Greater Iowa City, Inc. opened applications for the North Liberty Targeted Economic Development Grant Program at the beginning of 2026. In partnership with the City of North Liberty, Greater IC designed the program to support small business growth, strengthen the local economy, and encourage long-term investment in North Liberty.
Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the program provides financial support to both existing North Liberty businesses and those seeking to expand into the community. The program includes two grant opportunities: the Tenant Improvement Support Grant and the Home-Based Business Upgrade Support Grant, each offering awards of up to $10,000.
The application period closed at the end of February after two months of outreach and engagement. During that time, Greater IC received 30 applications from local businesses seeking support for facility improvements, operational upgrades, and expansion.
To date, the program has awarded funding to seven businesses based on the strength of their proposed projects and their potential impact on the North Liberty business community. The program supports both business retention and new investment. Of the current award recipients, three are establishing a new presence in North Liberty, and four are existing businesses investing in their spaces and operations for retention and expansion.
Current program outcomes include:
- $60,000 awarded to date
- $8,555 average grant size
- Three new businesses opening in North Liberty
- Four existing businesses enhancing and expanding their physical space and operations in the City of North Liberty.
Although the application period has closed, Greater IC continues to work directly with remaining applicants to identify projects that align with the program’s goals of supporting business growth, enhancing commercial spaces, and strengthening the overall vitality of the North Liberty community. Highlights of participating businesses through a storytelling campaign will be launching later this summer and will continue into the fall. The campaign will feature recipient stories across the City of North Liberty’s channels and Greater IC’s blog, newsletter, and social media channels.
The North Liberty Targeted Economic Development Grant Program reflects the shared commitment of Greater IC and the City of North Liberty to foster a strong, resilient, and thriving business environment.
