About this programme
The eCommunity Partnership is an initiative of NetWork Kansas that supports local entrepreneurs across the state. It works with 82 local community partnerships, each built around five components: a Local Leadership Team, a Financial Review Board, a Local Revolving Loan Fund, eProgramming, and Technical Assistance.
The eCommunity Loan Fund is the financing piece of that structure. It is a network of locally run revolving loan funds, one per partner community, rather than a single statewide loan product, so the exact terms depend on the local community's own fund and Financial Review Board.
Beyond the loan fund itself, eCommunity partners also give businesses access to other NetWork Kansas funding programs, including GrowKS, the Kansas Community Investment Fund (KCIF), and the Kansas Healthy Food Initiative (KHFI).
How it works
An eCommunity loan covers up to 60% of a business's total loan need. The remaining 40% has to come from another source, such as a bank, credit union, or a public funding option like a city or county revolving loan fund, a USDA program, or a foundation.
Loans are arranged and reviewed locally, through the partner community's own Financial Review Board, rather than through a single central application.
Who can apply
The business must be located in one of the 82 partner eCommunity counties, communities, regions, or districts across Kansas.
How to apply
- Contact NetWork Kansas's Impact Investment Center (IIC) team to identify your local eCommunity partner.
- Work with that local partner's Financial Review Board, which reviews and arranges the loan through the community's Local Revolving Loan Fund.
Frequently asked
How much of my financing need does an eCommunity loan cover?
Up to 60% of the total loan need. The remaining 40% has to come from another source, such as a bank, credit union, or a public program like a city/county revolving loan fund, USDA financing, or a foundation.
How do I actually access eCommunity loan funds?
Visit with NetWork Kansas's Impact Investment Center (IIC) team to find your local partner community, which handles the loan through its own Financial Review Board.
Does every Kansas county have an eCommunity partner?
There are 82 community partnerships spanning the state, but coverage is not guaranteed everywhere; a business needs to be located in one of those 82 partner counties, communities, regions or districts.
What is a Community Entrepreneurship Advisor?
A local contact in a distinct part of the state who knows the area and can help guide a founder with a local perspective on entrepreneurship resources, including the loan fund.
Are there other funding options through the eCommunity network besides the loan fund?
Yes. eCommunity partners also give access to GrowKS, the Kansas Community Investment Fund (KCIF), and the Kansas Healthy Food Initiative (KHFI).
More funding in Kansas
AltCap Microloans
AltCap · Kansas
A Kansas City-area nonprofit lender offers up to $50,000 in flexible microloans to small businesses that banks turn away, including startups.
GrowKS Equity Programs – Angel Capital Support Program
NetWork Kansas (eGrowth Ventures) and Kansas Department of Commerce · Kansas
State co-investment fund that puts $50,000 to $250,000 alongside angel or VC investors into growth-stage Kansas startups.
GrowKS Loan Programs
NetWork Kansas and Kansas Department of Commerce (State Small Business Credit Initiative) · Kansas
State-backed matching loans of up to $1 million for Kansas small businesses, arranged through a Network Kansas partner lender.
Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC)
Kansas Department of Commerce · Kansas
Accredited investors get a 50% state tax credit for putting money into a qualified early-stage Kansas company.
Kansas SBIR/STTR Matching Program
Kansas Department of Commerce · Kansas
Kansas matches federal SBIR/STTR money: up to $3,000 to write a Phase 0 proposal and up to $25,000 after you win a Phase I award.
Lab2Market Accelerator
KU Innovation Park · Kansas
A six-month, no-equity accelerator at KU Innovation Park gives researcher-founders workspace, staff support, and investor connections but no cash award.
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.