by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
MANHATTAN - On April 25, 2023 Governor Laura Kelly's office announced awardees nearly $50 Million in Infrastructure and Economic Development grants.
The Kansas Department of Commerce awarded $1.5 Million to the City of Manhattan as part of the Building a Stronger Economy(BASE) grant for the buildout of "The Garage" Entrepreneur and Innovation Center.
in 2018, the City-owned Aggieville parking structure was identified as a location that will serve as an entrepreneurial hub. "The Garage" will be built in a portion of the first-floor space in the parking structure.
"Dedicated space like this, in a vibrant and walkable district such as Aggieville, is a premier spot for entrepreneurial programming of new businesses in the Manhattan region," said Mayor Mark Hatesohl.
The City plans to partner with K-State Innovation Partners to finish, occupy and facilitate the entrepreneurial space.
"Entrepreneurs and innovation are the foundation of economic prosperity," said Rebecca Robinson, president and CEO for K-State Innovation Partners. "With this funding, 'The Garage' will be central to the region's efforts to start and advance exciting, innovative new businesses which will grow our economy."
“One of the biggest complaints we hear from small businesses and those wishing to start a business is a lack of awareness of what’s available, both in terms of capital and technical assistance,” president and CEO of Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Jason Smith said. “This is a unique opportunity to bring significant resources into a central location and create better awareness and service delivery.
“Manhattan truly is a community that relies on small business and entrepreneurship for economic prosperity, which is why we have made it a significant priority of our economic development efforts. We couldn’t be more pleased with this grant announcement and look forward to continuing the work to facilitate the completion of the new space.”
The concept of an entrepreneurial center was part of the Chamber's 2018 Region Reimagined strategy.
More information about the City can be found online at www.cityofmhk.com.