.

How do I request a KCPD incident report?

You can apply online for a copy of your KCPD report.

You can also call 816-234-5100 to check report availability, then come in person to any patrol division station with photo identification.

Am I able to apply more than once?

Applicants can only apply for one grant at a time.

A business can apply for the recovery grant twice—once per location, for up to two locations.

A business may apply for a prevention grant only once during the application period, regardless of how many locations it operates.

What is the mural repair policy?

Only eligible businesses may apply to repair murals, not the mural artist or organization on behalf of a storefront.

The clear coat of a mural is considered an eligible expense, when combined with a repair. For example, a business pays for graffiti removal on their mural, and clear coats it directly afterwards for future damage prevention.

Power washing of a damaged mural is an eligible expense.

When will I hear back about my application and whether my business will receive a grant?

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified by email and/or phone regarding the status of their grant application once their completed submission has been reviewed.

Please allow up to two weeks for application processing and review. A grant administrator will follow up with any additional questions and next steps. Missing documentation will result in an incomplete application.

For more information about the Back to Business Fund visit bizcare.kcmo.gov or contact KC BizCare at kcbizcare@kcmo.org or (816) 513-2491.