LOCAL RESOURCES
Local resources available to support downtown development, business growth, and community investment in Fort Dodge.
Main Street Fort Dodge Resources
Main Street Fort Dodge connects businesses, property owners, and community members with programs and tools that support downtown revitalization, building improvements, and economic growth.
Design, Preservation, & Resources
Main Street Iowa Design Assistance
Design 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.
Contact Main Street Fort Dodge at director@mainstreetfd.org or call the office at 515.573.3172 for the Main Street Iowa Design Assistance Form.
Downtown Design Guidelines
Design 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.
Research & Planning Resources
Market Analysis
The economic landscape of traditional downtown and neighborhood commercial districts continues to change. Expanding retail competition, evolving technologies, and changing lifestyle trends continue to affect business opportunities and the way of life in our traditional downtown business districts.
The Main Street Iowa Market Study and Strategies Service engages the market itself – community members, area residents, business persons and other stakeholders – to gain an understanding of local and regional market conditions and trends impacting the district’s position in the market and opportunities for the future. Insights and directions derived through the process serve to ground the community’s vision in the realities of the marketplace and provide a basis for projects and activities that align with, and are carried out as part of, a well-coordinated and congruent transformation strategy.
This document summarizes key strategies for Downtown Fort Dodge economic development and enhancement initiatives based on an extensive review of background information and current market data; input provided via consumer and business surveys; and direction and leadership provided by Fort Dodge Main Street leaders, volunteers and community members.
Funding Opportunities
MSFD Incentives
Matching Grant
Facade Component and Signage Incentives
The Main Street Fort Dodge Facade Component and Signage Incentive program is designed
to assist downtown MSFD businesses with purposeful improvements focusing on
rehabilitation, beautification, accessibility, and visibility.
Grant Amount: Up to $5,000 in reimbursement.
• Match Requirement: Minimum 50% match from the applicant.
• Funding Cycle: Applications are considered on an on-going basis until funds are
expended for the calendar year.
• Frequency: One grant per building per 12-month period.
Underutilized Building Rehab
Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant
Each year, Main Street Fort Dodge seeks pre-applications for Main Street Iowa’s Challenge Grant program. All Iowa Main Street districts, including Main Street Fort Dodge, are eligible for the Main Street Challenge Grant funds.
Main Street Fort Dodge may apply on behalf of one project. All pre-applications will be reviewed and scored by Main Street Fort Dodge’s selection committee in July. The highest scoring pre-application will be invited to help Main Street Fort Dodge prepare a full Challenge Grant Application to be submitted to Main Street Iowa in August.
Recipients will be notified in November if Fort Dodge’s project is selected for funding. If awarded, the project must be completed within 24 months of grant award notification.
Eligible projects must be within the district boundary. State awards will be dispersed to chosen beneficiaries by the local Main Street district organization.
Contact info@mainstreetfd.org for details.
Application and grant guidelines will be available on June 22.
Community Catalyst Grant
The Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program assists communities with the redevelopment or rehabilitation of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community.
Strong applications will:
Economic growth may include:
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Creation of additional jobs
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Growth of new or existing businesses
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Development of new housing units
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Increase in property values
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Potential population growth
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Show the potential of catalytic economic growth in the community
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Improve appearances and safety
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Make use of underutilized property
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Exhibit appropriate design standards
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Be well-funded
Maximum grant is $100,000.
Only one application per community; the City of Fort Dodge would be the applicant.
Local pre-application deadline: January 12, 2026
Click here for details.
Additional Funding Resources
Open 4 Business
Main Street Iowa offers this program to encourage business development efforts in Iowa’s Main Street districts around the state. The OPEN 4 BUSINESS competition is a chance for existing or expanding businesses within the Main Street Fort Dodge district to compete for up to $25,000 to support their business development.
Only one application is allowed per Main Street community. To determine which local business will represent Main Street Fort Dodge, businesses must complete an online application and submit a video outlining their business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in the community.
Videos will be judged on content and:
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May be recorded with a cell phone
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Must not exceed 3 minutes in length
The local competition winner will receive a prize.
Eligible Expenses
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Inventory
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Equipment
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Marketing
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Computers
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Software upgrades
Deadline for the local competition will be in June 2026.
Applicants must be available for:
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A virtual interview in June
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An in-person presentation at the Iowa Downtown Conference in August
Ineligible Expenses
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Rent
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Utilities
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Remodeling
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Payroll for employees
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Vehicles
Development Corporation of Greater Fort Dodge
The Development Corporation is a non-profit organization established to stimulate and promote business development and expansion in Downtown Fort Dodge by assisting with business development and expansion through low-interest financing in cooperation with local lenders. Since its establishment in 1982, the Development Corporation has awarded over 140 loans totaling over $3 million dollars to new or existing businesses. The flexibility of the Development Corporation allows projects to be tailored to the needs of each individual business.
Specific programs offering financial assistance include:
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General and Façade Renovation Loans (follow the Development Corporation’s Policies and Procedures)
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USDA Loan Guidelines
For an overview of these and other City incentives view the Downtown Financing Brochure.
MIDAS Council of Government
The MIDAS Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program is designed to encourage and support new and expanded business enterprises in the Iowa counties of Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Webster, and Wright. It is generally the intention of the COG to work closely with traditional lending institutions to facilitate a project through gap financing rather than being a primary lender. The regional goals drive the business strategy for the RLF. Establishing a strong and diverse economy, enhancing resiliency of the region, and attracting and retaining a strong workforce are goals of the RLF.
City & Promotional Partners
Several local organizations work together to support business development, economic growth, and tourism in Fort Dodge.
City of Fort Dodge
Many resources are available through the City of Fort Dodge. Depending on your development project, the following programs may be available.
For more information about economic development and incentives available through the City of Fort Dodge, contact:
Community Development
819 1st S AveFort Dodge, IA 50501
Phone: (515) 576-4551
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance
The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is dedicated to building a stronger economy and a stronger community in the thriving Greater Fort Dodge area. The organization was formed in 2012 through a merger of the Development Corporation of Fort Dodge/Webster County and the Chamber of Commerce. The Growth Alliance serves as the economic and community development organization for the area.
Our goals encompass building opportunities for existing businesses while recruiting new entrepreneurs to our regional economy, and our methods include advocacy, networking, promotions, and leveraging available resources on a local, state, and national level.
The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance was created to incorporate honesty and integrity in day-to-day operations. We make sure that our members are held accountable, as well as public sector partners, and investors. The relationship that we foster with the community provides a consistent message that we are all part of the same team and have the same goals. Finally, we treat our members with the utmost respect and consideration so that we foster lasting business relationships.
Visit Fort Dodge/Fort Dodge Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Fort Dodge CVB is a group of individuals and businesses who are committed to marketing Fort Dodge as a destination for visitors to enjoy our community by attending meetings, conventions, sports tournaments, events, and various other festivities.
Fort Dodge CVB is a 503-C6 and is run by a Board of Directors representing the City of Fort Dodge, Webster County Board of Supervisors, Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation Department, Fort Dodge hotels, restaurants, and retail organizations. They promote Fort Dodge/Webster County tourism and assist groups in successfully bringing visitors into the community.
