(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ Columbia, MO - The City's Economic Development Department, Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), has announced the recipients of the 2026 Small Business Grants. This program, funded by the City of Columbia, aims to support locally owned for-profit businesses in their growth and innovation efforts.

Out of 63 applications received, REDI awarded a total of $50,000 to eight business owners. The program prioritizes applicants from economically disadvantaged areas of Columbia and aims to strengthen the local economy and community impact.

According to Paul Eisenstein, the City's economic development director and president of REDI, the application process was highly competitive. "These eight business owners represent the top scoring applicants," he said. "We are honored to have the opportunity to highlight their work in Columbia through this grant."

The two recipients of $10,000 grants are Krystal Martin from K&K Co. and Treana Cason and Shalina Reed from The Balloon Tycoons. The six recipients of $5,000 grants are Brandon Painter from BP Online Consulting and Management, Kristin Lux and Greg Grimes from For the Love of Systems LLC, Jennifer Heidrich from Bronze by Design, Christa Holtzclaw from Steep & Bloom Tea LLC, Marvin Porter from Taste Buds Snacks Inc., and Trischa Splitter from Junebug Photography.

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To be eligible for the Small Business Grant program, applicants must be a for-profit entity registered in Missouri with 10 or fewer employees (FTEs) and gross sales under $250,000 in the past 12 months. They must also be located in Boone County and licensed to operate in Columbia. Additionally, they must be willing to work with a REDI business coach and have or open a business bank account.

Applicants residing in census tracts where 51% or more households earn less than 80% of the area median income were given 15 geographic preference points. More information about the program can be found on ColumbiaREDI.com/small-business-grant/.

At the annual REDI Small Business Grant award ceremony, Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and City Manager De'Carlon Seewood presented a check for $50,000 to the recipients. The grant funding will help these small businesses continue to thrive and contribute to the local economy.

The City of Columbia and REDI are proud to support and invest in the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners in the community. This program is just one of many initiatives aimed at promoting economic sustainability and growth in Columbia.

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