Fayette $40,000 UIBD grant application online
Local chamber and economic development offices have brochures for e-Center entrepreneur grant
FAYETTE, Iowa (February 6, 2008) -- Upper Iowa University (UIU) announced today that its Upper Iowa Business Development (UIBD) grant application is now available online at www.uiu.edu/ecenter. This is the first major initiative of the university's e-Center, with grant applications due by April 25, 2008 and an award expected in June. 
The competitive UIBD grant of up to $40,000 is available to entrepreneurs interested in starting, expanding, or relocating a business in Fayette. Applicants must have a sound business plan that demonstrates growth potential and sustainability. A link to local economic development personnel is also available online for applicants needing help developing their business plan.
"We are confident this seed money is going to foster economic growth in Fayette and benefit the entire region for a long time to come," said Dr. Alan Walker, president of Upper Iowa University. "The university is excited to make this application available and see some great ideas spring forward."
Applications will be evaluated on criteria ranging from expected impact on the community in terms of jobs created, local tax revenue, e-commerce opportunities, and whether or not the business can provide a measurable benefit or amenity to the community.
The UIBD Grant is made possible by a generous donation of $500,000 from Bob and Betty Firth, UIU board members and longtime university benefactors. "Betty and I have seen a need for increased vitality and opportunity in and around Fayette," said Firth. "We strongly support Upper Iowa's vision for playing a lead role in regional economic development via the e-Center."
Firth added, "It is an exciting time for the university and Fayette, with many growth opportunities available; and we are happy to do our part in helping the UIBD grant succeed."
Future initiatives of the e-Center will include identification of Northeast Iowa's unique core assets, development of a highly-optimized website to market these assets, and providing e-commerce and marketing assistance to business owners.
Complete information about the UIBD grant and the Upper Iowa University e-Center can be found at www.uiu.edu/ecenter. Brochures are also available at local chamber or economic development offices, and questions can be directed to Andrew Wenthe, e-Center director, at wenthea@uiu.edu or 563-425-5348.
For more information about Upper Iowa University, go to www.uiu.edu.