6AC & City of Des Moines Small Business Impact Loan/E3 Funding Program
The 6th Avenue Corridor Main Street Program (6AC) has partnered with the City of Des Moines Small Business Support Center to make dedicated Small Business Impact Loan Program funding available specifically for businesses located within the 6th Avenue Corridor geography.
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This funding was made possible through the 6th Avenue Corridor’s participation in Main Street America’s Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (E3) initiative and a charitable contribution from Wells Fargo. These funds are administered by the City of Des Moines through its existing Small Business Impact Loan Program and are reserved exclusively to support eligible businesses located within the Corridor. The 6AC has retained a portion of these funds to offer grants to accompany loans, as long as grant funds remain available.
Important: Awarded funds are a combination of grant and loan. Recipients are required to pay back the loan portion of any funding agreements to the terms specified in a contract with the City of Des Moines.
About the City of Des Moines Small Business Impact Loan/E3 Funding Program:
The E3 Program is a financing program designed to help small business owners overcome barriers to capital and strengthen locally within the 6th Avenue Corridor geography. Funds awarded through this program can be used for activities such as:
Interior build-outs and tenant improvements
Facade renovations
Exterior site improvements (landscaping, hardscape)
Equipment, fixtures, and furnishings
Professional building/site design services
Equipment, fixtures, and furnishings
Working capital and inventory – note that funds are not intended to be used for “operating costs” like rent, utilities, and payroll. Verification of use of “working capital” funds is required upon application submission.
This structure allows the program to responsibly deploy capital, reduce financial risk for small businesses, and stretch limited public and philanthropic resources to support more entrepreneurs over time.
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This initiative is part of a broader commitment by 6AC and the City of Des Moines to foster entrepreneurial success, support neighborhood revitalization, and increase equitable access to business resources.
The City of Des Moines Office of Economic Development administers the Small Business Impact Loan Program, including application intake, underwriting, and loan approval. All applications are reviewed and approved by the City’s Small Business Impact Loan Review Committee in accordance with established program policies.
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The 6AC provides outreach, marketing, and technical assistance to businesses within the Corridor. This includes helping prospective applicants understand program requirements, prepare application materials, and navigate the program successfully. The 6AC also reviews, approves, and distributes any grant funding that may accompany a loan.
6AC + City of Des Moines Small Business Impact Loan/E3 Funding Program Application Steps
1
Review Program Information
Familiarize yourself with eligibility requirements and materials provided on the City’s Small Business Impact Loan website.
2
Reach out to the 6th Avenue Corridor Main Street Program
Discuss your interest with Jasmine Brooks 6th Avenue Corridor Executive Director
(515) 415-7829
This is a requirement before proceeding to the next step.
3
Start Your Application
Visit the City of Des Moines Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal and click “Apply” in the middle of the screen. In the search bar, type in “Small Business Impact Loan Pre-Qualification – 6th Avenue Corridor” form. This is a quick form that establishes basic eligibility. Approval at this step does not guarantee funding. You may need to create a free CSS account if you have not already done so.
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Submit the Pre-Qualification form. City staff will reach out to confirm eligibility.
4
Prepare Required Materials
If eligible, proceed to completing the “Small Business Impact Loan – 6th Avenue Corridor” application, also found on the Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal. The website allows you to save drafts and return later, if needed.
A mix of business and financial information is required.
Required materials include:
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Complete business plan
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Location verification (copy of lease or mortgage statement)
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Verification of business legal structure
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Proof of business insurance
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Resume that describes business owner qualifications
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Personal financial statement
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Two years of monthly cashflow projections
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Two years of annual profit and loss statement
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Two years of personal and/or business tax history
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Cost /estimates/quotes/justifications for project costs
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Demonstration of lack of access from a conventional business lending source (bank denial letter, etc.)
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Good Neighbor Agreement
5
Review & Notification
City Small Business Support Center staff will follow up to confirm receipt of the application and supplemental materials and ask any follow up questions.
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The City’s Small Business Impact Loan Review Committee, which is composed of both internal City staff and external community members, meets monthly and reviews all loan applications and makes funding decisions. After any funding decisions are made, applicants will be notified of award status and next steps.