Entrepreneurs who want to own a business in downtown Jefferson, have plans to expand services or add a new product line, or who want to purchase equipment for their business are encouraged to participate in Main Street Iowa’s Open 4 Business contest.
Jefferson Matters: Main Street is looking for interested entrepreneurs who could use $20,000 to expand and grow their business idea within the Jefferson Main Street district.
The Open 4 Business contest, launched in 2015, is an opportunity for businesses located within a state-designated Main Street district, to compete for a chance to win up to $20,000 in grant funds to assist with a business development or expansion project that will help them grow their business.
Businesses must complete an online application and submit a short video outlining their business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in their community. A 25 percent cash match is required. Businesses must have been in operation for at least 1 year to apply. The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.
The Jefferson Matters economic vitality committee will determine which applicant will be submitted to represent Jefferson with those interested encouraged to contact the Main Street office before April 11. Information on the Open4Business competition can be found on the Jefferson Matters: Main Street website www.jeffersonmatters.org under the Resources tab – Open4Business 2019.
The first round of information is due to Main Street Iowa in early May. Each regional winner receives $8,000. Each designated Main Street community may submit one local business applicant. As the field is narrowed down, the business could participate in the state competition held in Des Moines on June 27, 2019 with the winner receiving $20,000 towards their project.
Persons who want more information complete details about this program can contact Peg Raney at director@jeffersonmatters.org or Robin Bostrom, business specialist, Iowa Downtown Resource Center/Main Street Iowa at 515-348-6176 or robin.bostrom@iowaEDA.com.
