Supporting Small Businesses in Johnson County
The Johnson County Underestimated Small Business Grants program is here to help local businesses in Johnson County thrive. Offering grants between $3,500 and $20,000, this initiative supports businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and those located in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs).
Whether you need help covering operating costs or enhancing your storefront, this program is designed to provide meaningful assistance to keep your business moving forward.
You can apply here starting January 1st, 2025. Applications close January 31st, 2025. As part of the application process, you must fill out a self-attestation form which you can find here.
Program Highlights
What Types of Grants Are Available?
- Operational Support Grants
Use funds to cover essential expenses like payroll, rent, utilities, or software costs. - Storefront Improvement Grants
Invest in upgrades like new windows, interior renovations, or accessibility improvements.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible businesses must:
- Be for-profit and physically located in Johnson County, IA
- AND; Have ownership that is at least 50% from an underserved group, including:
- Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC).
- Women, regardless of gender assigned at birth.
- People with disabilities as defined by the ADA.
- Other minority groups, such as LGBTQ+, immigrants, or refugee
- AND; Demonstrate they were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic** OR operate within a QCT
Key Dates
- Applications Open: January 1, 2025
- Applications Close: January 31, 2025
- Review Period: February – March 2025
- Grant Awards Announced: Spring 2025
How to Apply
Applications will be submitted online via the Community Foundation’s grants portal. The application process is simple and user-friendly, with multilingual resources and weekly in-person support sessions available to assist.
In-Person Support Schedule
- Thursday, January 9, 2025: South District Market from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, January 16, 2025: Coralville Library from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Monday, January 20, 2025: Center for Worker Justice from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, January 23, 2025: North Liberty Library from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, January 30, 2025: IC Compassion from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Additional Support includes:
- On-site childcare (where possible).
- Bus passes for transportation.
- A $25 stipend for time spent completing the application.
Selection Process
The selection committee is made up of individuals with lived experience and professional expertise to ensure a fair and inclusive review process. The committee prioritizes equitable representation and alignment with the communities the grant aims to serve.
A Three-Round Grant Program
This grant is part of a three-round initiative designed to support as many businesses as possible. Feedback from each round will be used to improve future processes and enhance accessibility.
- Round 1: Winter 2025
- Round 2: Early Summer 2025
- Round 3: Fall 2025
Looking to share this opportunity with your community?
We’ve created a set of flyers that small businesses can download and share to spread the word about this grant program. Access them here.
Learn More
This program aligns with the Inclusive Economic Development Plan focusing on creating equitable opportunities for growth in our community.
A Collaborative Effort
The ARPA Underestimated Small Business Grants program is a collaboration between the Community Foundation of Johnson County (CFJC), Greater Iowa City, Inc. (Greater IC), and the South of 6 Initiative. Together, these organizations are committed to fostering economic resilience and inclusivity across Johnson County.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business! You will need to register for an account before you apply in the portal. As part of your application, you are required to fill out a self-attestation form. Please download that form here.
Apply Today
Questions?
Our team is here to help you throughout your application process. Please direct general questions about this grant opportunity to Maurice Davis, Executive Director of the South of 6 Business District, at director@southof6.org. Questions regarding the online grant portal for the application submission should be directed to the Community Foundation of Johnson County at info@cfjc.org.
**Footnote
“Disproportionately impacted” refers to businesses or owners that meet the following criteria:
COVID-19 Impact:
- Experienced significant financial hardship, including revenue losses or increased costs.
- Incurred additional expenses for COVID-19 safety measures such as PPE or facility upgrades.
- Reduced organizational capacity or experienced workforce disruptions.
OR meet income limits:
Income Levels (see income table below):
- Owners whose household income is below 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are classified as disproportionately impacted.
- Owners with household incomes between 40% and 60% of the AMI are classified as impacted.
Johnson County Area Median Income Limits, FY 2024: Income Limits
| FY 2024 Area Median Income Limits | ||||||||
| Persons in Family | ||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| 40% AMI | 32,120 | 36,680 | 41,280 | 45,840 | 49,520 | 53,200 | 56,880 | 60,520 |
| 60% AMI | 48,180 | 55,020 | 61,920 | 68,760 | 74,280 | 79,800 | 85,320 | 90,780 |
| 100% AMI | 80,300 | 91,700 | 103,200 | 114,600 | 123,800 | 133,000 | 142,200 | 151,300 |
For businesses in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs), eligibility is based on geographic location as defined by 2025 HUD guidelines. See a .pdf map of QCTs in Johnson County here: QCT Map for Johnson County.
