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For-profit application period announced for Barton County SPARK funds
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The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Barton County invite for-profit businesses operating within Barton County to apply for the Barton County SPARK Business Assistance Grant Program. This funding is made possible by the Federal CARES Act and the State of Kansas through the Strengthening People And Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) program. Interested businesses do not need to be a member of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce to apply.

The Business Assistance Grant Program has limited funding but aims to provide reimbursement micro-grants for costs of business interruption caused by required closures and expenses in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, to Barton County businesses with a focus to address disproportionate impacts on racial minority owned businesses. Note: Interested non-profit organizations are encouraged to contact the Golden Belt Community Foundation.

Applications in both English and Spanish can be viewed online at greatbend.org or by hardcopy at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, located at 1125 Williams. St., Great Bend. Applications can be submitted starting at midnight, Monday, Sept. 14.

Interested applicants with questions or concerns will have two different opportunities to have their concerns addressed by members of the Barton County SPARK Advisory Committee. Business owners must call the Chamber at 620-792-2401 to schedule a 15-minute private one-on-one meeting. Translators will be available during sessions.

Session #1 will be held in-person from 6–8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at The Front Door, 1615 10th St., Great Bend.

Session #2 will be held virtually via Zoom from 8:30–10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Completed applications and required documents must be received by 3 p.m. on Oct. 14. Submit applications via mail, in person, or email. Hard copies can be delivered in person (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), mailed, or emailed to Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Megan Barfield, 1125 Williams St., Great Bend, KS 67530. Email: mbarfield@greatbend.org.

For more information on how to apply for the Barton County SPARK Advisory Committee or to schedule a private, one-on-one session, visit greatbend.org or call 620-792-2401.