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33 | Page January 2 4 I ssueCommerce Announces New Round of Funding for HEAL GrantsLieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that $1.5 million is available for a fifth round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize dilapidated and underutilized downtown buildings in small communities across the state. These grants help close the financial gaps for communities striving to make their downtown districts economically vibrant.Since Commerce launched the program in 2021, nearly $5 million has been awarded to fund 87 different community projects throughout Kansas. The HEAL grant helps communities bring revitalize downtown buildings as spaces for new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare or entrepreneurial activities.Submitted projects must show potential to be economic drivers in the community and demonstrate that the space will be occupied by the end of the project. There must be proof of 1:1 matching funds from the building owner that will be required at the time of application.The application opens November 1, 2024 and closes January 31, 2025. Awardees will be notified in April. Communities that received HEAL grants in spring 2023 or fall 2024 are not eligible to apply for this round of funding. For additional information about HEAL grants and the online application, please visit here.Federal Funding OpportunitiesMBDA Grant OpportunitiesThe U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has announced the following grant opportunities:1. MBDA Women%u2019s Entrepreneurship Program (WEP)%u2022 Focus: Address barriers to entrepreneurship faced by women and provide access to capital, training, and high-growth opportunities.%u2022 Key Benefits:o Support for minority business enterprises (MBEs) in industries like STEM and federal contracting.o $2 million available in FY 2025, with annual renewals anticipated through 2029.