Open a Business
Fort Madison Economic Development Corporation and our economic development partners at the county, regional, state and federal levels offer a wide array of financial assistance and incentive packages to encourage the growth and profitability of businesses expanding in the State of Iowa and creating quality job opportunities for Iowans. Qualifying factors include job creation, employee wage rates, and local economic impact.
FMEDC wants to be a valued member of your business development team and will work with our partners to customize a program that underscores Fort Madison's commitment to being a good place to do business. Below you will find a listing of some of our favorite programs and services that are available to businesses wanting to expand or locate in Fort Madison. New businesses and entrepreneurs are an important part of the community's growth and innovation, and we value the opportunity to connect them to the resources and services the need to succeed. Or just contact us and we'll do the search for you.
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- Local Programs - city, county and regional programs including loans and tax abatement programs for job creation and capital investment.
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- State of Iowa Programs - loans/forgivable loans and grants based on payroll and capital investment in plant and equipment. Projects involving larger capital investments and/or higher paying jobs may qualify for property tax exemptions, tax credits and additional training dollars under the job training program. Additional state funding are also available for infrastructure improvements such as rail spurs, roadways, etc.
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- Federal Programs - technical assistance, loans and grants
Looking to Start your Own Business?
Fort Madison Partners, Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce, Americas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are pleased to announce the return of the DreamBuilder Program- an in person/on-line business training program for aspiring entrepreneurs. DreamBuilder combines interactive online courses and access to helpful tools and resources, including an innovative Business Plan Generator, to guide participants in the creation of a business plan. DreamBuiler will begin in February and meet weekly leading up the graduation in April. This course will be facilitated by Janine Clover, SBDC Coordinator, who will guide participants through technical aspects of the program, arrange area entrepreneurs to speak with the class, and create a support system and network. Dream Builder 2023 complete info and application.
The Market Analysis helped us create a snapshot of our community, and where we stand in today’s economic market. It allowed us to identify our strong businesses, implement ways to retain those at risk, and identify what Fort Madison has the market to support currently not being provided.
With great help from the Small Business Development Center, the Fort Madison Business Recruitment Committee has created a guide for those wishing to open their own business. This guide covers everything from local resources, permit and tax process, as well as possible financial incentives.
2022 GUIDE TO OPENING A BUSINESS IN FM
While this guide is a fantastic tool to start with, we can offer individuals and small businesses personalized assistance. The Fort Madison Business Recruitment Committee is always welcoming and can meet with you, in a confidential environment, and also arrange for private meetings with existing business owners who are willing to help as mentors. We want to emphasize that all assistance provided is strictly confidential, unless given specific authorization otherwise.
For more information, contact Tim Gobble at tgobble@fortmadison.com.