Design & Business assistance is provided to downtown property owners and tenants as a free service through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Main Street Iowa program. The Design Specialists will provide design recommendations and develop conceptual renderings for each proposed project. The Business Specialist will provide economic development assistance as well as one-on-one business consultations. Contact Main Street Fort Dodge at director@mainstreetfd.org or call the office at 515.573.3172.
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ADA Federal Tax Credit
This federal tax credit was created to help small businesses cover ADA-related eligible access expenditures. A business that for the previous tax year had either revenue of $1,000,000 or less or 30 or fewer full-time workers may take advantage of this credit. This federal tax credit can cover 50% of the eligible access expenditures in a year up to $10,250 (maximum credit of $5000). In addition, the tax deduction is available to all businesses with a maximum deduction of $15,000 per year for the other costs the credit doesn’t cover. The tax deduction can be claimed for expenses incurred in barrier removal and alterations. Paint Iowa Beautiful (http://www.keepiowabeautiful.com/grants/paint-iowa-beautiful) Keeping up the appearance of our buildings and facilities is an important component of viable communities. Well-maintained and painted buildings reflect pride in our communities. Through a partnership with Diamond Vogel Paint of Orange City, Iowa groups can receive paint for community enhancement projects. More than 5,000 gallons of paint have been donated to community groups through the Paint Iowa Beautiful program.
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Derelict Building Grant
The Derelict Building Program is available for Iowa towns of 5,000 or fewer residents’ to address neglected commercial or public structures that have sat vacant for at least 6 months.
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FUNDING STILL AVAILABLE - to inspect and properly remove asbestos from abandoned commercial buildings. The funds allow eligible communities to investigate the amount of asbestos present in a building, determine the physical characteristics and stability of these structures by completing structural engineering assessments and abate identified asbestos. $50,000 is available for assistance and applications will be accepted until funds are expended.
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The FY23 application deadline was Friday, February 23, 2024 for applicants who are seeking funding assistance with conducting asbestos inspections, asbestos abatement, structural engineering analysis, phase I and phase II site assessments, building deconstruction and building renovation expenses.