RESILIENCE
TOOLKIT
Strategies and actions for business, government, or development organizations to ensure ongoing viability.
East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) Resources
ECIA Business Growth Programs
Address: 7600 Commerce Park, Dubuque, IA 52002
Phone: 563-556-4166
Website: https://www.eciabusinessgrowth.com/aboutus/contactus.cfm
ECIA BUSINESS GROWTH PROGRAMS
A. Small Business Administration 504 Loan Program
The SBA 504 Loan program is the Small Business Administration's (SBA) economic development financing program that helps American small businesses grow while benefiting communities through tax base expansion, business growth and job creation. Loans are available for all types of small, for-profit businesses to purchase and/or renovate capital assets including land, buildings, and equipment. A small business is defined as having net worth under $15 million and net annual profit under $5 million with some exceptions.
B. ECIA Regional Revolving Loan Fund
The ECIA Revolving Loan Fund supplies up to $250,000, to purchase fixed assets and targets manufacturing, high tech, and service industries located in Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties. The cities of Dubuque and Clinton are excluded. Fixed-asset acquisition or expansion are eligible projects including: Acquisition/installation of machinery or equipment, purchase of land and/or construction of new buildings, purchase and/or renovation of existing buildings and financing of working capital in special situations. This loan has a low-down payment - as little as 10% which allows the small business owner to preserve critical working capital. The loan term is flexible, (typically 7 years) and low interest rates are available.
C. Jackson County Revolving Loan Fund
The Jackson County RLF supplies up to $250,000, to purchase fixed assets and targets manufacturing, and service industries located within Jackson County. Fixed-asset acquisition or expansion are eligible projects including: Acquisition/installation of machinery or equipment, Purchase of land and/or construction of new buildings, Purchase and/or renovation of existing buildings, Financing of working capital in special situations. This loan has a low-down payment - as little as 10% which allows the small business owner to preserve critical working capital. The loan term is short from 5-15 years and low interest rates are available.
D. Dubuque County Revolving Loan Fund
The Dubuque County Revolving Loan Fund supplies up to $250,000, to purchase fixed assets and targets manufacturing, high tech, and service industries located in Dubuque County. The city of Dubuque is excluded. Fixed-asset acquisition or expansion are eligible projects including: Acquisition/installation of machinery or equipment, Purchase of land and/or construction of new buildings, Purchase and/or renovation of existing buildings, Financing of working capital in special situations. This loan has a low-down payment - as little as 10% which allows the small business owner to preserve critical working capital. The loan term is short from 5-15 years and low interest rates are available.
E. Economic Development Administration Revolving Loan Fund
The EDA Revolving Loan Fund supplies up to $250,000, to purchase fixed assets and targets manufacturing, high tech, and service industries located in Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties. Fixed-asset acquisition or expansion are eligible projects including: Purchase of land and/or construction of new buildings, Purchase and/or renovation of existing buildings, Acquisition/installation of machinery or equipment and financing of working capital in special situations. This loan has a low-down payment - as little as 10% which allows the small business owner to preserve critical working capital. The loan term is flexible, (typically 7 years) and low interest rates are available.
F. Economic Development Administration Cares Act Revolving Loan Fund
The EDA Cares Act Revolving Loan Fund supplies up to $500,000 and targets small businesses and revenue generating nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic located in Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties. Fixed-asset acquisition or expansion are eligible projects including: Purchase of land and/or construction of new buildings, Purchase and/or renovation of existing buildings, Acquisition/installation of machinery or equipment and financing of working capital in special situations. This loan has a low-down payment - as little as 10% which allows the small business owner to preserve critical working capital. The loan term is flexible, (5-20 years depending on loan purpose) and low interest rates are available.
G. Energy Efficiency Loan Fund
The Energy Efficiency Loan Fund (EELF) is a $200,000 revolving loan fund established through funds from the U.S. Department of Energy. Its purpose is to help finance energy improvements in buildings owned or leased by commercial businesses, non-profits, and multi-tenant facility management groups. The projects that receive loans will be those seeking to fund innovative energy efficiency projects that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EELF is for Dubuque-based businesses to help reduce their energy consumption through greater efficiency. Activities eligible for funding include: Electrical systems and components including lighting and energy management systems, Mechanical systems and components including HVAC and hot water, Information technology energy efficiency upgrades, Efficient windows that result in energy savings for the facility, Solar panel installation may be considered on a case-by-case basis on buildings built after 1965, Energy efficient equipment upgrades/purchases may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
H. Dubuque Small Business Construction Loan
The Dubuque Small Business Construction Loan Program is designed to help small businesses that might negatively be impacted by the 2020 and/or 2021 downtown roadway construction projects. The Program is funded by the City of Dubuque in collaboration with Dubuque Initiatives and provides, non-conventional financing to eligible businesses that are not able to receive funding elsewhere. Small Businesses receiving these funds must be located within downtown Dubuque and impacted by roadway construction projects. Small business is defined as a business with gross revenues of $500,000 or less and 15 or fewer employees. Eligible Uses of Proceeds: Proceeds restricted to use for operating capital expenses resulting from loss of income due to roadway construction. These expenses include: payroll, rent, mortgage, utilities, and other ongoing expenses (including license and permit fees). Loan Amount: As low as $2,500 up to a maximum of $25,000 per business entity. Loan Terms: Principal and interest deferred for 3 months, up to 6 months at request of borrower with loan committee approval; amortized over 4-5 years with monthly principal and interest payments. Interest Rate: Fixed at loan closing based on the five-year Treasury bill rate plus 25 basis points or a minimum rate of 0.75%.
Jackson County Economic Alliance (JCEA)
Address: 119 South Main Street, Suite 5 Maquoketa, IA 52060
Phone: (563) 652-4549
Email: hockenberry@thejcea.org
Website: https://www.thejcea.org/
JACKSON COUNTY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE (JCEA) PROGRAMS
A. Demonstration Fund
The State of Iowa provides financial and technical assistance to encourage high technology prototype and concept development activities that have a clear potential to lead to commercially viable products or services within a reasonable period of time. The Demonstration Fund supports commercialization activities by small and medium-sized Iowa companies in the advanced manufacturing, biosciences, and information technology industries. The primary purpose of the fund is to help businesses with a high-growth potential reach a position where they are able to attract later stage private sector funding.
B. High Quality Job Creation Program
Provides qualifying businesses tax credits to off-set the cost incurred to locate, expand, or modernize an Iowa facility. To qualify for this flexible assistance package that includes tax credits, exemptions and/or refunds, a business must be a non-retail or non-service business and meet at least four of nine eligibility requirements. Awarded amounts will be based on the business's level of need, the quality of the jobs, the percentage of created jobs defined as high-quality, and the economic impact of the project.
C. Industrial Property Tax Exemption
Provides a five year reducing property tax exemption for new or expanding industrial construction.
D. Iowa Microloan
Iowa was built on the dreams of thousands of people owning their own business and being able to sustain a good life for their family. Owning your own business has become a reality for many people as they apply the skills they have learned to the passion they possess. This loan includes the following: Financing for start-up, expansion and refinancing of Microbusinesses in Iowa, Financing of loans of $5,000 up to $50,000 for a six year term, Co-financing with a local lender or loan pool up to $150,000, Credit approval within 10 working days of receiving a complete credit application and business plan, Technical Assistance grants up to $500/client/year, Local team building assistance to help you succeed and the ability to improve your credit score through Iowa Microloan reporting.
E. Jackson County Downtown Low Interest Loan Program
This program is available in any downtown district in Jackson County. The maximum loan will be $250,000 per project with a minimum loan amount of $5,000. The interest rate shall be fixed at one half a percentage point below prime on the date of closing for the term of the loan. Projects eligible for this program include façade and/or interior renovation, upper story renovation, additions, new construction, leasehold improvements, refinancing and/or acquisition of commercial property.
F. Acquisition Assistance
This program is designed to assist buyers in acquiring downtown or commercial property. Anyone who purchases a downtown or commercial property that will be used by the new owner for their own business, qualifies to be reimbursed for up to $5,000 of selling costs (realtor fees, abstracting, attorney fees and closing costs).
G. Blade Signage
This program is designed to assist businesses replace signs in the downtown urban renewal district. The applicant pays one-half of the costs associated with approved sign replacements. Maximum grant funding allowed is $1,000.
H. Commercial Interior Grant
This program helps retail business owners or renters expand or remodel commercial space in the designated downtown and commercial business area. The applicant pays two-thirds, while the City pays one-third of costs associated with improving the real estate value (lease hold improvements). Maximum funding allowed is $7,500.
I. Consultant Assistance
Commercial properties located in the downtown or commercial business district are eligible for design assistance. Design services provided must meet Design Guidelines. Maximum funding is 50% of the total cost, not to exceed $5,000.
J. Facade Grant
This program provides financial assistance to business and property owners for the restoration or rehabilitation of facades on downtown or commercial buildings in the designated area. The applicant pays two-thirds, while the City pays one-third of costs associated with approved exterior renovations for building frontage. Maximum funding is $7,500 per building. Extra funding may be allowed if the building has exposed sidewalls. The Design Committee reviews all projects, which must comply with Design Guidelines.
K. Upper Story Renovation
This program is designed to assist owners to renovate space on the upper stories of commercial buildings in the downtown urban renewal district. The grant requires a dollar for dollar match for up to $7,500 of grant funding per residential unit created or renovated.
L. Conversion of 1st Floor Residential to Commercial
This program is designed to assist in converting first floor residential space to commercial space. The grant requires a dollar for dollar match. Up to $7,500 of grant funding per building.
M. Low Interest Bank Loan
This program is available in any downtown district in Jackson County. The maximum loan will be $250,000 per project with a minimum loan amount of $5,000. The interest rate shall be fixed at one half a percentage point below prime on the date of closing for the term of the loan. Projects eligible for this program include façade and/or interior renovation, upper story renovation, additions, new construction, leasehold improvements, refinancing and/or acquisition of commercial property.
N. Maquoketa Commercial Building Improvement Loan
This program is a loan fund that is directed to make improvements to commercial buildings anywhere within the City of Maquoketa. Renovation or improvements of existing commercial building structures, but not for commercial apartment buildings nor for direct use on accessory dwelling units located within commercial buildings, such as apartments above retail stores. Maximum loan amount is $10,000 per commercial structure at 0% for a five-year term. Minimum of 25% match on the loan amount is required by the applicant.
O. Maquoketa Valley Rec Revolving Loan
Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) created the Community/Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to improve the quality of life in rural areas by contributing to long-term improvement in the local economy. The RLF is a local funding source with a goal of providing low interest loans to assist with local economic and community development projects. Our priorities include job creation and retention, diversification of the local economy, improving the skills of the rural workforce and upgrading the public infrastructure to improve the health, safety and/or medical care of rural residents. This fund is administered by the MVEC Board of Directors with guidance from a revolving loan fund committee.
P. Nestmint
Equity fund that provides startups with the initial capital to move their business from idea to actuality. Commonly referred to as seed funding. It is focused on idea-level and early stage businesses that typically are seen as too early to raise capital.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROUPS IN ECIA'S REGION
A. Clinton Regional Development Corporation
Address: 721 S 2nd St, Clinton, IA 52732
Phone: (563) 242-4536
Website:
https://www.clintondevelopment.com/
B. Jackson County Economic Alliance
Address: 119 South Main Street, Suite 5 Maquoketa, IA 52060
Phone: (563) 652-4549
Email: hockenberry@thejcea.org
Website:
https://www.thejcea.org/
C. Cedar County Economic Development Commission
Address: 101 Lynn St, Tipton, IA 52772
Phone: (563) 886-3761
Website:
https://www.growcedar.org/
D. Tipton Economic Development
Phone: 563-886-6187
Email:
lbeck@tiptoniowa.org
E. Cascade Economic Development Group
Website: https://www.cityofcascade.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/Economic%20Development%20Corporation
F. Delaware County Economic Development
Address: 200 E Main St, Manchester, IA 52057
Phone: (563) 927-3325
Website:
https://delawarecountyia.com/
G. Edgewood Economic Development
Address: 104 N Washington St, Edgewood, IA 52042
Phone: (563) 928-7036
Email:
edgewood@iowatelecom.net
H. Greater Dubuque Development
Address: 900 Jackson St #109, Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: (563) 557-9049
Website:
https://www.greaterdubuque.org/
I. City of Dubuque Economic Development
Address: 50 W 13th St, Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: (563) 589-4393
Website:
https://www.cityofdubuque.org/101/Economic-Development
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GROUPS IN ECIA'S REGION
A. Bellevue Chamber
Address: 210 Riverview, Bellevue, IA 52031
Phone: (563) 872-5830
Website: http://www.bellevueia.com/
B. Clinton Area Chamber
Address: 721 S 2nd St, Clinton, IA 52732
Phone: (563) 242-5702
Website: https://www.clintonia.com/
C. Cascade Chamber
Address: 320 1st Ave W, Cascade, IA 52033
Phone: (563) 690-8611
Website: https://www.cityofcascade.org/
D. Dewitt Chamber
Address: 1010 6th Ave, DeWitt, IA 52742
Phone: (563) 659-8500
E. Dubuque Chamber
Address: 300 Main St STE 200, Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: (563) 557-9200
Website: https://www.dubuquechamber.com/
F. Dyersville Chamber
Address: 1100 16th Ave SE, Dyersville, IA 52040
Phone: (563) 875-2311
Website: https://www.dyersville.org/attractions
G. Edgewood Chamber
Phone: 563-928-7036
Email: director@edgewoodchamber.com
Website: https://www.edgewoodiowa.com/
H. Manchester Chamber
Address: 200 E Main St, Manchester, IA 52057
Phone: (563) 927-4141
Website: https://www.manchesteriowa.org/
I. Maquoketa Chamber
Address: 124S. Main St. Suite2, Maquoketa, lowa 52060
Phone: (563)-652-4602
Website: https://maquoketachamber.com/
J. Tipton Chamber
Address: 520 Cedar St, Tipton, IA 52772
Phone: (563) 886-6350
Website: http://www.tiptoniowa.org
COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS
A. Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
700 Locust St #5
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 588-2700
Website: dbqfoundation.org
B. Foundation for the Future of Delaware County
200 East Main Street
Manchester, IA 52057
(563) 920-5590
Website: dbqfoundation.org/foundation-future-delaware-county
C. Community Foundation of Cedar County
c/o Quad Cities Community Foundation
852 Middle Road/Suite 100
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 326-2840
Website: qccommunityfoundation.org/communityfoundationofcedarcounty
KathleenBadejo@QCCommunityFoundation.org
D. Lincolnway Community Foundation
PO Box 225
DeWitt, IA 52742
(563) 659-5039
Website: dbqfoundation.org/lincolnway
E. River Bluff Communication Foundation
PO Box 1152
333 4th Avenue South
Clinton, IA 52733-1152
(563) 588-2700
Website: dbqfoundation.org/riverbluff
F. Community Foundation of Jackson County
PO Box 645
Maquoketa, IA 52060
(563) 588-2700
Website: dbqfoundation.org/community-foundation-jackson-county
COMMUNITY COLLEGES
A. Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC)
8342 NICC Drive
Peosta, IA 52068
(844) 642-2338 toll-free
Website: nicc.edu
B. Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC)
Town Clock Business Center
680 Main Street, Ste. 100
Dubuque, IA 52001
(844) 642-2338, ext 3700 toll-free
Website: nicc.edu/townclockcenter
C. Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC)
Manchester Center
PO Box 278
1200 ½ West Main Street
Manchester, IA 52057
(844) 642-2338, ext. 7700 toll-free
Website: nicc.edu/manchester
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) serves eight counties in northeast Iowa and surrounding areas. Offering academic programs of study in a variety of disciplines, in addition to online and blended learning, customized business and industry training, short-term certification options and adult education and literacy, the College is committed to affordable, high-quality education and training to ensure the growth and vitality of northeast Iowa.
D. Clinton Community College
1000 Lincoln Blvd
Clinton, IA 52732
(563) 244-7001
Website: eicc.edu
E. Clinton Community College
501 W. Washington St.
Maquoketa, IA 52060
(563) 652-5000
Website: eicc/edu/about-eicc/colleges-and-centers/ccc-maq-center
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges includes Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges. Stretched along the banks of the Mississippi River, the district covers all of Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine and Scott Counties, as well as parts of Cedar and Louisa Counties. The district offers both Associate in Arts / College Transfer programs as well as more than 30 Career Technology options. The district also offers Business and Industry, Continuing Education and Adult Education classes. These short-term classes are specifically designed to help individuals improve a job skill, upgrade general educational skills or pursue a topic of interest.
F. Kirkwood Community College
Cedar County Center
100 Alexander Drive, Suite 2
Tipton, IA 52772
(563) 886-2950
Website: Kirkwood.edu/explore/
Kirkwood Community College has eleven locations. The college identifies community needs; provides accessible, quality education and training; and promotes opportunities for lifelong learning. The college offers more than 130 majors and other programs such as one-two year degrees, continuing education, and high school completion.
