Targeted Small Business Sole Operator Fund

A fund has been created to support Targeted Small Businesses (TSB) with zero employees that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$10,000 to businesses that are sole proprietors or single-member LLCs that are also TSB certified, or have an application submitted to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) by April 10, 2020 to become TSB certified.

This program will continue to process applications on an ongoing basis until all funds are exhausted. Applications are processed in both order of receipt of application and submission of all required documents and Targeted Small Business certification approval.

Iowa Center for Economic Success will review grant applications for eligibility and determine the grant amount by the level of impact including loss in sales revenue and employees. The Iowa Center for Economic Success will also provide recommendations of award decisions to IEDA. IEDA will verify and/or finalize the applicant’s TSB certification and notify the applicant of the award decision.

Documents Required for Upload in the Online Application

• 3-month income statement
• Revenues – March 2019
• Revenues – March 2020 to date
• Balance Sheet (as of application date)
• Completed Business W-9 Form

Additionally, you will be asked to provide:

• Date of business establishment
• Description of Economic Impact Loss (loss of sales or revenue)
• Estimated loss of revenues March 15, 2020 – April 15, 2020
• Description of how funds will be utilized to maintain operations or reopen after the disaster

Eligibility
To be eligible for a TSB Sole Operator Fund grant, eligible businesses must:

• Be experiencing business disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
• Be a Targeted Small Business or have an application in process by April 10, 2020 to become certified as a Targeted Small business in accordance with Chapter 52 of Iowa Code; and
• Be a sole proprietor, single-member LLC with no employees, or a corporation with only one owner and no employees; and
• Verify that Targeted Small Business income is the sole source of income for the business owner

To be eligible for TSB Certification, businesses must be:

• Located in the state of Iowa; and
• Operating for a profit; and
• Make less than $4 million in gross income, computed as an average of the preceding three fiscal years; and
• Majority owned (51% or more), operated and managed by a female, individual with minority status, service disabled veteran or individual with a disability

The funds may not be used to pay debts incurred prior to March 17, 2020.

How to Apply

• Read the FAQ document

Click here to complete an application

*Due to anticipated volume of applications, staff will work diligently to review and respond to requests. A complete application is not a guarantee of financial assistance or tax deferral*