Five Iowa Businesses Selected for Business Development and Expansion Projects

Five Iowa Businesses Selected for Business Development and Expansion Projects

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has awarded a total of $40,000 to five Main Street programs around the state via the Open 4 Business grant program. The goal of the program is to further develop the economic vitality in Iowa’s Main Street districts. This grant program is administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs and funds awarded today will benefit the following entities’ business development and expansion projects:

  • Olson-Larsen Galleries, Valley Junction – West Des Moines
  • Bella Ragazza, Burlington
  • Hotel Greenfield, Greenfield
  • One Mission Fundraising Inc., Mount Vernon
  • Wize Bize Wholesale, Hampton

Twenty-two businesses located in Main Street districts from across the state competed in first round pitch-off events in front of a panel of three judges to earn the chance to advance to the state contest.  The state Open 4 Business contest will be held on August 2, 2016 in conjunction with the Iowa Downtown Conference in Mason City and all five finalists will be competing for an additional $20,000.

“The Main Street Open 4 Business program builds upon the revitalization work taking place in Main Street districts across the state,” explained Main Street Iowa State Coordinator Michael Wagler. “The investment these businesses are making strengthen local economies in our communities’ downtowns – making them great places to do business.”

The Open 4 Business grant program is part of the Challenge Grant program that is funded through an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature.  Since the first appropriation in 2002, approximately $6 million in state and federal funds have leveraged over $37 million in private reinvestment.  This represents 115 projects in 43 Main Street Iowa commercial districts across the state.

For more information about the Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business Grant program, contact Robin Bostrom, Business Specialist, Main Street Iowa, at 515.725.3053 or [email protected].

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