TOPEKA – The International Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce today launched the Kansas Global Business Expansion (K-GLOBE) program. The program merges two formerly separate programs – the Kansas International Trade Show Assistance Program (KITSAP) and the Kansas International Trade Marketing Assistance Program (KITMAP) – into one international business development-focused grant.

“Commerce is streamlining the manner in which Kansas companies receive assistance to start or continue growing their exporting potential,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The K-GLOBE program is going to provide entrepreneurial businesses with resources to expand their sales internationally, putting their products and services in front of a much larger marketplace.”

K-GLOBE is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Division to support exporting efforts of small- and medium-sized Kansas businesses by exhibiting products internationally at trade shows and conferences. The grant assists Kansas companies by conducting export-related marketing and business development activities such as foreign sales trips, market research, website localization, and translation and interpretation services.

“95% of potential customers for Kansas products and services reside outside of the United States. We want Kansas companies to have the opportunity to effectively capture this international market share and bring revenue home from abroad,” Commerce International Director Laura Lombard said. “K-GLOBE aims to support companies by being a financial resource for those international goals and we are hopeful that Kansas businesses will take advantage.”

The new program provides companies with a reimbursement for 50% of eligible direct expenses up to $10,000 per fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Eligible businesses are companies with their headquarters located in Kansas whose products or services originated in the state, or with products that received substantial value-added processing in Kansas.

“Applications and paperwork are inevitable in any grant process, but we’re grateful to Kansas Commerce for their initiative to simplify the programs,” Sam Billen of Primary Color Music, LLC said. “We expect to continue using K-GLOBE and hopeful that many other Kansas-based businesses will take advantage of these resources.”

For more information about K-GLOBE, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

DCF Will Begin Taking Applications Nov. 18

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that Kansans needing assistance with winter energy bills will be able to begin applying for its Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Monday, Nov. 18. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 31, 2025.

“Kansas winters can be harsh and unpredictable. When temperatures fall, heating bills rise. By opening the LIEAP application period in mid-November, we’re hoping families will have the help they need to cover those higher heating bills and stay warm in their homes,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.

LIEAP provides a one-time per year benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating costs, whether the home is heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or other home heating fuels. In 2024, over 40,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of $645.

To qualify, households must have an adult at the address responsible for the home’s heating costs. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The level of benefit received varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.

DCF and partnering energy companies are planning in-person events to help Kansans submit their LIEAP applications. For a schedule of in-person LIEAP application events, visit dcf.ks.gov. Kansans applying for LIEAP should have with them their identification, proof of income for all adult household members, copies of heating utility bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.), and a copy of their rental agreement if living in subsidized housing (a complete list of required information can be found in the FAQ document). Partnering energy companies, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Evergy, Kansas Gas Services, and Midwest Energy, may attend LIEAP application events in their service areas.

Applications can be accessed online at dcf.ks.gov​ by clicking the “Apply for Services” button on the top right side of the website. LIEAP applications will be accepted beginning Nov. 18 until 5 p.m. March 31, 2025.

2025 Income Eligibility Guidelines

Learn more about LIEAP​ in Kansas, including frequently asked questions, other community resources, and the complete schedule of LIEAP application events. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

###

The Kansas Department for Children and Families’ (DCF) mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and promote adult self-sufficiency. DCF’s more than 35 service centers across the state offer a wide range of support services, including food, utility, child care assistance, child support services, and employment education and training. DCF also partners with grantees to provide foster care services to children, including case planning, placement, life skills, and foster parent recruitment and training. DCF partners with organizations, communities, and other agencies to support families, children, and vulnerable adults, connecting them with resources, supports, and networks in their home communities.