Financing Your Business

Explore funding resources for starting, growing, and strengthening your business.

Finding the Right Funding Fit

There are many ways to fund a business, including pitch competitions, traditional financing, investors, and local loan programs. The NIACC Pappajohn Center and SBDC can help you sort through your options and understand which funding path may be the right fit for your business.

The best place to start is by requesting free, confidential business counseling with one of our SBDC counselors. They can help you assess your business stage, goals, and financing needs, then talk through the funding options that may make the most sense.

Request Free Business Counseling

Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Funding

  • Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Micro-Loan Fund

    The Micro-Loan Program is intended for early-stage entrepreneurs whose business concept is still considered pre-bankable.

  • Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center USDA RLF

    The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program was created to support new business development and the expansion of existing businesses.

  • John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

    This statewide competition is designed to encourage entrepreneurial activity and increase awareness of the resources available to Iowa entrepreneurs. It is geared toward innovative, early-stage ventures, and awards a total of $100,000 in cash prizes to qualifying Iowa startups that intend to scale in the state.

State of Iowa Funding Programs

  • Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)

    IEDA is one of the main state agencies administering business development programs in Iowa. Through its business development and community development divisions, it manages a range of state and federal programs that support businesses, communities, and economic growth.

  • LIFT Program

    The Linked Investments for Tomorrow, or LIFT, program provides capital for Iowa small businesses through participating local lenders. If approved, the State Treasurer purchases a certificate of deposit from the lender, which helps support the loan; the program allows eligible borrowers to access up to $200,000.

Federal Funding Programs

  • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

    The SBA is a key federal funding resource for small businesses. It offers loan programs through approved lenders, including 7(a) loans, 504 loans, microloans, and lender match tools, with guaranteed loan amounts that can range from $500 to $5.5 million depending on the program and borrower needs.

Need Help Finding the Right Fit?

Not every funding source is right for every business. The NIACC Pappajohn Center can help you better understand available options, identify resources that may fit your situation, and take the next step toward accessing capital.
Request free business counseling