REDI announces recipients of 2026 Small Business Grant

opens in a new windowRegional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), which serves as the City of Columbia's Economic Development Department, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2026 Small Business Grants.

The opens in a new windowSmall Business Grant Program, funded by the City of Columbia, is designed to help locally owned, for-profit businesses grow, innovate, and improve operations. The program prioritizes business owners residing in economically disadvantaged areas of Columbia and aims to strengthen local economic sustainability and community impact.

"The application process for the Small Business Grant program was incredibly competitive," said Economic Development Director and President of REDI Paul Eisenstein. "We received 63 applications, and these eight business owners represent the top-scoring applicants. We are honored to have the opportunity to highlight their work in Columbia through this grant."

REDI awarded $10,000 to two applicants and $5,000 to six applicants, for a total of $50,000 in grant funding. This year's grant recipients exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within Columbia.

$10,000 Grant Recipients

• Krystal Martin - K&K Co.
• Treana Cason and Shalina Reed - The Balloon Tycoons

$5,000 Grant Recipients

• Brandon Painter - BP Online Consulting and Management
• Kristin Lux and Greg Grimes - For the Love of Systems, LLC
• Jennifer Heidrich - Bronze by Design
• Christa Holtzclaw - Steep & Bloom Tea, LLC
• Marvin Porter - Taste Buds Snacks, INC
• Trischa Splitter - Junebug Photography

Eligibility for the Small Business Grant includes:

• Be a for-profit entity, registered in Missouri
• Be located in Boone County and licensed to operate in Columbia, MO
• Have 10 or fewer employees (FTEs)
• Have gross sales under $250,000 in the past 12 months
• Be willing to work with a REDI business coach
• Have or will open a business bank account

REDI awarded fifteen (15) geographic preference points to applicants who reside in census tracts in which 51% or more of the households earn less than 80 percent of the area median income.

Residents can find more information at REDI's opens in a new window2026 Small Business Grant page.

About REDI (Regional Economic Development, Inc.)

REDI's mission is to foster a vibrant business environment that creates quality job opportunities that support upward economic mobility for the residents of Columbia and Boone County. The City of Columbia, Boone County, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and other community leaders founded REDI in 1988. They recognized the need for sustained economic development efforts. REDI's strategic pillars are business attraction, business retention and expansion, and entrepreneurship. REDI's vision is to work together with community partners in creating a better economic future for Columbia and Boone County.