MAIN STREET FORT DODGE RESOURCES
Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant
OPENS IN JUNE 2025 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 by early September 2025. Recipients will be notified in November if our local Fort Dodge’s project was selected for funding. If awarded, the project will need to 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.
Open 4 Business
CLOSED FOR 2025 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 can be recorded with a cell phone; videos must not exceed 3 minutes in length. The local competition winner will receive a $500 prize.
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Must be available for a virtual interview in June and an in-person presentation at the Iowa Downtown Conference in August.
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ELIGIBLE EXPENSES: *Inventory *Equipment *Marketing ï‚ *Computers *Software Upgrades
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INELIGIBLE EXPENSES: *Rent ï‚ *Utilities ï‚ *Remodeling *Payroll for Employees ï‚ *Vehicles
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Deadline for the local competition will be in April 2026.
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​​Additional documents:​
Promotional Flyer-Past Recipients
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 director@mainstreetfd.org or call the office at 515.573.3172 for the Main Street Iowa Design Assistance Form.
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Community Catalyst Grant
CLOSED UNTIL 2026 ​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 show the potential of catalytic economic growth in the community; improve appearances and safety; make use of underutilized property, exhibit appropriate design standards; and be well-funded. Economic growth may include the creation of additional jobs, growth of new or existing businesses, development of new housing units, increase property values or potential population growth. Maximum grant is $100,000. Only one application per community; the City of Fort Dodge would be the applicant.
Market Analysis
Learn more about our existing business mix, customer demographics, and housing trends. This information can be helpful when planning a new business or developing a marketing campaign.