July 18, 2025 (DES MOINES, IA) – Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved assistance for startups in Ames, Des Moines and Urbandale. The board also approved Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant awards in Des Moines, Floyd, Harlan and Hardin County.
Innovation awards made to three startups
Ames-based NarrateAR Inc. created a product to better support K-12 students with learning differences. The AI-driven platform – Ama AI – is a personalized learning companion, integrating and processing data from multiple sources to ensure lessons remain engaging, accessible and tailored to individual learning needs. The company was awarded a $50,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR) loan for product refinement, key personnel and market planning and entry activities.
Des Moines biotech company NutriDent is focused on biocompatible, sustainable oral care solutions for consumers seeking natural, fluoride-free alternatives. DenTab™, the company’s initial product offering, is a slow-dissolving dental tablet that utilizes natural compounds found in the teeth to strengthen enamel and promote a balanced oral microbiome. The company was awarded a $50,000 POCR loan for IP development and evaluation, product refinement and market planning and entry activities.
Force Fitters, based in Urbandale, developed an apparel management solution to reduce inefficiencies and administrative burdens associated with outfitting employees, particularly those requiring safety apparel and utilizing employee allowances. Their proprietary technology is delivered via an ecommerce platform customized for each client’s needs. The company was awarded a $100,000 Demonstration Fund loan for product refinement and key personnel.
Award recommendations for these funds are made by the Technology Commercialization Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
CAT grants awarded to four projects
The City of Des Moines and ICON Water Trails were awarded $1 million to improve the Birdland Park area’s 55 acres that contains a marina, shelter house, trail, playground and more than a mile of shoreline. The improvements will include the construction of more shelters and fishing locations, an ice-skating ribbon, inclusive playscapes and paddling and rowing launches, as well as the modern, ADA-accessible amenities to accompany everything. The total project cost is just over $15 million.
The City of Floyd was awarded $25,000 to build two new pickleball courts in their city park. The courts will have fencing and lighting that will be beneficial for local usage and league play. The total project cost is approximately $85,000.
The City of Harlan was awarded $402,667 to build the Dream Playground, which will feature accessible and inclusive equipment, shades, gathering structures and educational equipment. As the first step in a larger plan to revitalize and expand recreation opportunities in Harlan, the playground will serve as the central feature of their public park. The total project cost is nearly $1.6 million.
Hardin County was awarded $1 million to pave nine miles of the Iowa River’s Edge Trail to connect Eldora to Union. When completed, the trail will create a 32-mile corridor along the Iowa River. It will connect rural communities in two counties, supporting economic growth in smaller communities. The total project cost is nearly $6.2 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.
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