Business Financing

In addition to these loan programs, you may qualify for a business grant. Please refer to our grants section.

Growth Assistance Program (GAP)


The Shelby County Growth Assistance Program (GAP) Revolving Loan Fund provides supplemental financing to small and medium-sized businesses located in, or to be located in Shelby County, Iowa. Eligible projects must either create or retain jobs. 

Program funds may be used for most aspects of start-up or expansion projects and, in some cases, may include needed working capital. Funds cannot be used to refinance existing debt or subsidize payments on existing debt. 

The primary consideration for financial participation with GAP is the creation and retention of Jobs. To qualify for loan assistance, a minimum of three full time equivalent (FTE)​ jobs is required. Under certain circumstances, application creating or retaining less than three FTE jobs may be given consideration for loan assistance. 

These jobs must be either newly created jobs or jobs to be retained, and must be maintained during the length of any loan assistance and cannot come at the expense, or in lieu of, other jobs that the borrower is currently providing.
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Because the GAP is funded with a combination of local, state, and federal funds, borrower must comply with all local, state, and federal requirements. The application form was designed to adhere to state financial assistance programs and may be amended easily to apply for state financial assistance. 

Loans are available from $2,000 up to $100,000 at around four percent interest. The loans are typically a fiveyear loan. These loans may be used for a variety of expenses including equipment purchases, working capital, and purchasing inventory. 

To apply you must complete the Application to Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) GAP. 

Contact the SCCCI Director at 712-755-2114 if you have questions.

Download the GAP Application.

Nishnabotna Valley REC Revolving Loan Fund


Nishnabotna Valley REC created the Community/Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to improve the quality of life in rural areas by contributing to long-term improvement in the local economy. Administered by the Nishnabotna Valley REC Board of Directors, priorities include diversification of the local economy, job creation and retention, and upgrading the public infrastructure to improve the health, safety and/or medical care of rural residents.

Eligible Uses of Funds include:

  • Land Purchase
  • Buildings
  • Fixed Assets
  • Machinery & Equipment
  • Infrastructure
  • Residential Housing
  • Projects (limits apply) 


Eligible Applicants:

  • New or Expanding Private Businesses
  • Local Governments
  • Non-profit Community Development Organizations


Ineligible Uses of Funds:

  • Pre-development Costs
  • Refinances


Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) Revolving Loan Fund


Southwest Iowa Planning Council established the business Revolving Loan Fund in 2009 to assist new and existing businesses in Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Montgomery, Page, and Shelby Counties create and retain jobs. These RLF dollars may be used in conjunction with local lenders, to provide gap financing, or to serve businesses that have otherwise been turned down from a financial institution.


  • Projects must be located in Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Montgomery, Page, or Shelby Counties
  • Applicants must demonstrate a need for RLF funding
  • Loans up to $125,000
  • Interest rates as low as 4%
  • Must create or retain one permanent full-time job for every $10,000 loaned
  • Applicant must contribute 10% of the total project cost themselves
  • Must provide a business and marketing plan
  • Applications are reviewed by the RLF board at the end of each month



For more information please contact SWIPCO at 1-866-279-4720.

Other State aid is available at IowaGrants.gov

DUNS NUMBER


The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) requires all recipients and sub-recipients of Federal financial assistance, EXCEPT INDIVIDUALS, are required to have a DUNS number. The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) is a unique nine-character identification number provided by the commercial company Dun and Bradstreet (D&B). To obtain a DUNS number, free of charge, contact D&B at (866) 705-5711 or https://www.dnb.com.

Its also a good idea to check into your personal credit report before applying for any financing. You can receive one free report per year through the Federal Trade Commission.

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