NICC announces COVID-19 Dubuque Minority Small Business Relief Grant

Friday, August 21, 2020

The Dubuque Minority Small Business Relief Grant will assist eligible businesses in maintaining operations due to unexpected financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DUBUQUE—A new Dubuque Minority Small Business Relief Grant that will provide financial assistance to minority-owned small businesses is now open for applications. This program, coordinated by Northeast Iowa Community College, will award $500 grants to eligible, minority-owned small businesses in the City of Dubuque that were economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are limited funds available, and the goal is to award 20 grants to eligible applicants.

“Northeast Iowa Community College’s investment in small, minority-owned businesses promotes sustainability and will contribute to the vitality of Iowa communities,” said NICC Vice President of Business and Community Solutions, Wendy Mihm-Herold, Ph.D. “Providing modest financial support through the Dubuque Minority Small Business Relief Grant is just another example of how NICC is working to serve our communities during these unprecedented times.” 

To be eligible for funding through the Dubuque Minority Small Business Relief Grant, businesses must be:

• Minority-owned (as defined by Iowa Code section 15.102.10.b(3)
• Located in the City of Dubuque and established in 2019 or earlier
• Registered with the Iowa Secretary of State or Dubuque County Recorder-Business
• Up-to-date with completed 2019 federal taxes

The Dubuque Minority Small Business Relief Grant will assist eligible businesses in maintaining operations due to unexpected financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NICC will receive and review grant applications for eligibility through Aug. 31, 2020. Notification of award decisions and disbursement of grant funds will begin in September 2020.

To learn more about the Dubuque Minority Small Business Relief Grant, businesses may contact the Business Helpline at (563) 588-3350 between 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email at sbhelpline@nicc.edu. 

The Business Helpline, developed to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 and offer assistance in navigating the federal, state and local funding processes, has helped nearly 600 businesses of all sizes in northeast Iowa since March 2020. The Business Helpline is a resource for all businesses, regardless of size, seeking assistance for funding, such as the Dubuque Initiatives Emergency Loan, rent and utilities assistance, answering questions concerning unemployment or guidance on Safe at Work practices.