Kansas City Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund (NTDF) / PIAC Small Business Grant
City of Kansas City, Missouri — City Manager's Office / Economic Development
Up to $25,000
KC neighborhood tourism and PIAC small business grants
Kansas City's Public Improvements Advisory Committee (PIAC) manages neighborhood-level capital improvement funding, and the city's Economic Development Department administers the Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund (NTDF) and small business grant programs. NTDF grants of up to $25,000 support small businesses in KC neighborhoods by funding facade improvements, equipment, and tourism-related business development. PIAC funds are also used for commercial corridor improvements benefiting local small businesses.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Amount range
- $5,000 – $25,000
- Realistic amount
- NTDF recipients typically receive $10,000–$20,000. PIAC commercial corridor grants vary widely by neighborhood.
- Deadline
- Annual — PIAC funding cycle follows the Kansas City budget calendar (typically January application window). NTDF has separate cycle — check kcmo.gov for current availability.
- Status
- active
- States
- MO
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Business must be located within Kansas City, Missouri city limits
- NTDF requires business to be tourism-related or serve tourists/visitors (restaurants, shops, cultural venues, hotels, attractions)
- PIAC eligibility depends on the specific neighborhood council — contact your local council for criteria
- Business must have been operating for at least 1 year
- For-profit small businesses and some nonprofits with commercial operations are eligible
- Business must be compliant with all KCMO licensing and tax obligations
- Priority for businesses in designated KC neighborhood improvement areas or commercial corridors
Hard requirements
- Location restriction: true
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Facade renovation and exterior improvements
- Interior renovation and tenant improvements
- Equipment and fixtures
- Signage
- ADA accessibility improvements
- Tourism-related marketing and promotion (NTDF only)
- Streetscape and site improvements visible from public right-of-way
Ineligible expenses
- Personal expenses or owner compensation
- Debt repayment
- Real estate acquisition
- Businesses outside Kansas City, MO city limits
- Non-tourism-related businesses for NTDF
How to apply
-
1
Determine which program applies: NTDF or PIAC
Contact KC Economic Development to determine whether your business qualifies for the NTDF (tourism-related) or whether a PIAC neighborhood council grant is more appropriate for your location.
~1 hrs
-
2
Connect with your local PIAC neighborhood council
Each of Kansas City's neighborhood councils manages its own PIAC allocation. Contact your district's council early in the year (typically January) to understand the application process and any local priorities.
~1 hrs
-
3
Prepare project documentation
Develop a project description explaining the use of funds, expected impact on the neighborhood, and how the project aligns with NTDF tourism goals or PIAC neighborhood improvement priorities. Gather financial documents.
~4 hrs
-
4
Submit application to the appropriate body
NTDF applications go to KC Economic Development. PIAC applications go through your neighborhood council. Both programs typically have annual application windows in Q1.
~2 hrs
-
5
Review, council vote, and award
PIAC applications require a neighborhood council vote and City Council approval before disbursement. NTDF applications are reviewed by city staff. Both processes take 8–16 weeks from application to award.
~0 hrs
PIAC neighborhood council grants are the most underutilized municipal funding in KC — most business owners don't know about them. Your neighborhood council controls a specific budget allocation and is actively looking for projects to fund. Show up to a council meeting before applying.
Deadline & timing
PIAC operates on an annual cycle tied to the city budget. Neighborhood applications are submitted by each of the 6 KC neighborhood councils in early calendar year. NTDF cycles depend on city tourism fund allocations. Contact KC Economic Development at kcmo.gov for current open programs and application windows.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.