Cynthia Farmer, senior policy associate, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext. 1034; or [email protected]
NEVADA, IOWA – To support creative ideas that address the ongoing market challenges facing local communities, the Iowa Economic Development Authority is now accepting applications for its Rural Innovation Grant Program.
Applications are due by Oct. 25.
This year, the program will focus on improving food access in rural communities. Rural grocery stores and local food processors are among the eligible applicants.
“Grocery stores and food processors play a critical role in rural communities by providing access to healthy, nutritious food,” said Cynthia Farmer, senior policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “This grant funding is a unique opportunity to contribute to those efforts in our state.”
Rural grocery stores may request up to $25,000 to adopt new approaches to their service, such as offering online ordering and home delivery or creating cooperative purchasing agreements; or to upgrade technology, like electronic shelf tags, to address current market conditions.
Small food processors or value-added agriculture businesses may request up to $5,000. Funding can be used to update or upgrade equipment and technology or to pay the fees associated with food safety inspection or services required to meet industry regulations.
A 50% cash match is required. For example, rural grocers requesting $25,000 must have at least $12,500; and rural food processors requesting $5,000 must have at least $2,500.
The program has $200,000 allotted to split between the categories of applicants.
“This financial investment will help small business owners overcome financial burdens and further their company’s success by reinvesting in their local communities,” Farmer said. “That alone will keep people and jobs in rural Iowa for years to come.”
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be located and incorporated or authorized to do business in Iowa.
- Operate in a community of 20,000 or fewer people.
- Not be in a community that is contiguous to a city with a population of 40,000 or greater.
The Rural Innovation Grant Program is made possible through the Center for Rural Revitalization in coordination with the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative Task Forces. Interested business owners should visit iowaeda.com/center-for-rural-revitalization/rural-innovation-grant to learn more. Applications must be submitted through iowagrants.gov.
