OSKALOOSA — Small businesses in the Oskaloosa Main Street district now have the opportunity to compete for up to $25,000 in grant funding through Main Street Iowa’s Open 4 Business program, an annual initiative that supports business growth and downtown revitalization in designated Main Street communities across the state.
The Open 4 Business program helps existing businesses pursue development or expansion projects, such as adding services or product lines, purchasing equipment, or making strategic improvements that strengthen both the business and the district’s economic vitality.
Eligible businesses must be for-profit, have operated for at least one year, and be located within a designated Main Street Iowa district. In addition to completing the application, applicants must submit a short video explaining their project and how it will positively impact the local economy. A 25% cash match is required.
Because only one business per Main Street Iowa community may advance to the state competition, Oskaloosa Main Street will conduct a local selection process to determine which business will represent Oskaloosa. Applications may be requested beginning now and must be submitted locally by Sunday, May 10 to mainstreet@mahaskachamber.org.
To help interested businesses prepare a strong application, Oskaloosa Main Street will host an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room, located on the second floor of the MidWest One motor bank building, 222 1st Avenue East in Oskaloosa.
“This is a great opportunity for an Oskaloosa Main Street business to think creatively about growth and to share a project that could make a real difference for their business,” said Angella Foster, Oskaloosa Main Street Director. “We encourage eligible businesses to take a serious look at this program and attend the informational meeting to learn more about what makes a strong application.”
The Oskaloosa Main Street business selected through the local process will be submitted by the local program to Main Street Iowa by June 25. State applications will be evaluated based on project impact within the district, business innovation, the potential for growth, increased revenue, and long-term sustainability. Five finalists will advance to the state competition on October 5 in Osceola, where they will present their ideas before a panel of judges.
Launched in 2015, the Open 4 Business program has awarded funding to approximately 50 businesses across Iowa. Grants are administered through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs.
For complete details or to request an application, contact Angella Foster, Oskaloosa Main Street Director, at mainstreet@mahaskachamber.org or 641-672-2591. Questions may also be directed to Brooke Prouty at brooke.prouty@iowaeda.com.
