Iowa Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity is designed to support local nonprofits, government entities, and public school agencies in Buena Vista County with various project needs.

The City of Des Moines introduces the Ladder Up Social Equity Grant program, designed to support community organizations that work towards addressing economic disparities among marginalized and underrepresented residents. This initiative is part of the city's commitment to enhancing economic opportunities and fostering equitable outcomes. Funding Source Each year, the program allocates a total of $100,000 from Local Option Sales & Services Tax revenues to fund these critical efforts. The goal is to boost the local economy and strengthen the purchasing power within the community. Eligibility Criteria Organizations eligible to apply must: Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or have a fiscal partner that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Be based in Des Moines or demonstrate service to City of Des Moines residents. Have a proven track record of successful economic opportunity programming and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Supported Equity Efforts The grant supports a variety of initiatives, including but not limited to: Upskilling Programs: Training and education to enhance job skills. Small Business Support: Start-up assistance and ongoing coaching for underserved residents. Community Outreach: Targeted efforts towards specific marginalized groups. Language Accessibility: Increasing access to services through language support. Proactive Services: Quality services aimed at underserved communities. Economic Connection: Programs that link residents to economic opportunities. Grant Details Award Amounts: Organizations can receive between $10,000 and $25,000. Use of Funds: The grant covers operational costs such as program administration, supplies, and training. Funds must be used to expand or create programs specifically designed to serve historically marginalized communities.

This grant provides financial assistance to small businesses in Dubuque, Iowa, to help cover operating costs and support long-term success for income-qualified owners.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This grant provides financial assistance to businesses and building owners in downtown Ames for improving their building façades, with a focus on historically significant features.

Business Innovation & Support Grants are available for small businesses in Iowa with one to 10 employees. This program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered in partnership with the City and Chamber of Commerce, aims to provide financial support to small businesses that have faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funding ranges from $5,500 to $15,500, and recipients will also receive up to five hours of mandatory business counseling from a pre-approved business coach, with $500 reserved from each cash award for this coaching fee.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government units in Muscatine County, Iowa, to support projects that improve community quality of life through measurable outcomes and collaboration.

This program provides financial assistance to Iowa cities for the redevelopment or rehabilitation of underutilized buildings to promote economic growth and community revitalization.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This program provides financial support to local government departments and nonprofit organizations in Spencer, Iowa, for projects that promote community development and economic growth.

This program provides financial support to small- and medium-sized manufacturers in Iowa to help them adopt advanced technologies that improve their operations and competitiveness.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions in Jasper County, Iowa, for innovative community projects that improve quality of life across various sectors such as arts, education, health, and recreation.

This initiative provides financial aid to Iowa institutions for short-term workforce training programs that help low-income students gain skills for high-demand jobs without needing to enroll in traditional degree programs.

This program provides up to $5,000 in funding and business support to small business owners in Iowa City who are certified or eligible as Targeted Small Businesses, focusing on those owned by women, minorities, service-disabled veterans, or individuals with disabilities.

This program provides financial support to commercial property and business owners in Iowa County's downtown area for exterior improvements and signage enhancements to foster a vibrant business environment.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote affordable housing, workforce development through education and training, or small business growth to enhance community well-being.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

This program provides funding and support to established for-profit businesses located in designated Main Street districts in Iowa that are looking to expand or enhance their operations.

This program provides funding to Iowa cities for the remediation or redevelopment of underutilized commercial buildings to stimulate economic growth and community revitalization.