Jasper County Economic Development Grants

Provides matching reimbursement funds for exterior facade improvements to businesses in the downtown commercial areas of JEDCO member communities. The aim is to revitalize small-town business districts by encouraging private investment that improves buildings and supports business expansion and creation. JEDCO awards a one-time reimbursement grant of up to 40% of total project costs, and not more than $10,000. Eligible improvements: exterior building improvements (cosmetic and/or structural), signage (not billboards), lighting, accessibility, windows, doors and awnings. Eligible applicants: The City is the applicant for all applications. An eligible property and/or business owner works with their City Council, and the City applies on their behalf. All funds disbursed from JEDCO are awarded to the City.; Properties and/or businesses located in the downtown commercial areas of JEDCO member communities (Baxter, Colfax, Kellogg, Lynnville, Mingo, Monroe, Prairie City, and Sully) are eligible.; The business must be legally established and licensed in the State of Iowa and must conform with all applicable City/County/State codes and regulations. Cities should confirm this before applying on the business's behalf.; JEDCO reserves the right to deny and/or withhold funding to properties delinquent on payment of fines, fees, or taxes.; Ineligible properties: structures that are residential in use.; Ineligible properties: churches and other religious institutions.; Ineligible properties: nonprofit organizations.; Ineligible properties: public buildings.; Ineligible properties: tax delinquent properties, or properties whose owner has any other tax delinquent property in the County.; Facade improvement projects that began before approval by the Program are ineligible. Work completed before final approval is ineligible for funding.; A City may only submit and receive funding for one application per fiscal year.; The business owner must provide matching funds equal to or greater than the amount requested from or provided by JEDCO. The City must provide matching funds of at least 20% of the total project costs.; Eligible projects improve the exterior of existing structures that is publicly visible from the road right-of-way the structure fronts. The Program does not finance routine repairs or maintenance required under existing building codes (e.g., gutters, paint touch-ups, window frame painting, caulking and sealing of windows and doors).; Except for painting, improvements must be completed by a licensed contractor and conform to all applicable building codes, laws, zoning requirements, and local architectural and historic preservation standards. Owners may do their own painting, but funding then covers materials only.; Application routing: the property/business owner submits materials to their City. The City reviews them, confirms program requirements and sets its match, then forwards the application to JEDCO.; Required attachments: written consent from the property owner; color photographs of existing conditions; a written statement detailing the project scope; a project budget with detailed cost estimates prepared by contractors; and any design documents prepared by a licensed architect or engineer, if available.; Awarded projects must be completed, and project bills submitted, within twelve months of the funding award date. Funds are released only after complete copies of bills and invoices plus photos of the completed project are presented to JEDCO. Funding may be reduced if actual costs are lower than estimated.; Changes to the approved project require prior approval from both the City and JEDCO. Unapproved deviations may disqualify the project for reimbursement.; The City must ensure satisfactory work that conforms to the approved application, budget, schedule, local ordinances and design standards. The City is responsible for required local permits and must keep records (documents, receipts, lien waivers, etc.) proving match compliance.; Funds may only be used for the scope of the project approved by JEDCO.; The applicant and business owner authorize JEDCO to promote the approved project, including site signage and use of photos and descriptions in JEDCO media.. Geography served: Baxter; Colfax; Kellogg; Lynnville; Mingo; Monroe; Prairie City; Sully.