Small Business Grant Opportunity

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The City of Columbia and Regional Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) are excited to announce a grant opportunity for local businesses.

The Small Business Grant program is designed to support both start-ups and established businesses that are looking to expand, innovate, or improve operational efficiency. The program prioritizes business owners residing in economically disadvantaged areas of Columbia and aims to strengthen local economic sustainability and community impact.

Complete scoring details can be found under "Documents".

A total of 8 grants will be awarded:

  • 2 grants of $10,000 each
  • 6 grants of $5,000 each.

To be eligible to apply for this funding, businesses must:

  • be registered with the State of Missouri and have a Federal Tax ID (EIN)
  • be located in Boone County and licensed to do business in the City of Columbia
  • have 10 or fewer employees
  • have a business bank account or establish one during the application process
  • have generated less than $250,000 in gross sales during the previous 12 months
  • be willing to work with a REDI business coach if selected.

*Please note, recipients of the 2023 and 2024 Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Grant funds are not eligible for this Small Business Grant program.

Comments and questions can be submitted on this page through July 23.



The City of Columbia and Regional Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) are excited to announce a grant opportunity for local businesses.

The Small Business Grant program is designed to support both start-ups and established businesses that are looking to expand, innovate, or improve operational efficiency. The program prioritizes business owners residing in economically disadvantaged areas of Columbia and aims to strengthen local economic sustainability and community impact.

Complete scoring details can be found under "Documents".

A total of 8 grants will be awarded:

  • 2 grants of $10,000 each
  • 6 grants of $5,000 each.

To be eligible to apply for this funding, businesses must:

  • be registered with the State of Missouri and have a Federal Tax ID (EIN)
  • be located in Boone County and licensed to do business in the City of Columbia
  • have 10 or fewer employees
  • have a business bank account or establish one during the application process
  • have generated less than $250,000 in gross sales during the previous 12 months
  • be willing to work with a REDI business coach if selected.

*Please note, recipients of the 2023 and 2024 Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Grant funds are not eligible for this Small Business Grant program.

Comments and questions can be submitted on this page through July 23.



CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Questions about this grant opportunity or eligibility requirements will be responded to by staff. 

  • Share Will there be another opportunity in the near future to apply for this grant? Also can grant funds be used for start-up expenses (ex. Location, equipment, etc) on Facebook Share Will there be another opportunity in the near future to apply for this grant? Also can grant funds be used for start-up expenses (ex. Location, equipment, etc) on Twitter Share Will there be another opportunity in the near future to apply for this grant? Also can grant funds be used for start-up expenses (ex. Location, equipment, etc) on Linkedin Email Will there be another opportunity in the near future to apply for this grant? Also can grant funds be used for start-up expenses (ex. Location, equipment, etc) link

    Will there be another opportunity in the near future to apply for this grant? Also can grant funds be used for start-up expenses (ex. Location, equipment, etc)

    Bridget B asked 10 days ago

    Yes, we anticipate the grant program will reopen in Spring 2026 and will be accessible to all businesses that meet the established eligibility requirements.

  • Share Hi! Great opportunity! Are nonprofits eligible to apply for this grant? Thank you! on Facebook Share Hi! Great opportunity! Are nonprofits eligible to apply for this grant? Thank you! on Twitter Share Hi! Great opportunity! Are nonprofits eligible to apply for this grant? Thank you! on Linkedin Email Hi! Great opportunity! Are nonprofits eligible to apply for this grant? Thank you! link

    Hi! Great opportunity! Are nonprofits eligible to apply for this grant? Thank you!

    Maria Lopes asked about 2 months ago

     Thank you, Ms. Lopes.  At this time, for-profit businesses are only eligible to apply for the Small Business Grant. 

  • Share Is there a deadline in order to apply on Facebook Share Is there a deadline in order to apply on Twitter Share Is there a deadline in order to apply on Linkedin Email Is there a deadline in order to apply link

    Is there a deadline in order to apply

    Chinae asked about 2 months ago

    The Small Business Grant opens at 9 A.M. on Friday, August 1, 2025.  Businesses interested in applying for the grant may submit information that will be used to verify that they meet the eligibility requirements of the grant. The deadline to submit information is Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 5 P.M.

Page last updated: 28 Aug 2025, 09:45 AM