eCommunity Partnership Application
Ends on
Guidelines for Applying to Become an eCommunity
1. Program Overview & Purpose
The eCommunity Partnership through NetWork Kansas helps communities build strong entrepreneurial ecosystems by providing access to capital, coaching, and statewide resources. Selected communities establish a locally administered revolving loan fund to support small business growth and economic development.
2. Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include communities, counties, or regions that demonstrate the leadership capacity and commitment needed to support entrepreneurs. Applicants must show readiness to engage business owners, build partnerships, and participate in ongoing programming.
3. Leadership Structure & Requirements
Communities applying to join the eCommunity Partnership must form a Leadership Team of approximately 7–12 members. Teams should represent a mix of public and private sector leaders. Leadership Teams are expected to meet monthly to plan programming, review progress, market the loan fund, and support local entrepreneurs. A local Financial Review Board (loan committee) must also be established or identified to evaluate loan applications and ensure responsible stewardship of the loan fund.
4. Loan Fund Details
The eCommunity loan fund provides “gap financing” to help complete funding packages for local entrepreneurs. Key components include:
- Matching funds from private or public sources
- A maximum loan amount (typically up to $50,000 per business)
- Loan terms up to 10 years
- Allowable uses such as equipment, inventory, real estate, working capital
- Prohibited uses such as refinancing existing debt or owner salaries
5. Application Process & Review
Communities go through a competitive selection process that includes developing a proposal, demonstrating leadership capacity, and interviewing with Network Kansas staff. Selected communities then launch their Leadership Team and Financial Review Board.
6. Expectations of High-Performing eCommunities
High-performing or “elite” eCommunities typically:
- Engage consistently with the statewide eCommunity network
- Maintain strong loan fund activity and responsible management
- Offer regular entrepreneurship programming and events
- Track and report outcomes and metrics
- Hold consistent Leadership Team meetings
- Build long-term sustainability into their local ecosystem efforts
7. Criteria Used by Local Financial Review Boards
Loan committees generally evaluate loan applications based on:
- Financial soundness and readiness
- Owner experience and management capability
- Business plan strength
- Local economic impact
- Level of matching capital secured
8. How to Apply
- Assemble your Leadership Team.
- Connect with Network Kansas to request information and begin the application process.
- Develop a proposal that outlines goals, ecosystem plans, and fundraising strategy.
- Submit the application by the required deadline.
9. Award Agreement
Please review the expectations and responsibilities outlined in the official eCommunity Award Agreement before applying: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sici9rbv2lbj4dtsfbf70/FY2026-eCommunity-Award-Agreement.docx?rlkey=w026jfrixw3k72l23xwkxtz7g&st=j0uj1ch6&dl=0