Jefferson Matters: Main Street is looking for interested entrepreneurs who could use $28,000 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 $28,000 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 one year to apply.
The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.
The Economic Vitality committee will choose the one candidate at its March 12 meeting. Business owners who would like to be considered should contact director Peg Raney at the Main Street office. Each designated Main Street community may submit one local business applicant that will represent Jefferson at the state competition held in Iowa City on July 27, 2020.
Persons who want= more specifics about the application and requirements, can visit the JM:MS website at www.jeffersonmatters.org and look under Resources for Open4Business.
For complete details about this program, please 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.
