PYP Logo.png96.65 KBEdwards County Economic Development Corporation is excited to host the first ever Edwards County Pitch Your Porch! The Edwards County Pitch Your Porch Grant Program is designed to help property and business owners revitalize the facades of their commercial buildings, enhance curb appeal, and create a more inviting atmosphere that attracts customers into our Edwards County communities.
This program focuses on improving the visual appeal of local businesses and encouraging more people to shop, dine, and spend time in our towns. Our goal is simple — to provide you with the resources and support needed to improve the exterior appearance of your business and strengthen the look and feel of our community.
Eligibility:
In order to be eligible for this program, businesses must have:
A physical presence and must be registered and licensed pursuant to current Kansas Business Guidelines.
All businesses must be current on both County and State Tax liabilities and currently open to the public.
Must be a for-profit or non-profit entity.
Only new projects will be considered for this grant competition and must be ready to begin following the competition.
Eligible Improvement Examples:
Cleaning, preparation, and painting of exterior walls and trims.
Cleaning and/or repointing of brick and other masonry
Installation of siding materials
Outdoor dining fencing
Trash can fencing
Signage
Replacement of deteriorated windows, doors, and/or framing visible from the street
Removal and/or installation of awnings, canopies, or shutters
Accent Lighting
Adding outdoor décor such as flower pots, benches, etc.
All improvements must be visible from street view
Ineligible Improvement Examples:
Improvements not visible to public streets and sidewalks
Interior improvements
Non-façade improvements such as roofs, structural foundations, billboards, security systems, nonpermanent fixtures, parking lots, security bars, interior window coverings
Items related to business operations such as inventory, business equipment, etc.
Property acquisition
Conversion of use
Refinance of existing debt
Payment of delinquent taxes
Awards:
A total of $15,000 will be awarded to Edwards County Businesses. This $15,000 will be shared between multiple businesses. Owners/tenants will have a 25% match requirement with the grant awarded funds. Interested owners/tenants must fill out an application and upload their attachments by March 8th, 2026, @ 11:59pm deadline. Applications will be considered by the Edwards County Pitch Your Porch Grant Review Committee to determine eligibility for this competition and to assure, through an equitable process, that the application meets all applicable design guidelines. All members of this review committee will be from out of county and bring a non-biased opinion to the reviewing process. Applicants will also be required to adhere to all requirements as prescribed by the City and County codes in which the business is located. All permits must be obtained prior to any building improvements as required by the City or County which the business is located. The completed work must adhere to the final design plans agreed to with the Pitch Your Porch Grant Committee to ensure final payment. Applicants can use visual aids, Power Point presentations, etc. during the pitch competition to strengthen their opportunity to be awarded the grant.
Award Guidelines:
Awardees for the grant are welcome to spend more, but a minimum for 25% match funding is required.
All improvements must meet local, state, and federal codes.
Funds will NOT be deposited into businesses account. The businesses must send paid invoices to the Edwards County Economic Development Director to be reimbursed.
Businesses can utilize as many vendors as they would like.
Businesses will have up to 1 year from the competition scheduled on March 11, 2026 to use the awarded funds.
All businesses applying for these funds much be up to date on all federal, state, and local taxes and be in good standing with the federal, state, and local governments.
If your business doesn't owner the building: Business tenant is the applicant for this grant and will be solely responsible for meeting all program requirements, including providing the required matching funds. Building owners are not responsible for matching funds or project costs unless a separate, written agreement has been established between the building owner and the tenant.
Calendario y fechas clave
The Pitch Your Porch event will take place on March 11th, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in Kinsley, Kansas. Business owners must be present to pitch their Porch Improvement ideas and are welcome to use PowerPoint presentations, printed materials, or other visual aids. Please notify Edwards County Economic Development in advance regarding any presentation needs so staff can be prepared. Following the presentations, dinner will be provided while the judges deliberate and finalize their votes. All Business must fill out their application online and upload all required attachments by March 8th, 2026, @ 11:59pm deadline. Please reach out to Heather Strate during business hours Monday-Thursday 8am to 5pm and Fridays 8am to 12pm for help with your application or if you have any questions.
