Jefferson Wants You!

Jefferson Wants You Incentive Fund
New Business Start-up Application

Purpose:
The Jefferson Wants You Incentive program is designed to attract new businesses to Jefferson by assisting with initial one-time start-up costs. It is a project of the Economic Vitality Team of Jefferson Matters along with local partners - Jefferson Telecom, Home State Bank, Peoples Bank, Heartland Bank, and an annual Grow Greene County grant award.

Eligible Applicants:
New business operators locating in Jefferson that would have the potential for the greatest positive impact on the community.

Eligible Business to be considered for Funding:
Specific one-time start-up costs to launch a new business or transition a current business to Jefferson. On-going and administrative expenses are not eligible.
Prior to submission of application, new start-ups will be required to meet with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for a free consultation and provide proof of consultation. Go to https://iowasbdc.org/nci/ and click on red Request Counseling button, fill out the form to set up an appointment.

Terms & Conditions:
Maximum award is $5,000. 20% match of grant total is required to be eligible for funding. Ex: $1,000 for a $5,000 grant award.
Once project approval is received from the Jefferson Wants You Incentive, grant funds are available on a reimbursement basis only. Receipts are required.
Photos of grant recipient at business location is available for publicity & marketing purposes.
Jefferson Wants You Incentive grant funds to be awarded as funding is available.

Application Procedure:
Complete the questions and funding estimates for your business and start-up costs along with any estimates and/or costs- incurred receipts.
Include two letters of support with one being from funding source.
Include any photos of property and/or design of your business location.

The Jefferson Wants You Selection Committee will conduct and in-person interview with the applicant(s) before final decision.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

Other partner name

First NameLast Name

Email

example@example.com

Business Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Total Start-Up Costs: $*

Amount requested from this grant program: (max of $5,000) $*

Business Description - *

Pretend that we have never heard anything about your business. Tell as much as you can.

Explain if the business is a start-up or a relocation to Jefferson. *

If you are a relocation and have had a successful business in another community, there may not be a need for the Small Business Development Center consultation.

Describe potential for business growth in Jefferson with number of full time/part time jobs and/or additional future jobs.*

Share the physical location of the business in Jefferson and your plans for owning or renting the property.*

All businesses applying must have a physical location within a commercial zone in Jefferson.

Explain how your business will positively impact other existing businesses in Jefferson.*

Share how this business could fill a community need or help transition a current community business to the next generation of ownership.*

You would be a new business if you are taking over another business that is closing or retiring.

Share previous work experience and pertinent educational background prior to this endeavor.*

This is an opportunity to tell us what has led you to this new business!

Are you as the business owner(s) willing to be connected to other local business contacts in the community and be involved in the Jefferson Matters organization? Explain. *

Check areas of interest in learning more about what Jefferson has to offer:

Check areas of interest of business resources available:

Cost estimates for property work

Cost estimates for start-up purchases

Receipts of purchases for start-up costs and/or building costs

Letter of support from a financial institution or funding source.*

Other letters of support- must have at least one to show a need in the community or knowledge of the potential for success in Jefferson.*

Photos of the property - can be before and after; in-progress photos of getting the property business ready.*

Photos or plans for design for the business location

Signature

Informational Video