Small business grants in Iowa
What a Iowa small business can apply for: Iowa programs first, then national ones.
- 2 open
- 2 rolling
- 0 upcoming
- Next deadline December 3, 2026
Iowa and regional programs
- Closes03 DEC
North Central SARE Farmer Rancher Grant
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education · Small businesses, Individuals
Grants for farmers and ranchers in the 12 North Central states to test sustainable practices on their own operations: up to $15,000 for one farmer, $30,000 for a team.
- ApplyANYTIME
Iowa America's Seed Fund
State of Iowa · Small businesses
Up to $75,000 for Iowa businesses preparing to win federal SBIR or STTR awards.
- Closed26 JUN
Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business
State of Iowa · Small businesses
Grants of $5,000 to $25,000 for for-profit businesses expanding in a designated Main Street Iowa district.
National programs you can apply for
- Closes07 DEC
Small Business Digital Ready grants
Verizon · Small businesses
$10,000 grants for U.S. for-profit small businesses that take free courses or events on Verizon's Digital Ready platform. Ten businesses are picked each month.
- ApplyANYTIME
Amber Grant
WomensNet · Small businesses
Monthly grants for women-owned businesses in the U.S. and Canada, with a larger year-end grant, from WomensNet. One short application covers every grant.
Federal grants to Iowa small businesses in 2025
| Program | Awarded |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Diseases Research 93.837 | $2.2 million |
| Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.084 | $808,651 |
| Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program 10.212 | $431,467 |
| Alcohol Research Programs 93.273 | $406,412 |
| Veterinary Services Grant Program 10.336 | $375,000 |
| Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research 93.847 | $306,872 |
| Office of Science Financial Assistance Program 81.049 | $256,496 |
| Special Education Parent Information Centers 84.328 | $250,000 |
Questions
What small business grants are open in Iowa now?
The next deadline is December 3, 2026 for North Central SARE Farmer Rancher Grant. 2 programs take applications at any time.
Can I get a grant to start a business in Iowa?
Startup grants are scarce. Most listed programs fund existing businesses, exports, training or research, and several state options are loans. A few national programs, such as the Amber Grant for women-owned businesses, take newer businesses; check each program's rules on age and revenue.
Do I have to pay to apply for a grant?
No. Real grant programs never charge to apply or to receive an award. Anyone asking for a fee before you get grant money is running a scam.