Home to companies large and small, you can support or join our diverse group of businesses that help our community thrive.
Central City has a wide variety of businesses to suit your every need. Whether you live here or are visiting, there are plenty of opportunities to find what you need right here. Most of our businesses are small and locally-owned – you’ll find the owners working right alongside the rest of their staff. Supporting them helps our community thrive, and is one of the reasons Central City is such a great place to live.
For businesses in planning or existing businesses looking to expand in the Central City area, this program awards matching grants up to $5,000 in value. Funding may be used for expenses related to business operations, including equipment, advertising, marketing, inventory, minor interior renovations, etc.
The Central City GO Facade Grant was originally created to preserve the integrity of buildings in the Historic Commercial District, but now works to assist businesses throughout all of Central City, ensuring that the visual appeal of Central City is maintained.
The Central City GO Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) was established to provide new or expanding businesses with a source of financing which may not otherwise be available. This incentive helps support the area’s economic development efforts via fixed rate, low interest, and/or long-term financing for businesses wanting to expand or locate within the city.
This program awards existing downtown businesses with a maximum of $500 to be used toward the cost of obtaining a ‘blade’ sign for the exterior of their business location. These signs are encouraged in order to promote business visibility to pedestrian traffic, and create a cohesive downtown appearance.
Event organizers can request funds or other support from Central City GO for events that attract visitors to town. Support will be focused on event coordinators listing specific needs rather than a general ask for funds.
Central City GO supports local businesses in partnership with the following state and national economic development organizations:
America’s Small Business Development Center Iowa provides the highest quality assistance to current and future businesses and by collaborating with other federal, state, local and private resources to ensure maximum benefit to clients.
Help without cost to the entrepreneur. We are America’s most productive economic development team—an Iowa contingent. 70 successful, proven small business coaches to assist you every step of the way.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) offers a variety of programs and services to individuals, communities and businesses to attract and grow business, employment and workforce in Iowa.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
The East Central Iowa Council of Governments helps build vibrant, forward-thinking communities and a collaborative and resilient region.
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