The Iowa Economic Development Authority announced Wednesday a $96 million investment to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Iowa. The U.S. Treasury Department approved the funding to Iowa Tuesday through its State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).
The American Rescue Plan Act reauthorized and expanded the SSBCI, providing nearly $10 billion to increase access to capital and promote entrepreneurship, especially in traditionally underserved communities.
The Treasury Department approved Iowa’s amount based on a plan submitted by IEDA. Iowa’s SSBCI dollars will focus on encouraging venture capital and investment in scalable innovation companies through the following programs:
- Loan Participation Program for Manufacturing 4.0 Investments: $28 million to help Iowa manufacturers invest in the new technologies that are transforming the industry. The state will purchase part of the loan to help offset risk for lenders.
- Small Business Collateral Support Program: $15 million to help small businesses offset collateral shortfalls as they secure loans through commercial lenders. Eligible borrowers include small businesses that are 51% owned by women, individuals from diverse backgrounds, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and long-term rural residents; and small businesses that enhance arts and culture in Iowa.
- Venture Capital Innovation Fund Program: $22 million to increase funding opportunities across the state’s assistance programs for entrepreneurs. This fund also will provide more funding to address gaps in startup development phases as businesses work through concept, launch and expansion.
- Venture Capital Co-Investment Fund Program: $31 million to process and hold equity investments in private companies and ensure investments are qualified.
“Iowa’s small businesses have faced some of the biggest economic challenges of the last few years, but they also have some of the greatest success stories and we’ve seen a record-breaking surge in new businesses for two years in a row,” said Debi Durham, executive director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “Our team looks forward to working with our small business and innovation partners to bring these new efforts to life.”
Planning for the SSBCI application process is underway. For more information, visit iowaeda.com/ssbci.