What We Do

The SEKRPC Staff is knowledgeable and trained to work with communities on community improvement such as Community Development Block Grant application and administration. Learn more about the guidelines, how to apply, and other information about CDBG grants here.

SEKRPC  also offers their help with applications and administration on CDBG Downtown Commercial Rehabilitation Program grants. The purpose of the CDBG Downtown Commercial Rehabilitation Program grants is to help cities improve the quality of their downtown commercial districts by assisting private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted structures. Read more about CDBG Downtown Commercial Rehabilitation Program grants here.

The CDBG Economic Development funding program was developed to assist businesses in your community that create or retain jobs by offering gap financing for working capital or infrastructure projects. Read more about the CDBG Economic Development funding program here.

The SEKRPC has created a revolving loan fund for private enterprises, public and non-profit small businesses located within the 12 county region in which we serve. Learn more about the SEKRPC revolving loan fund and its guidelines here.

The SEKRPC has been awarded $520,000.00 from the EDA to distribute through a revolving loan fund to help with post pandemic recovery efforts. Learn more about the CARES Act revolving loan fund and its guidelines here.

USDA IRPThe purpose of the SEKRPC IRP RLS program is to assist with financing businesses and economic/community development activity that support direct/indirect creation or retention of jobs in rural communities in Southeast Kansas.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Individuals, public or private organizations, or other legal entities, given that:

• The entity has the legal authority to incur debt.
• Majority ownership is held by US citizens or permanent residents.
• The applicant owes no delinquent debt to the Federal Government.
• The applicant is unable to obtain affordable commercial financing for the project elsewhere.
• Are located within the 12 counties of Southeast KS: Coffey, Anderson, Linn, Woodson, Allen, Bourbon, Wilson, Neosho, Crawford, Montgomery, Labette, and Cherokee.
• The applicant has no legal or financial interest or influence in the intermediary.
• The loan funds will remain in the United States and the facility being financed will primarily create new or save existing jobs for rural U.S. residents

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants may obtain an application or additional information by contacting the SEKRPC IRP RLF Program Manager.

USE OF FUNDS:
Funds may be utilized for the:

• Acquisition, construction, conversion, enlargement, or repair of a business or business facility, particularly when jobs will be created or retained.
• Purchase or development of land (easements, rights of way, buildings, facilities, leases, materials).
• Purchase of equipment, leasehold improvements, machinery, or supplies.
• Start-up costs and working capital
• Pollution control and abatement
• Transportation services
• Feasibility studies and some fees
• Hotels, motels, convention centers
• Educational institutions
• Aquaculture hydroponics based rural small business
• Commercial nurseries.
• Forestry
• Value-added production.
• Housing, only when related to community development projects and, limited to working capital, equipment, pre-business development costs, and other such business
purposes. Agency IRP loan funds may be used to assist a housing project planner, a housing project builder, a construction sub-contractor (indirect soft costs such as
architectural, engineering and legal fees), or for any other business-related aspect of a housing project that is separate from the sale and/or purchase transaction
involved in transferring ownership of a single or multi-family dwelling. While the proceeds from a sale might be used by an ultimate recipient to repay an Agency IRP
loan, an Agency IRP loan cannot be used to finance a residential housing purchase. Agency IRP loans may not be used to assist in the purchase of residential housing
(single, multiple dwelling, etc.) as financial assistance moves outside of community development when the financial assistance (a mortgage loan) is requested for a
purchase.
• Participations as outlined in § 4274.320(c).

INELIGIBLE USE OF FUNDS:
Agency IRP loan funds may not be used for payment of the intermediary's administrative costs or expenses. The IRP revolving fund may not be used for:

(a) Assistance in excess of what is needed to accomplish the purpose of the ultimate recipient's project.
(b) Distribution or payment to the owner, partners, shareholders, or beneficiaries of the ultimate recipient or members of their families when such persons will retain any
portion of their equity in the ultimate recipient.
(c) Charitable institutions or fraternal organizations that would not have revenue from sales, fees, or stable revenue to support the operation and repay the loan.
(d) Assistance to Federal government employees, active-duty military personnel, employees of the intermediary, or any organization for which such persons are directors or
officers or have 20 percent or more ownership.
(e) A loan to an ultimate recipient which has an application pending with or a loan outstanding from another intermediary involving an IRP revolving fund if the total IRP
loans would exceed the limits established in § 4274.331(c).
(f) Agricultural production. For the purposes of this program, Agricultural production does not include those activities specifically listed as eligible uses of IRP revolving loan
fund loans in § 4274.320(b)(15) through (19).
(g) The transfer of ownership unless the loan will keep the business from closing, or prevent the loss of employment opportunities in the area, or provide expanded job
opportunities.
(h) Community antenna television services or facilities.
(i) Any illegal activity.
(j) Any project that is in violation of either a Federal, State, or local environmental protection law or regulation or an enforceable land use restriction unless the assistance
given will result in curing or removing the violation.
(k) Lending and investment institutions and insurance companies.
(l) Golf courses, racetracks, or gambling facilities.
(m) For any legitimate business activity when more than 15 percent of the annual gross revenue is derived from legalized gambling activity.

MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNT TO REVOLVING LOAN FUND RECIPIENTS:
Maximum amount allowed per borrower is the lessor of:
• $400,000; and
• The RLF loan may be no more than 75% of total project costs. The match of 25% or more must be from non-federal sources.

For more information, contact:
Susan Galemore, susan@sekedc.org
Taylor Hogue, taylor@sekrpc.org
SEKRPC Office, 620.431.0080