State Grants Boost Rural Iowa Businesses with Over $275,000 in Funding
Rural areas in Iowa are receiving a significant financial boost as Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announce the distribution of more than $275,000 through the Rural Innovation Grants. This initiative, part of the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative, aims to bolster small businesses in rural regions.
Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority, emphasized the importance of rural entrepreneurship, stating, “Entrepreneurship in rural areas builds sustainable, resilient communities. These grants help businesses continue to turn a profit and grow, while providing good-paying jobs and keeping wealth right at home.”
The Rural Innovation Grant program targets creative solutions to the unique challenges faced by communities with populations under 20,000, particularly those not adjacent to larger cities. This year’s grants prioritize independently owned grocery stores, small food producers, and second-stage growth companies aiming to reach new markets.
Among the 40 applications received in the latest round, 27 came from rural grocers, nine from food producers, and four from second-stage growth companies. Notable recipients include:
- Freeman Foods, North English & Wellman — The grant will fund technology upgrades to support online ordering, as well as pick-up and delivery services. Enhancements to point-of-sale and back-office systems aim to better serve customers, especially the elderly and rural residents in Washington and Keokuk counties.
- La Perla Jarocha Store, Webster City — With increased storage capacity, this store plans to diversify its inventory, including a year-round availability of fresh produce and perishable goods. A partnership with Crooked Creek, a produce farm in Auburn, will ensure a steady supply. Additionally, La Perla Jarocha aims to enhance its digital presence.
- Woods Super Market, Pocahontas — As the sole grocery store in Pocahontas County, Woods Super Market will implement electronic shelf tags for more efficient and precise price changes, helping the store remain competitive.
- Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging, Oxford — This business will produce culinary lavender products on-site using its own Iowa-grown lavender. Plans include the creation of six to eight new products, such as lavender-infused baking mixes and syrups, along with various drink blends and culinary lavender buds.
- Lansing Housing Products Inc., Lansing — This manufacturer, known for its patented Tough Tek Metals safety screens, is set to expand into public schools nationwide and areas prone to hurricanes. These screens exceed standards for child safety, vandalism, hail, and hurricane impacts.
For more details on the Center for Rural Revitalization programs, visit iowaeda.com/center-for-rural-revitalization.
#
The complete list of Rural Innovation Grant recipients can be found here.
Read More Here
