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Network Kansas tells House committee Grow Kansas and Impact Center are boosting access to capital for small businesses
Summary
Network Kansas leaders told the House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development that the Impact Center, eCommunity loan funds and administration of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (Grow Kansas) are helping entrepreneurs access capital, leveraging private investment and working closely with Kansas banks. Members pressed on defaults, collateral and outreach.
Steve Bridal, CEO of Network Kansas, and Eric (surname not provided), a Network Kansas representative, told the House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development that the organization’s Impact Center and loan programs are connecting entrepreneurs across the state to capital and technical assistance.
Bridal said Kansas is administering the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI, branded Grow Kansas) and that the state was allocated about $69,000,000 in three tranches. "The sole purpose of the money is to provide capital to entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state that leverages and supports private capital," Bridal said. He described Kansas’ allocation strategy as roughly 60% to matching loan programs and 40% to equity investments.
The testimony highlighted Network Kansas’ referral hub (the Impact Center), a 75‑county eCommunity network with local leadership teams and a financial…
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