Rural Iowa grocers and food producers are among the recipients of Rural Innovation Grants, as announced by Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). More than $275,000 in awards are being distributed to 20 small businesses through the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative.
“Entrepreneurship in rural areas builds sustainable, resilient communities,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “These grants help businesses continue to turn a profit and grow, while providing good-paying jobs and keeping wealth right at home.”
The Rural Innovation Grant program supports creative, nontraditional ideas that address critical issues and development challenges faced by communities that have both fewer than 20,000 people and are not located next to a city with a population more than 40,000.
This year’s Rural Innovation Grants focus on independently owned grocery stores struggling to upgrade technology or adopt new service delivery models; small food producers, to assist in getting their products into new markets; and second-stage growth companies — those that have been operating for a few years with sales typically more than $1 million — that are looking to sell to markets outside Iowa.
The most recent application round opened in September. IEDA received 40 applications — 27 from rural grocers, nine from food producers and four from second-stage growth companies. Selected recipients include:
Freeman Foods, North English & Wellman — Technology upgrades at both grocery locations will support online ordering, as well as pick-up and delivery services. Point-of-sale and back-office systems will also be updated to better serve customers, particularly aging populations and those living in rural areas of Washington and Keokuk counties.
La Perla Jarocha Store, Webster City — Along with current products from Latin America and other countries, increased storage capacity will allow for a more diverse inventory, including a year-round selection of fresh produce and perishable goods. A partnership with Crooked Creek, a produce farm in Auburn, will offer consistent supply. La Perla Jarocha also plans to expand its digital presence.
Woods Super Market, Pocahontas — The only grocery store in Pocahontas County will install electronic shelf tags throughout for seamless and accurate price changes. This will save staff time and help the store remain competitive.
Calyx Creek Lavendar & Lodging, Oxford — Production of culinary lavender products will be brought on-site. Using its own Iowa-grown lavender will allow for the creation of six to eight new culinary lavender products, including lavender-infused baking mixes, lavender syrups, a variety of flavors, drink blends and culinary lavender buds.
Lansing Housing Products Inc., Lansing — Its patented Tough Tek Metals safety screens are highly effective for child safety, and exceed standards for vandalism, hail and hurricane impacts. This manufacturer is focused on expanding into public schools across the United States and regions prone to hurricanes.
For more information on the Center for Rural Revitalization programs, visit iowaeda.com/center-for-rural-revitalization.