There are some programs available to assist small business start-ups, but very few 'grants' are available. In addition, no program will finance 100% of a company's initial costs.

Resources for Entrepreneurs
Great River Region Entrepreneur Site
Iowa Microloans
Targeted Small Business Program
Small Business Development Center
Iowa Entrepreneur Network
Starting a Business In Iowa
Guide to Starting a Business in Burlington

Des Moines County Business Plan Competition

The 2010 Business Plan Competition is now underway.  The winners of the third annual competition will share in $7,500 of seed capital grants to launch a new business.  The prize pool is funded by investment pledges received during the Partnering for the Future campaign.

New this year, Hayloft Media will be providing a complimentary website design to the winner of the 2010 competition.

Participants in the competition will need to register and complete the ‘Writing Your Business Plan’ course offered by Southeastern Community College.  Registration for the course ends February 16th.

Important Dates:
February 8th – Information session at the Greater Burlington Partnership
February 16th – Deadline to register for the ‘Writing Your Business Plan’ course March 26th – First draft of business plans due
May 7th – Final business plans due

For complete details, please see the 2010 Des Moines County Business Plan Competition Official Rules.

Guide to Starting a Business in Burlington

Read about the 2010 Winners.
Read about the 2009 Winners.
Read about the 2008 Winners.