Community Loans & Grants
We Invest in Businesses that Invest in our Communities
Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
Our Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) helps to stimulate local economic growth by leveraging as much private capital as possible for qualified economic activities to promote rural development and job creation projects.
Eligible activities
Projects must demonstrate that they are economically viable. Business start-up, expansion, and community development projects are all eligible activities. The objective of creating and retaining permanent private sector jobs requires that the overall project feasibility and job creation potential be emphasized. The focus of the RLF is to promote growth while supporting development, which diversifies the region’s economy.
Ineligible activities
Ineligible activities consist of such activities as: debt refinancing without expansion, speculative land purchases, projects of residential nature, transfer of ownership without expansion, and 100% working capital loans. These are examples and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Each activity will be evaluated on a project-by-project basis.
The Process
1
2
Nex-Tech Visits the Business Location and Discusses Eligibility with Proprietor
3
Business Formally Applies for Funding and Provides all Required Documents
4
The RLF Application is Vetted and Reviewed
5
If still Eligible, Loan is Approved for Disbursement
6
Proprietor Complies with Terms and Conditions of RLF
What additional services are provided by Nex-Tech Economic Development?
- Resources for start-up businesses in preparing a business plan or market study
- Assistance with state and federal incentive programs for training employees
- Assistance with preparation of videos, educational, and medical grant/loan applications
- Networking opportunities between federal, state, and local leaders
- Assistance with housing programs
- Assistance with strategic planning and implementation
Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG)
The REDLG program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations like Nex-Tech. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides zero-interest loans to Nex-Tech, which we then pass on to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural Kansas.
Our REDLG program helps to support local economic growth by funding qualified economic activities that sustain rural societies.
Contact our Community Engagement Specialist to discuss eligible projects.
Nex-Tech and FRS $5K Community Grant
Every year, Nex-Tech in partnership with the Foundation for Rural Service awards up to $5,000 to eligible rural nonprofit initiatives, programs, and projects. This is an opportunity to get some funds to nonprofit organizations within your sphere of operations or interest and promote the development of your community.
- The 2026 funding cycle is open and will close on August 28.
Donation and Sponsorship
Are you executing an impactful project and need Nex-Tech’s partnership or assistance?
Connect with Friday
Friday Otuya
Community Engagement Specialist
I'm Friday Otuya /Oh-Too-Yah/. I love sharing development resources, working on initiatives that change lives, and building bridges that lead to prosperity.
Specifically, I originate, underwrite, and deploy capital to small businesses that typically don't fit bank credit criteria. These businesses create jobs and expand economic opportunity in Nex-Tech's service area. I also support Nex-Tech's community and legislative strategy toward making life better through technology.
Before this, I worked in broadcast journalism and corporate communications, and did development finance work across Africa and the U.S.
If you are curious how Nex-Tech can partner with you through loans, grants, donations, or another kind of capital investment, I'd love to chat.
I live with my wife and two lads in Hays, KS.
Call/Text
785.639.8698
Weekdays: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
econdevo@nex-tech.com