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Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant
Industry-Specific · Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) · IA
The Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant is a cash cost-share grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship offering up to $25,000, with a required 1:1 private match, for Iowa agricultural businesses looking to expand production or market access.
The Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant is a cash cost-share grant program run by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). It is designed to help expand production capacity or market access for Iowa-grown agricultural products. Eligible uses include funding equipment, on-farm stores, commercial kitchens, food hubs, and similar value-added projects that increase sales of Iowa agricultural products.
This program can provide up to $25,000 in cash cost-share funding, but applicants must provide a 1:1 private match — meaning the business must contribute an equal amount of its own funds toward the project. This makes it a shared-investment program rather than free money: IDALS covers part of the cost, and the business covers the rest.
The grant is open to Iowa individuals, businesses, cooperatives, or nonprofits in good standing. Preference is given to small and medium-sized businesses, which makes this a potentially valuable resource for Iowa farmers, food producers, and agricultural entrepreneurs looking to grow their operations without taking on debt.
Because this is a grant rather than a loan, funds generally do not need to be repaid, though specific terms should be verified. Deadlines are not fixed annually — the listing notes to check current application rounds, since funding cycles may open and close periodically.
As of 2026, applicants should confirm the current award amount, open application rounds, and detailed eligibility requirements directly at the official Choose Iowa website before applying, since program details can change from year to year.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant — specifically a cash cost-share program, not a loan.
Do I have to repay the funding?
No, grant funds generally do not need to be repaid, though a 1:1 private match from the applicant is required.
How much money can I get?
Up to $25,000 in cash cost-share, matched 1:1 with private funds.
Who runs this program?
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) through the Choose Iowa initiative.
Who is eligible?
Iowa individuals, businesses, cooperatives, or nonprofits in good standing that increase sales of Iowa agricultural products, with preference for small and medium-sized businesses.
Is this available outside Iowa?
No, it is limited to Iowa (IA).
What can the money be used for?
Equipment, on-farm stores, commercial kitchens, food hubs, and similar projects that expand production capacity or market access for Iowa-grown agricultural products.
When is the deadline?
The listing says to check current rounds — confirm at the official source.
Is the match requirement mandatory?
Yes, a 1:1 private match is required alongside the grant funds.
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the source.
Where do I apply?
At the official Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant page: https://www.chooseiowa.com/grants/valueadded.
Is preference given to certain business sizes?
Yes, preference is given to small and medium-sized businesses.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.