Grant Applications Now Open to Boost Main Street Iowa Businesses
Small businesses located within the Avoca Main Street district and other designated Main Street Iowa districts may compete for grants of up to $25,000.
Main Street Iowa’s annual Open 4 Business program supports existing businesses and downtown revitalization in more than 50 designated Main Street Iowa communities. As part of the contest, entrepreneurs will outline a business development or expansion idea, such as adding services or product offerings or purchasing needed equipment.
Eligible businesses must be for-profit and have operated for at least one year within a designated Main Street Iowa district. In addition to the online application, applicants must submit a short video highlighting their project and how it will benefit their community’s economic climate. A 25% cash match is required.
Only one application is allowed per Main Street Iowa community. To determine which business will represent Avoca, eligible businesses and projects will submit a three-minute pitch video to Avoca Main Street by May 11, 2026. Videos will be reviewed by a committee of economic development experts, and applicants will be notified by the end of business day on May 12, 2026. The selected applicant will receive committee feedback and professional staff support to complete the state-wide application.
Applications for the state competition must be submitted through the local program to Main Street Iowa by June 25. Main Street Iowa staff will evaluate applications based on project impact within the district, business innovation and the potential for growth, increased revenue and long-term sustainability. Five finalists will advance to the state competition on October 5 in Osceola, where they will pitch their ideas before a panel of judges.
Open 4 Business launched in 2015 and has awarded funding to around 50 businesses across the state. Grants are administered through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs.
For complete details, contact Amber Mohr at [email protected] or Brooke Prouty at [email protected].
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About Main Street Iowa
Main Street Iowa, a program of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, is dedicated to the revitalization and preservation of Iowa’s historic downtowns and traditional commercial districts. Serving more than 50 communities, the program provides funding, technical assistance and resources to help create vibrant, thriving spaces. As part of the Main Street America® network — comprising more than 800 nationally accredited programs — Main Street Iowa is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most successful state Main Street programs and is often cited as a model for leveraging the Main Street Approach™ to drive economic growth. Since its inception in 1985, Main Street Iowa has generated nearly $3.1 billion in private investment, supported more than 5,600 new and expanded businesses and created more than 17,000 jobs. For more information, visit iowaeda.com/main-street-iowa.
