Small Request Grant Funding

Small Request Grant Funding is sponsored by City of Columbia Missouri. Provides funding for innovative programs and services that offer unique, one-time opportunities in the arts.

Small Business Grant - Regional Economic Development Inc. Skip to Content 2026 Small Business Grant Supporting locally owned businesses in Columbia, Missouri.

The Small Business Grant Program will be administered in three phases: Phase One: Eligibility Determination Phase Two: application evaluation Phase Three: In-person finalist interviews The 2026 Small Business Grant is designed to help locally owned, for-profit businesses grow, innovate, and improve operations.

This competitive grant prioritizes businesses owned by residents of economically disadvantaged areas* in Columbia and supports long-term community impact. This program is funded by the City of Columbia and administered by REDI. Phase One applications will be added to this website at 9:00 AM on Friday, April 3rd, 2026.

*Determined by the area's average median income. See map for details .

To be eligible, your business must: * Be a for-profit entity, registered in Missouri * Be located in Boone County and licensed to operate in Columbia, MO * Have 10 or fewer employees (FTEs) * Have gross sales under $250,000 in the past 12 months * Be willing to work with a REDI business coach * Have or open a business bank account by Phase Two of the application process Not eligible, if your business is a franchise or a sole proprietor, not registered with the secretary of state.

Those who received a REDI MBE Grant in 2024 or the 2025 Small Business Grant are not eligible for the 2026 Small Business Grant. DOWNLOAD: Grant Scoring Details & Rubric Monday- March 16th: In-Person Pre-Application Informational Session 2:30–4:30 PM at REDI 500 East Walnut, Suite 103 Thursday- March 19th: Virtual Pre-Application Informational Session 5:30–7:00 PM Register for informational sessions by emailing: columbiaredi@gmail.

com Friday- April 3rd: Phase One Opens, at 9:00 AM Tuesday - April 14th: Phase One Closes, at 5:00 PM Thursday - April 16th: Eligibility Notifications Sent Monday - April 20th: Phase Two Application Opens, at 9:00 AM Wednesday- May 6th: Phase Two Closes, at 5:00 PM Thursday- May 14th: Notifications sent to applicants advancing to Phase Three Monday through Wednesday, May 25th through 27th: In-Person Applicant Interviews Friday - May 29th: Grant Winners Notified Monday- June 1st: Grant Winner Orientation Meeting, 5:30-7:00 PM at REDI 500 East Walnut, Suite 103 Friday - June 12th: Grant Award Distribution and Celebration Luncheon Pre-Launch: Check Eligibility; Learn More Each year, in preparation for the grant application process, REDI offers workshops to help applicants present their best case.

Each of these workshops helps a business owner prepare to succeed. March 16th, 2026 : In-Person Informational Session at REDI (2:30–4:30 PM) March 19th, 2026: Virtual Informational Session (5:30–7:00 PM) email: columbiaredi@gmail. com to resigster for an informational session Phase 1: Initial Application Upload business documents.

Confirm your business structure, license, and EIN. Eligible applicants advance to Phase 2. Phase 2: Submit Written Application Describe your business background, team, and how you'll use the grant.

Applications scored out of 100 points. Applicants from select census tracts receive 15 bonus points. Check your census tract Phase 3: Interview with Judges 30-minute virtual or in-person interviews; Interview = 75 Points Possible Final score: Phase 2 + Phase 3 = 175 Points Possible Criteria for ten finalists Applicants receive $10,000 each Applicants receive $5,000 each