Eight Cloud County Projects Selected for 2026 Get in the Cloud Grant Program

The Get in the Cloud Grant Committee has selected eight projects to receive a total of $150,000 in 2026 grant awards. Together, the projects leverage more than $1.27 million in planned private investment in Cloud County.

Get in the Cloud grants are intended to promote economic development across Cloud County while increasing property values, sales tax generation and employment opportunities. Funding for the countywide competitive program is provided by the Meridian Way Wind Farm Grant Fund. Grant awards are approved by the Cloud County Commission, with program administration provided by CloudCorp.

Following interviews with applicants in July, the committee unanimously recommended funding eight projects based on their potential to strengthen local businesses, revitalize downtown properties, preserve historic buildings, and stimulate long-term economic growth. The Cloud County Commission approved the awards during its Aug. 3 regular meeting.

The 2026 grant recipients are:

• Simple Seed Station LLC (Concordia) – $22,000 to restore and redevelop the historic former Aurora Arts & Crafts building in the 100 block of E. Sixth St., creating a new downtown retail destination.
• Castlerock Inc. (Concordia) – $25,000 to redevelop the former Rod's Thriftway building into a mixed-use facility featuring expanded manufacturing, retail, office, and residential space.
• Legacy Finishes Inc. (Concordia) – $25,000 to establish a modern flooring showroom and warehouse within the redeveloped Rod's Thriftway building.
• Cover & Quill LLC (Clyde) – $22,000 to transform the former Clyde Christian Church into a unique retail business and community gathering space.
• BBP Exhaust (Miltonvale) – $20,000 to help construct a new facility that will relocate and expand the company's exhaust and machine shop operations from Clay Center to Miltonvale.
• Melon & Main Wellness Company LLC (Clyde) – $22,000 for roof and exterior improvements to preserve and enhance the renovated wellness center in the former Blackwood's department store building.
• Catholic Thrift Shop (Concordia) – $9,000 to support critical building improvements that will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the thrift store and its charitable mission.
• Subway of Concordia – $5,000 to modernize the restaurant's drive-thru ordering system and improve customer service.

These projects are expected to strengthen local businesses, encourage additional private investment, enhance commercial properties, support both new business startups and existing business expansions, and contribute to the long-term vitality of Cloud County communities.

Including this year’s awarded projects, the Get in the Cloud program has provided grant funding to 79 projects since its inception in 2014. The projects collectively represent more than $10 million in total investment in Cloud County.

“We are fortunate to have the Get in the Cloud grant program to support small business and entrepreneurship,” said Tim Beims, Executive Director of CloudCorp. “The program’s results over the past 12 years are a testament to its effectiveness and to the hard work of the Cloud County Commission and the volunteers who serve on the Get in the Cloud Grant Committee. The quality of this year's applications demonstrates the strong entrepreneurial spirit in Cloud County. We congratulate each recipient and look forward to seeing these eight projects become a reality in the months ahead.”

For additional information, contact CloudCorp at 785-243-2010 or visit 606 Washington St., Concordia, KS 66901.