Edited release
04/19/25
A grant program for eligible Johnson County businesses is now accepting applications.
Greater Iowa City, Inc., the Community Foundation of Johnson County, and the South of 6 Business District have partnered to offer the Johnson County Underestimated Small Business Grants program.
The program is designed to support businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, or located in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs), providing essential resources to help them stabilize and grow.
Grants ranging from $3,500 to $20,000 are available for operational support, such as covering essential expenses like payroll, rent, utilities, or software; and storefront improvements like new windows, interior renovations, or accessibility enhancements.
Businesses must be for-profit and located in Johnson County, Iowa, and have at least 50% ownership by individuals from underserved groups, including: black, indigenous, or people of color; women, regardless of gender assigned at birth; people with disabilities as defined by the ADA, and other minority groups such as LGBTQ+, immigrants, or refugees.
The application window closes April 30th; eligible applications will be reviewed an grants will be awarded sometime in June.
A link to an information page is available below.