What is it?

The City of Ames offers two types of support for improving non-residential buildings in a portion of the Main Street Cultural District (Eligibility Area) based on the adopted Downtown Design Guidelines:

• Matching grants of up to $23,000 with professional design assistance of up to $2,000
• Downtown Urban Revitalization providing abatement of additional property taxes for improvements

Qualifying improvements for either improvement program must follow the Downtown Design Guidelines. One section of the guidelines applies to non-residential buildings that are generally more than 50 years old and were built with the historic retail commercial storefront. Another section of the guidelines applies to all other non-residential buildings in the eligibility area. 

The City also offers matching grants of up to $23,000 for the restoration of historically significant, character-defining features such as original windows.

If interested, please contact Benjamin Campbell at 515-239-5400 or benjamin.campbell@cityofames.org.

Click here for further information.

What is it?

Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants are available for brick-and-mortar building projects that contribute to the development of designated Main Street Iowa districts, including Downtown Ames.

Project Eligibility

Building Rehabilitation, including, but not limited to:

• Façade improvements (front, rear and side)
• Interior Rehabilitation (first floor commercial and upper story housing)
• Structural repairs and building system improvements
• Single specific phase of a large rehab. The project must have a specific defined focus and clearly identified scope of work, with commitment to future phases demonstrated.

Challenge Grant Flyer | Challenge Grant Scorecard

For more information about the grant application, eligibility, and more, please contact Travis Toliver at travis@amesalliance.com or 515.232.2310.

What is it?

Main Street Iowa offers the Open 4 Business program to encourage business development in designated Main Street Iowa districts around the state!

How to Apply

The applicant will be required to complete an online application and submit a three-minute “video pitch” about their business idea. The video pitch is a simple video that tells about the idea and how the Open 4 Business grant funds would help expand and grow the business. Videos can be recorded using a cell phone and will be judged on content. Be creative and have fun!

Open 4 Business Flyer | Rules & Regulations

For more information about the grant application, eligibility, and more, please contact Travis Toliver at travis@amesalliance.com or 515.232.2310.