Funding for new businesses

Money to start and grow in Iowa.

Free help, loans, state programs, pitch prizes and investors for new Iowa businesses, with what each one gives and who it’s for.

Your first yearCost to you
Iowa LLC and EIN filed✓
Brand, website and email✓
100 real customers test your idea✓
90-day plan to your first sale✓
Founder cohort, mentors, investors✓
Total$0

01 / Your first year

We'll build your business for free.

Startology is our accelerator for your first year. We file your LLC, build your brand and website, put your idea in front of 100 real customers and hand you a week-by-week plan to your first sale. Banks, insurers and software companies cover the cost, and you own 100% of your business.

Start free at Startology Funding for new businesses →

02 / Where the money is

Every source, in one list.

Deadlines for prizes and programs are on our events calendar.

See the events calendar →

Start free

$0 to startStartology Our accelerator. LLC, EIN, brand, website, a 100-person customer test and a 90-day launch plan, paid for by partners.For: Anyone starting an Iowa business
Free advisingAmerica's SBDC Iowa One-on-one help with business plans, financing and getting ready for a loan, at centers across the state.For: New and growing Iowa businesses

Loans for new businesses

Up to $100,000Iowa Center for Economic Success Loans at 6% over five years, paired with business coaching. Based in Des Moines, with a Women’s Business Center.For: New and small businesses, with a focus on lower-income and rural owners
Up to $50,000SBA microloans Small loans made through local nonprofit lenders for equipment, inventory and working capital.For: Startups and small businesses
0% interestKiva Iowa Crowdfunded loans from your own community, repaid with no interest or fees.For: Founders without a credit history or collateral
VariesMore Iowa microlenders Iowa MicroLoan, Iowa Community Capital and One Economy Financial Development Corporation.For: Small and new businesses statewide

State programs

Up to $50,000Proof of Commercial Relevance A low-interest loan from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, matched 1:2 with private money, to prove the market before launch.For: Iowa tech, bioscience and advanced manufacturing startups with a prototype and two or more founders
Set case by caseDemonstration Fund and Innovation Acceleration Fund State innovation funding for companies with a working product and a path to growth.For: Iowa innovation companies moving from prototype to market
Certification and supportTargeted Small Business program Get certified with the state to reach state contracts and Targeted Small Business resources.For: Women, minority, service-disabled veteran and disabled business owners

Pitch prizes

$100,000 in prizesJohn Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition Applications in spring, finals in August.For: Iowa startups
$25,000 plus in-kindBest of the Midwest, Iowa Startup WeekThe Iowa Startup Week pitch prize, with a showcase for 50+ investment groups.For: Midwest startups
$20,000YPO Iowa Innovation ChallengeApply by Nov 30, 2026. Finalists pitch live on Jan 27, 2027.For: Iowa startups and college students
$15,000 prize poolEntreFEST pitch competition Five finalists pitch at Iowa’s founder conference each June.For: Midwest companies under five years old

Investors and tax credits

20% back, 35% ruralIowa Seed Investor Tax Credit Investors can claim up to $100,000 a year. Tell Iowa angels about it when you raise.For: Investors in eligible Iowa startups five years old or younger
25% backInnovation Fund Tax Credit Brings more venture capital into early-stage Iowa companies.For: Investors in certified Iowa venture funds
Meet the angelsIowa Angel Investor SummitNov 17, 2026 in Des Moines.For: Founders ready to raise
$500,000+ per cohortBrokerTech VenturesAccelerator with seed funding. Apply by Dec 19, 2026.For: Insurtech startups that sell through brokers

Amounts and rules change. Confirm the details with each program before you apply.

03 / Not sure where to start?

Tell us what you're building. We'll point you to the right money.

Tell us about your business Start free at Startology ↗