Johnson County Underestimated Small Business Grants

Supporting Small Businesses in Johnson County

The Johnson County Underestimated Small Business Grants program is here to help local businesses in Johnson County thrive. Offering grants between $3,500 and $20,000, this initiative supports businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and those located in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs). 

Whether you need help covering operating costs or enhancing your storefront, this program is designed to provide meaningful assistance to keep your business moving forward. 

You must register for an account before using the application portal.

Applications close January 31st, 2025.

Program Highlights 

What Types of Grants Are Available? 

1. Operational Support Grants
   Use funds to cover essential expenses like payroll, rent, utilities, or software costs.
2. Storefront Improvement Grants
   Invest in upgrades like new windows, interior renovations, or accessibility improvements. 

Who Can Apply? 

Eligible businesses must: 

• Be for-profit and physically located in Johnson County, IA. 
• Demonstrate they were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic** or operate within a QCT. 
• Have ownership that is at least 50% from an underserved group, including: 
  • Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). 
  • Women, regardless of gender assigned at birth. 
  • People with disabilities as defined by the ADA. 
  • Other minority groups, such as LGBTQ+, immigrants, or refugees.

Key Dates 

• Applications Open: January 1, 2025 
• Applications Close: January 31, 2025 
• Review Period: February – March 2025 
• Grant Awards Announced: Spring 2025 

How to Apply

Applications will be submitted online via the Community Foundation’s grants portal. The application process is simple and user-friendly, with multilingual resources and weekly in-person support sessions available to assist. 

Grant Clinic Information Sessions

The in-person grant clinic information sessions are designed to provide one-on-one assistance with any questions about the application process or help completing your application.

Grant clinics are on Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Find the locations below:

• January 9, 2025: South District Market 
• January 16, 2025: Coralville Library 
• January 23, 2025: North Liberty Library  
• Additional clinics will be announced at Center for Worker Justice and IC Compassion

Additional Support includes: 

• On-site childcare (where possible). 
• Bus passes for transportation. 
• A $25 stipend for time spent completing the application. 

Selection Process

The selection committee is made up of individuals with lived experience and professional expertise to ensure a fair and inclusive review process. The committee prioritizes equitable representation and alignment with the communities the grant aims to serve. 

A Three-Round Grant Program 

This grant is part of a three-round initiative designed to support as many businesses as possible. Feedback from each round will be used to improve future processes and enhance accessibility. 

• Round 1: Winter 2025 
• Round 2: Early Summer 2025 
• Round 3: Fall 2025

Looking to share this opportunity with your community?

We’ve created a set of flyers that small businesses can download and share to spread the word about this grant program. Access them here.

Learn More 

This program aligns with the Inclusive Economic Development Plan focusing on creating equitable opportunities for growth in our community. 

A Collaborative Effort 

The ARPA Underestimated Small Business Grants program is a collaboration between the Community Foundation of Johnson County (CFJC), Greater Iowa City, Inc. (Greater IC), and the South of 6 Initiative. Together, these organizations are committed to fostering economic resilience and inclusivity across Johnson County.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business! You will need to register for an account before you apply in the portal.  

**Footnote: “Disproportionately impacted” refers to businesses or owners that meet the following criteria:

1) COVID-19 Impact 

• Experienced significant financial hardship, including revenue losses or increased costs. 
• Incurred additional expenses for COVID-19 safety measures such as PPE or facility upgrades. 
• Reduced organizational capacity or experienced workforce disruptions.

2) Meet Income Limits

• Owners whose household income is below 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are classified as disproportionately impacted. 
• Owners with household incomes between 40% and 60% of the AMI are classified as impacted. 

Johnson County Area Median Income Limits, FY 2024: Income Limits

FY 2024 Area Median Income Limits
	Persons in Family
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
40% AMI	32,120	36,680	41,280	45,840	49,520	53,200	56,880	60,520
60% AMI	48,180	55,020	61,920	68,760	74,280	79,800	85,320	90,780
100% AMI	80,300	91,700	103,200	114,600	123,800	133,000	142,200	151,300

For businesses in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs), eligibility is based on geographic location as defined by 2025 HUD guidelines. See a .pdf map of QCTs in Johnson County here: QCT Map for Johnson County.