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 One: Eligibility Determination
Phase Two: application evaluation
Phase Three: In-person finalist interviews
About the Grant
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.
Grant Awards
6 grants of $5,000
2 grants of $10,000
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.
Grant Awards
6 grants of $5,000
2 grants of $10,000
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.
Eligibility Requirements
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* 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.
2026 Grant timeline
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
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
Process
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
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.
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;
Scoring Details:
Interview = 75 Points Possible
Final score: Phase 2 + Phase 3 = 175 Points Possible
Criteria for ten finalists
Top 2 Highest Scores:
Applicants receive $10,000 each
Next 6 Highest Scores:
Applicants receive $5,000 each
Applicants receive $10,000 each
Next 6 Highest Scores:
Applicants receive $5,000 each