Driving Economic Growth in North Liberty
Greater Iowa City, Inc. is offering grants of up to $10,000 to locally-owned and operated small businesses currently located in or newly expanding to North Liberty, IA. These grants are funded through an investment of American Rescue Plan Act dollars by the City of North Liberty. Through targeted financial assistance, streamlined processes, and strategic incentives, the program aims to attract local businesses, enhance tenant spaces, and support workforce and economic development.
There are two types of grants available to applicants and eligibility is dependent on the type of grant applying for. A total of $85,000 in funds are available to be distributed to locally-owned and operated small businesses through this grant program. Funds are distributed on a rolling basis and applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Program Highlights
There are two (2) types of grants available:
- Tenant Improvement Support Grant
Up to $10,000 in matching grant assistance for façade and internal renovations and build-outs that prepare commercial spaces for new or expanding locally-owned and operated businesses, encouraging long-term tenancy. Grantees must match every $1.00 granted with $0.50 expended for a 50% cash match. These grants will support one-time costs related to improvements such as affixed fixtures, façade renovations (including affixed signs), and related professional design and architectural and engineering services.
- Home-Based Business Upgrade Support Grant
Rent of up to $10,000 through December 31, 2026 to grow and relocate a home-based business to the North Liberty CoLab. No match is required for this grant. The business must be currently operating from a North Liberty residential address and move to the North Liberty CoLab.
Additional Grant Requirements: Annual Reporting and Accountability
Recipients of this grant are required to: 1) Participate in business mentoring and support, 2) Provide accurate progress updates, 3) Track and share data that results from the grant, and 4) Provide the necessary business documentation as requested by the grantors. All additional grant requirements are below.
- Business Mentoring and Support
Businesses awarded funding through this program will participate in at least 10 hours of education and support provided by Greater Iowa City, Inc. at the Business Resource Center, including drop-in support at MERGE or another location, within 6 months of the award.
- Data Transparency
Share key metrics, success stories, and areas for improvement to ensure the program remains effective and aligned with community needs.
- Provision of Business Legal Documents
Recipients of this grant will be required to provide the necessary business documentation as requested by the grantors. A signed grant agreement will be required.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for this grant is dependent on which type of grant is being applied for. Read the eligibility for each grant type below.
- Tenant Improvement Support Grant
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- Own a for-profit business that is currently operating from a physical location in North Liberty, IA OR are currently in the process of starting a new business in North Liberty, IA and have a determined, physical business location
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- AND; Own the business’s building OR have the legal ability through a lease agreement to make physical modifications to the business’s building structure
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- AND; Put forth a 50% match in funds received from this grant towards the grant application’s project.
- Home-Based Business Upgrade Support Grant
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- Own a for-profit business that is currently operating from a residential property, without any additional second office location (not including separate mailing addresses).
Ineligibility: Business owners within a franchise system (franchisees) are not eligible for this grant opportunity at this time.
Application Deadline and Key Dates
- Application opens: Monday, January 5, 2026
- Application closes: At the time grant funds have been awarded OR on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (whichever date is reached first)
The North Liberty Targeted Economic Development Grant will be administered on a rolling basis beginning on Monday, January 5, 2026. The grant application will close once all grant funds have been awarded to eligible applicants, or on July 1, 2026 (whichever date is reached first). This landing page will be amended and updated as grant funds have been awarded.
Steps to Apply
- Step 1: Reach out to Greater Iowa City, Inc. if you have any questions about the grant’s details, requirements, eligibility, or application.
- Step 2: Complete the online application below.
- Step 3: You will be contacted by Greater IC to share more details regarding your application.
- Step 4: Funding decision is made by the grantors.
- Step 5: Provision of final documentation.
Application Link and Additional Documents
To get started on this grant application, please fill out the form of interest below. After filling out the form, you will be contacted by Greater Iowa City, Inc. to share more about your business and grant application. Staff will work closely with each applicant through the entire process.
Recipients of this business support grant will be required to provide the necessary legal business documentation as requested by the grantors. This documentation and legal agreements are in addition to the information asked on the grant application and will be provided to the applicant after the application is submitted and a funding decision is made. The provision of these documents are required to verify the legitimacy of the business.
About the Grant: A Collaborative Effort
The North Liberty Targeted Economic Development Program is a collaboration between Greater Iowa City, Inc. and the City of North Liberty. This grant’s funds originate from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). All awarded and spent funds are required to adhere to ARPA-specific federal reporting and spending laws.
This program reinforces Greater IC and the City of North Liberty’s commitment to fostering a dynamic business environment and supporting economic development for long-term success.
Questions?
We are here to help you throughout your application process. Please direct any questions about this grant opportunity to Evan Doyle, Community & Economic Development Program Manager, at evan@greateriowacity.com.
