One more way we are elevating small businesses and advancing economic inclusion

The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) has launched a new Entrepreneur Grant Program for early-stage business owners. Grants of up to $5,000 can be used for planning, locating and launching a new storefront or office in downtown Davenport. And half of the $20,000 grant pool available will be awarded to entrepreneurs representing minority-owned businesses to elevate the enriching contributions they make to everyone who lives, visits and works in the city’s core.

“The backbone of our community is small businesses and entrepreneurs. We wanted to launch a grant program specifically for people at the infancy of getting their business off the ground by creating an incentive to locate downtown,” said DDP executive director Kyle Carter.

Strengthening and expanding the minority entrepreneurial community is a priority within the Downtown Master Plan and the new grant program will remove barriers and foster greater economic inclusion in the city’s core.

“This is another step we’ve taken to make this business climate more accessible to everyone. One of DDP’s ongoing strategic goals is to include more diverse entrepreneurs into our downtown ecosystem, and one way to advance that is to provide 50% of the grant dollars to minority and women-owned businesses. It is one more tool in our toolbox and gets us closer to achieving that vision,” he added.

Grant applications are available now and will be awarded on a rolling basis. Awards will range from $2,000 - $5,000 and can be used for relocation, operating or capital startup costs.

DDP also awards grants for design assistance, commercial interior improvements, façade, events, as well as free market research assistance. DDP staffers can guide you on where to go and who to contact about city and state incentives, including small business loans and tax credit programs.