Explore Your Financing Options

Most business financing comes from owners’ equity, personal networks, or bank loans. Use these resources to understand the basics:

Review SBA Financing Basics: Access an overview of business funding options from the Small Business Administration.

View the SBA Learning Platform: Learn the tax essentials of running a business, including recordkeeping, expenses, and employment taxes.

Apply for Valley Junction & 8th Street Programs

Note: The application period for these programs is currently CLOSED.

If your business is located in Valley Junction or along the 8th Street Commercial Corridor, you may qualify for future funding:

Property Improvement Fund (PIF): Get a zero-interest loan to renovate structural elements, replace roofs, or upgrade facades in older commercial buildings.

Regulatory Compliance Fund (RCF): Apply for a 50/50 matching grant to bring your building up to code, including fire sprinklers, ADA accessibility, and electrical or plumbing upgrades.

Review the Scoring Criteria: See how applications are evaluated for funding.

Read the Mechanics of Reimbursement: Understand how you will receive your funds before you apply.

Lower Your Costs with Tax Rebates

Enroll in the Property Tax Rebate Program: Renovate vacant or underutilized buildings and sites to qualify for a five-year, 100% tax rebate.

Download the Property Tax Rebate Application (PDF): Start your application for property tax assistance.

Note: Projects involving National Historic District buildings may be eligible for a ten-year rebate.

Urban Renewal Areas Summary

This map highlights the specific zones in West Des Moines eligible for financial assistance. The colored areas indicate where the city currently offers property tax rebates and improvement grants.

Valley Junction: Eligible for the Property Improvement and Regulatory Compliance funds.

8th Street Corridor: Eligible for targeted commercial renovation support.

City-Wide URAs: Designated areas where the Property Tax Rebate Program can be applied to vacant or underutilized buildings.

If you are unsure if your property falls within these boundaries, please contact the Community & Economic Development team at 515-273-0770 for verification.

Close the Funding Gap

If you need additional capital to launch or expand, these programs can help fill the gap:

Inquire about the SBA 7(a) Loan Program: Speak with your primary lender about the most common SBA loan guarantee.

Apply for an SBA 504 Loan: Access small startup loans through the Iowa Business Growth Company or the Des Moines Economic Development Corporation.

Explore Local Incentives: View a full list of other programs that may support your business.

Low Interest Loans for Historic Properties

If you are planning to renovate a property in the Historic Cultural District, you may qualify for a low-interest loan.

Key Details:

Loan Amounts: Borrow between $5,000 and $25,000.

Repayment: 5-year term with a floating interest rate.

Requirements: You must obtain all necessary city permits and maintain the building's historical integrity.

Common Eligible Projects:

Exterior: Repairing facades, masonry, windows, doors, or awnings.

Interior: Renovating upper floors or making safety and structural upgrades.

Cleaning: Professional exterior cleaning or painting.

How to Apply: All projects must be approved by the Historic Valley Junction Foundation (HVJF) Design Review. To see if your project qualifies, email the Community & Economic Development team.