The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) will begin accepting applications for the next round of Butchery Innovation and Revitalization grants on Thursday, Feb. 1, to expand, renovate and establish butchery facilities.
A total of $1 million in grants is available this year, according to a news release from the IEDA. Eligible businesses could receive grants up to $100,000.
“Increasing the capacity of our small-scale meat processors further strengthens Iowa’s economy and the food supply chain by helping livestock producers and meeting consumer demand,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority, in the release.
Applicants must meet all requirements outlined in Iowa Code section 15E.370 and in the administrative rules. They must have received an assessment from the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), the release states. The CIRAS assessment submission deadline is Thursday, March 7. The IEDA application must be completed after receiving the assessment report. The deadline to submit the IEDA application is Thursday, April 18.
Program requirements
To be eligible, applicants must also:
- Be incorporated or authorized to do business in Iowa.
- Employ fewer than 75 people.
- Be licensed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship or be able to document its work to become licensed.
The grant program was created during the 2021 legislative session to strengthen Iowa’s food supply chain and support rural development, and renewed the past two years because of its success, the release states.
A sample of the CIRAS assessment form and more may be found here. For more information, email the IEDA at businessfinance@iowaeda.com.
