The application period for the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program is now open. The initiative, created during the 2021 Iowa Legislative Session, aims to bolster the food supply chain and support rural development by providing grants of up to $100,000 to smaller businesses for facility expansion, equipment purchases, or company start-ups. To be eligible, applicants must be incorporated or authorized to do business in Iowa, employ less than 50 individuals, and hold licensure from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Due to interest in the program last year, state officials opted to continue it through the state’s current fiscal year. There has been an increased focus on fortifying the meat supply chain in recent years following bottlenecks and issues at large meat-packing facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, Region XII Council of Governments was recently awarded a $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a statewide revolving loan program to expand market access for producers and broaden smaller processors’ market share. More information and application forms for the Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program are below. Applications are due by Monday, Nov. 28.
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https://www.iowaeda.com/grow/butchery-innovation-revitalization/