March 16 News from Iowa City
The City of Iowa City has launched an $4 million Inclusive Economic Development Program targeting underestimated businesses and entrepreneurs located in Iowa City
The City is now accepting Statements of Interest within two categories:
- Physical Space for multicultural business hubs, business collaboration spaces (shared retail, kitchens, etc.), and youth entrepreneurial and community centers. Eligible expenses include land acquisition, construction, remodeling, furniture and equipment, technology, and associated soft costs.
- Business Support Programs that include small business grants and/or financing programs, technical assistance, community navigating services, and similar support networks. Eligible expenses include programs that offer support to individual businesses. Requests for operational or technical assistance for individual businesses is not an eligible request at this time.
For full program details and submission guidelines, please review the Request for Statements of Interest available here.
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an informational open house session on Thursday, April 6, 2023. The first session option will begin at noon and the second session option will begin at 6 p.m. Both will be held in Emma J. Harvat Hall at Iowa City City Hall, 410 E. Washington St.
Statements of Interest are due by 4:00 p.m. on May 1, 2023. Questions about the program may be directed to Deputy City Manager Redmond Jones at rjones@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5012.
Weekly Video Update
Remove Legal Records, Clear Employment Hurdles
Iowa Legal Aid and Shelter House are collaborating to provide a clinic aimed at alleviating the burdens of juvenile and criminal legal involvement. Pre-registration is required.
Registration can be done online at www.IowaLegalAid.org or over the phone by calling Iowa Legal Aid at 1-800-532-1275. The deadline for registration is 5 p.m., Thursday, April 6, 2023.
Once an application is submitted, Iowa Legal Aid will determine if the applicant meets the necessary requirements. Eligible applicants will be scheduled to receive one-on-one legal assistance from an attorney for issues related to criminal record expungement (the sealing of court files on a past criminal conviction), court debt, driver's license and vehicle registration issues, and criminal records that are being used in legally challengeable ways.
The Iowa City Public Library and Office of Equity and Human Rights are co-hosts of the seminar.