Photo Credit: Stephanie Clark
business resources
As an existing business owner or a prospective one, we encourage you to reach out to Chariton Area Chamber/Main Street to be in the know of all resources available to you!
Ribbon-Cutting Celebrations
We love celebrating our community! As part of our mission, we offer ribbon-cutting celebrations as an opportunity to showcase your success. ​
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Ribbon-cuttings can be requested for:
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New business (within last 6 months)
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New location
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Large expansion or remodel
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Change of ownership
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Community improvement project
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Large milestone anniversary (10 years, etc.)
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We offer assistance in planning and promoting your event. Read more about our Ribbon-Cutting Celebrations here.
MAIN STREET IOWA CHALLENGE GRANT
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Annual funding opportunity ONLY for projects in Main Street Iowa districts
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Limited to ONE application per Main Street Iowa community
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CAC/MS is the applicant for the grant, the property owner is the beneficiary
GRANT DETAILS​
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Awards range from $25,000 to $100,000
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Requires 1:1 match
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Any work done prior to grant award is NOT eligible for reimbursement
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Grant funds are dispersed as reimbursements (mid-way and project completion)
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Candidates are responsible for sales tax
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
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Brick & mortar projects
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Rehabilitation or restoration
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Multiple properties with a shared need
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Appropriate new construction
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TIMELINE ​
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Local Applications Due: July 14, 2023
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Local Project Nominated: July 24, 2023
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Final Apps Due: September 8, 2023
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Awards Announced: November 9, 2023
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Download the full grant description.
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View the 2023 Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant Local Application.
The Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business program offers funding to projects within Main Street Iowa districts to encourage business development and expansion.
ELIGIBLE ITEMS FOR GRANT FUNDS:
YES
- Inventory
- Merchandising/Display Fixtures
- Marketing
- Equipment/Software
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NO
- Rent/Utilities
- Payroll for Employees
- Remodeling
- Vehicles
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Annual funding opportunity ONLY for projects in Main Street Iowa districts
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Limited to ONE application per Main Street Iowa community
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CAC/MS is the applicant for the grant, the property owner is the beneficiary
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Top 4 applicants from 3 population categories become 12 semi-finalists
GRANT DETAILS​
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Maximum grant award of $28,000
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Business must be for-profit and have been in operation since March 31, 2021
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Requires 25% cash match
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Online application + 5-minute video pitch
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Grant funds are dispersed as reimbursements
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Candidates are responsible for sales tax
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TIMELINE
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Main Street Applications Open: March 7
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Final Applications Due: May 6
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12 Semi-Finalists Video Interview: June 15
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5 Finalists receive $8K and present at State Finals on August 1
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State Finalists can win additional funds up to $20K
Properties for Rent/Purchase
Are you a business owner or potential business owner that is looking for commercial space in our downtown district?
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View the available properties for rent or for purchase below.
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Considering opening a business in our area? Explore market data for Chariton, including:
The Small Business Administration supports America's small businesses. The SBA connects entrepreneurs with lenders and funding to help them plan, start and grow their business.
State of Iowa Programs
Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant
Eligible projects must be within the identified Main Street project area. Only the Main Street organization in participating communities may submit applications on behalf of local projects, properties, and businesses. This program requires a dollar-for-dollar match.
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Click HERE for information on the 2024 MSI Challenge Grant.
Main Street Iowa Design & Business Assistance
Design & Business assistance is provided to downtown property owners and tenants as a free service through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Main Street Iowa program. The Design Specialists will provide design recommendations and develop conceptual renderings for each proposed project. The Business Specialist will provide economic development assistance as well as one-on-one business consultations.
Downtown Revitalization Projects
Projects funded through this program must have long-lasting benefits for the downtown area that contribute toward a comprehensive downtown revitalization effort. The projects must take place in the downtown or historic commercial center of the community and are meant to support and demonstrate innovation. Projects must take place in communities with a population of less than 50,000 people. All funded projects must meet the CDBG national objective to prevent or eliminate slum or blight. Projects shall also follow applicable HUD requirements such as environmental reviews, historical property reviews, Davis-Bacon wage requirements, and public participation requirements. All projects shall agree to follow the Iowa Green Streets Criteria. Projects funded from the downtown revitalization fund must be part of a comprehensive downtown revitalization effort.
Certified Local Government Grants (CLG Grants)
CLG Grant Funds can be used to develop building reuse plans and plans and specifications for buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They can also be used to survey and evaluate properties and prepare National Register nominations.
Historic Resource Development Program (HRDP)
The purpose of the HRDP Grants Program is to provide funds to preserve, conserve, interpret, enhance, and educate the public about the historical resources of Iowa. Grants are for historic preservation, museums, and documentary collections.