Applications are now closed for a Kansas Department of Commerce grant program designed to help small businesses offset revenue losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.More than $130 million in relief funding was made available through the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) program.But the funding allocation for the SPARK grants went quickly.SPARK provided small businesses and nonprofit organizations an opportunity to apply for grant funding in 11 categories if they have incurred a revenue loss of more than 25 percent since the start of the pandemic.SPARK grants were made available to businesses with fewer than 500 employees that have received less than $350,000 in prior local, state and/or federal funding through other COVID-19 aid packages, such as the popular Paycheck Protection Program that ended on August 8, 2020.Money for the SPARK grants is part of the funding allocated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was adopted March 27, 2020.SPARK grants must be spent by December 30, 2020.About us: As the Heartland’s leading employer services company, Syndeo partners with local business owners to help them minimize risk, improve efficiency and maximize profitability allowing them the freedom to focus on growth and fulfilling their mission. Syndeo fulfills its mission by taking on all of the HR responsibilities for our clients’ workforce, including employee relations, benefits, risk management and payroll.