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

Des Moines County Business Plan Competition

Three participants have submitted business plans in the 2009 Des Moines County Business Plan Competition.  The competition, now in its second year, will award a prize pool of $6,000 in seed capital grants to the winners.  The competition is funded by investment pledges received during the organization’s Partnering for the Future campaign.

Contestants enter the competition by submitting a letter of intent.  They are also encouraged to take a course from Southeastern Community College entitled Writing Your Business Plan.    Scholarships for the course are offered by the Des Moines County Extension office.  Winners will be selected in June.

Download the Business Plan Competition Official Rules
Download the Sample Letter of Intent
Read about the 2008 Winners