For more information, contact:
Ms. Kanan Kappelman
Phone: 515.348.6248
Email: communications@iowaeda.com
IEDA Board approves assistance for two established companies, three startups and two community projects
Innovation funding awarded to startup
March 21, 2025 (DES MOINES, IA) – Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved awards for companies established in Ankeny and Cedar Rapids, which will assist in the creation of 16 jobs and result in $72.7 million in new capital investment for the state. The board also approved assistance for startups in Ames, Coralville and Fairfield. In addition, a project in West Branch received a Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant and an event in Polk County received a Sports Tourism Marketing grant. IEDA recently approved assistance from Iowa’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Innovation Fund for a startup in Clive.
Mrs. Clark’s Foods to expand in Ankeny
Mrs. Clark’s Foods manufactures liquid food products including juices, salad dressing, mayonnaise and barbecue sauce, distributing them nationally and internationally. The company plans to construct a 90-000-square-foot building and purchase new equipment to accommodate an additional line. The project represents a $25.7 million capital investment and is expected to create 12 jobs, of which one is incented at a qualifying wage of $35.71 per hour. The board awarded the company tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program.
Ingredion to construct new facility in Cedar Rapids
Ingredion is an ingredients solution company that makes sweeteners, starches, nutrition ingredients and biomaterials used in everyday products from foods and beverages to paper and pharmaceuticals. The company plans to construct a new 9,000-square-foot facility with electrical upgrades and additional equipment for a corn starch dryer, storage and bulk loading process that will serve to meet the growing demand for plant-based products. The project represents a $47 million capital investment and was awarded tax benefits through the HQJ program. It is expected to create four jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $32.64 per hour.
Awards made to three startups
Ames-based Janas Materials, Inc. develops sustainable technology for the coating industry that improves the appearance and application of wood stains. Their product in development is an additive for water-based stains made by coating manufacturers to achieve the same quality color consistency as oil-based stains, but as a more environmentally friendly alternative. The company was awarded a $100,000 Demonstration Fund loan for product refinement, key personnel and equipment.
Poultry Patrol, Inc., based in Coralville, created a poultry tending robot to stimulate bird movement in turkey barns and alert farmers of spills, health and maintenance. The robot’s support in the animal husbandry process keeps the turkeys healthier and saves farmers time and money. The company was awarded a $50,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR) loan for key personnel and proof of concept work.
Fairfield’s Better Natural, LLC developed technology to integrate roof sheathing, roof cover and solar energy in one single layer. This technology allows them to lower manufacturing and installation costs and create more visually appealing solar energy systems that look like roofing tiles. The company was awarded a $50,000 POCR loan for key personnel and equipment.
Award recommendations for these funds are made by the Technology Commercialization Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
CAT grant awarded to presidential library and museum
The Hoover Presidential Foundation was awarded $400,000 to redesign the 60-year-old Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and expand it to allow for new exhibitions that emphasize the Hoovers’ contributions. With Iowa being one of only ten states to host a presidential library and museum and one of two located within a national park, the modernized museum will have a national impact. The total project cost is nearly $13.7 million.
The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
Sports Tourism grants awarded to national event
Polk County was awarded $50,000 for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts Fight Night at Wells Fargo Arena. The promotion for this event will be heavily targeted to an audience within a three-to-four-mile radius of Des Moines through digital advertising. The total project cost is $100,000.
The Sports Tourism program provides financial assistance for projects that market or promote professional, collegiate or amateur level sporting events in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the Sports Tourism Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
SSBCI funding awarded to Clive startup this month
MOD Advisor, Inc., headquartered in Clive, automates the process of performing workers’ compensation experience mod analysis for insurance brokers and carriers. This software helps businesses make an instant decision on claims with a more efficient and simplified real-time analysis between policyholder, broker and carrier. The company was awarded a $250,000 Innovation Acceleration Launch Fund loan for proof of concept work, product refinement, key personnel and market planning and entry activities.
Award recommendations for the SSBCI Innovation Fund assistance are made by the SSBCI Review Committee to the IEDA director for approval. The committee met on March 11, 2025, to review eligible applications.
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