About Our SEED Grant
The Sharp End Entrepreneurial Development Grant (SEED Grant) was created in the state of Missouri to support Minority/Women Business Enterprises. The name “Sharp End” comes from the area called “The Sharp End”, which was a business district in the City of Columbia for the black community from the early 1900s to 1960s. The area was demolished during urban renewal in the 1960s which dramatically removed the nucleus of this self-contained black business community. The SEED Grant was established to pay tribute to the rich history of the Sharp End Business District.
Before a Minority/Women Business Enterprise can receive a SEED Grant, they are evaluated based on the following criteria:
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Business Financial, Risk and Tax Management
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Marketing & Branding
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Professional Licensure
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Contribution to Economic Development
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Proposed Grant Fund Uses
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Demonstration of Need
$173K+
In SEED Grants
Awarded
71+
M/WBE's Awarded
A SEED Grant
100%
Impact on M/WBE Business Performance
01
Business must be established as a C-corporation, S-Corporation, LLC, or partnership with the state of Missouri.
02
Business is in “Good Standing” with the state of Missouri.
03
The business must have a bank account in the business’ name.
04
At least 51% of the business must be owned by a person or persons that are minority and/or women.
Maximize Your
SEED Grant Potential
Watch Our SEED Grant Application Training Video!
View our SEED Grant Application training video for valuable insights on how to effectively present your business. Learn everything you need to know to create a compelling application that highlights your business's strengths and demonstrates why you deserve our grant.
Please Note: The SEED Grant Provides
In-Kind Support, Not Cash
Before you apply, please note that the SEED Grant is not a cash grant. Instead, our grant provides in-kind support by purchasing essential resources to help your business thrive.
What We Purchase:
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Advanced operating systems
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State-of-the-art equipment
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Expert marketing and branding services
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Professional business training
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What We Do Not Purchase:
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Payroll
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Inventory
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Real estate
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Rent
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Bills
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Stocks
This approach is designed to strengthen your business’s infrastructure and strategic growth while keeping recurring operational expenses separate.
