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State Programs

Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED):

IDED administers various programs for entrepreneurs, small business, and industry. IDED is located at 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309; 1-800-245-4692; SmartState@ided.state.ia.us; website at www.state.ia.us/ided/

  • Venture Project Component of the Community Economic Betterment Account (CEBA): The Venture Project Component of CEBA makes equity-like investments of up to $250,000 to start-up and early-stage businesses.
  • Economic Development Set-Aside (EDSA): This program provides financial Assistance to companies that create employment opportunities and/or retain existing jobs, and make new capital investment in Iowa.
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures Assistance (EVA): This program offers technical assistance to eligible start-up and early-state enterprises. To qualify, applicants must have completed or be participating in entrepreneurial from a John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center having comparable training or experience.
  • Value-Added Agricultural Products and Processes Financial Assistance Program (VAAPFAP): This program invests in the development of new agri-products and new processing technologies.
  • Export Trade Assistance Program (ETAP): This program provides financial assistance to eligible Iowa businesses wishing to access new markets by participating in foreign trade shows and trade missions.
  • Self-Employment Loan Program (SELP): This program offers low-interest loans of up to $10,000 to low-income owners of new or expanding small businesses.
  • Targeted Small Business Financial Assistance Program (TSBFAP): This program is designed to create and expand minority- or-women-owned businesses through direct loans of up to $25,000 and loan guarantees of up to $40,000.
  • Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (EWD): This program helps qualified individuals with disabilities establish, acquire, maintain, or expand a small business by providing technical and financial assistance.
  • Assistive Device Tax Credit: Iowa small businesses can reduce their taxes by buying or renting products, equipment, or by making physical changes to the workplace to help employees with disabilities get or retain a job.
  • Rail Economic Development Program: The Iowa Department of Transportation provides funds for construction or rehabilitation of rail spurs to serve new or existing industries. The rail provided must be a key to the creation or retention of jobs.
  • Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE): The Iowa Department of Transportation administers this program that provides funding on city, county and State highways to help attract new development or to support growth with existing developments.
  • Public Facilities Set-Aside Program (PFSA): This program provides financial assistance to cities and counties to provide infrastructure improvements for businesses that require such improvements in order to create new job opportunities. Form of assistance is limited to grants to cities under 50,000 population and to counties for the provision of, or improvements to, sanitary sewer systems, water systems, street and roads, storm sewers lines, and airports; assistance is limited to 2/3 of the total project cost.
  • New Jobs and Income Program (NJIP): This program provides a package of tax credits and exemptions to businesses making capital investment of at least $11,416,400 and creating 50 or more jobs meeting wage and benefit targets within five years.
  • Iowa Small Business Loan Program: Administered through the State Treasurer's Office, this program provides financing to new and expanding businesses through the sale of tax-exempt bonds.
  • Link Investments for Tomorrow (LIFT): Administered through the State Treasurer's Office, this program assists with small-business transfers, horticulture and alternative agriculture crops.