About
CERTIFICATION CRITERIA
To be eligible for TSB certification or a loan, businesses must be:
• Located in the state of Iowa
• Operating for a profit
• Make less than $4 million in gross income,
computed as an average of the preceding three
fiscal years
• Majority owned (51 percent or more), operated
and managed by a female, individual with minority
status, service disabled veteran or individual with a
disability
BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION
• Listing in the online Targeted Small Business
Directory (iowa.gov/tsb), which is used by public
and private buyers across the state
• Invitation to TSB networking and TSB-exclusive
events to meet with other business owners, public
purchasing managers and private buyers
• Introduction to partners who aid with state
purchasing, growing your business or connections
to other business networks through workshops,
webinars and other events
• Promotion of your business as a Certified TSB
utilizing the TSB badge on your social media,
website and marketing channels, as well as with the
TSB window cling received upon certification
All Iowa state agencies are required to establish annual
TSB spending projections and report quarterly TSB
performance goals. By becoming a TSB and selling
products and services to the state, TSBs help Iowa
state agencies meet TSB procurement goals.
STATE PROCUREMENT BENEFITS:
• Access to a bid notification site to view state
procurement opportunities 48-hours in advance
of posting to the state’s public site. Businesses
receive a link and password for the 48-hour website
upon certification.
• Ability to access non-competitive bid opportunities
for purchases under $10,000
• Bond waivers up to $50,000 for state projects, if
unable to secure a bond because of the lack of
experience, net worth or capital
State agencies have different levels of procurement
authority with unique needs; TSBs are encouraged to
be proactive in marketing to them. A list of what the
state purchases, agent contact information or to learn
how to become a registered vendor with the state, visit
das.iowa.gov/procurement.
LOANS
The same criteria is required for businesses to be
eligible for a Targeted Small Business loan offered
through the Iowa Center for Economic Success,
although certification is not required. For businesses
looking to start or expand, loans are available up to
$50,000.
• Loan funds can be used for business improvements
and expenses, including (but not limited to) the
purchase of equipment, furnishings, inventory and
specific operating expenses
• Loan terms include favorable fixed interest rates,
fixed monthly payments and non-pre-payment
penalties..
• Loans and loan applications are managed by the Iowa Center for Economic Success.
Services Provided
Financial Resources and Assistance
- Loan Providers (Specialty)
Selling to the Government and Large Corporations
- Obtaining Government Contracts
- Subcontracting Opportunities
- Women, Minority & Business Disadvantaged Certification
Certifications
- Targeted Small Business Certification (Specialty)