Enhancing the ecosystem that develops, launches and grows entrepreneurs and startups
The Entrepreneurial Investment Awards (EIA) program provides financial assistance to Iowa-based organizations that directly support entrepreneurs and early-stage startup companies. These resource providers play a critical role in helping new ventures create, locate or expand a business in Iowa.
Note: Individual entrepreneurs and startup businesses are not eligible to apply directly for EIA funding. The EIA is an organizational grant, not a startup grant. EIA funding is awarded to eligible entrepreneurial support organizations that provide services, programming and resources to entrepreneurs and early-stage companies.
Applications for Fiscal Year 2027 EIA awards are not yet open. Please continue to check back on this page for updated application dates. Applicants must confirm eligibility with IEDA and be invited to apply prior to submitting materials.
To qualify, an organization must offer comprehensive business development services specifically designed for emerging and early-stage innovation companies. Those services may include:
- Corporate development
- Business model development
- Business planning
- Marketing
- Financial strategies and management
- Mentoring and management coaching
- Networking
Strong EIA projects fill a demonstrated gap in Iowa's entrepreneurial ecosystem, serve a meaningful number of entrepreneurs, and have a clear plan for sustaining the work beyond the grant period.
A single service provider may receive up to $200,000. Awards under the EIA program are not guaranteed and are determined through a competitive review process. The final award amount is based on committee recommendations and available funding.
EIA funds must be used for operating costs that directly support business development services for entrepreneurs and early-stage innovation companies.
Highlighted projects from previous award recipients:
- Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce established the Kitchen Council food incubator to offer comprehensive services to the food industry and food-based startups.
- Mason City's NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center assisted existing rural businesses with opportunities to pursue rapid growth through technology or technology-enabled new markets.
- Ames' ISU Research Park created the ISU Startup Factory, a new model bringing together critical resources to move technology from the lab to the marketplace.
Who Should Apply
This program is designed for organizations that support entrepreneurs, not the entrepreneurs themselves. Eligible applicants may include entrepreneurial support organizations, business incubators, accelerators, resource providers and other Iowa-based organizations that provide meaningful business development services to entrepreneurs and early-stage companies.
Eligibility
- A service provider with a principal place of operations in Iowa
- An organization that offers a comprehensive set of business development services targeted to emerging and early-stage innovation companies
- An organization that serves a meaningful role or niche within Iowa's entrepreneurial ecosystem
- An organization that demonstrates how the proposed project can continue and grow beyond the EIA grant period
- Individual entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses are not eligible to apply directly
Application Process
- The application window will open soon for FY 2027. Watch this page for the next round of applications.
- EIA is an invite-only program. Organizations interested in applying should first contact IEDA to discuss their organization and proposed project and confirm eligibility.
- To verify eligibility and receive a current application, please contact Megan Brandt at [email protected] or 515.348.6198.