Warren County Economic Development Corp.

08/31/2026

Sometimes, a little visibility can make a BIG difference. 👀

Carlisle Hardware, their WCEDC Small Business Grant helped solve a problem they heard all too often: "I didn’t even know you guys were here!”

Carlisle Hardware has been serving its community with everything from nuts and bolts and paint to equipment rentals, home repair services and more. As a locally owned business competing with big-box stores just a short drive away, they’ve built their business around something you can’t always find at the bigger guys... personal service, community involvement, and knowing their customers by name.

When Carlisle Hardware applied for WCEDC’s Existing Business Grant Contest, they had a simple goal: make it easier for people to find them.

Their plan was to use the funding toward a new hanging street sign, created by another Warren County small business, that would give their location much-needed visibility from the road.

And now, that sign is officially UP! 🔨

It’s a great example of how a grant can help an existing business tackle a specific need, invest back into another local business and continue growing its presence in the community.

Now, what could a grant help YOUR business accomplish? 💡

The deadline to apply for the WCEDC Small Business Grant Contest is September 1 at MIDNIGHT. Don’t miss your chance to apply!

08/31/2026

One last chance to get your Small Business Grant Contest application in! All small business grant applications for both existing and start up businesses are due at 11:59PM TOMORROW (Sept 1)!

Get those applications completed and turned in before you miss out!

08/30/2026

What could $7,000 do for your business?

A new piece of equipment. A marketing push. An expansion. The next step you’ve been waiting to take.

The 2026 Warren County Small Business Grant Contest is giving local businesses the opportunity to turn those ideas into action, with $26,000 in grants available to existing and start-up businesses.

Applications are due September 1.

If you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to invest in your business — this could be it.

Learn more and apply at [www.wcedc.com/small-business-grant-contest](http://www.wcedc.com/small-business-grant-contest)

08/29/2026

Sometimes the biggest thing standing between an idea and making it happen is simply having the resources to take the next step. Maybe this grant could help you take yours. $26,000 in grant funding is available to Warren County small businesses in 2026. Applications are due September 1.

08/27/2026

What could $5,000 do for a brand-new business? 👀

For The Haven Indianola, it helped turn a vision for a new kind of wellness space in Warren County into reality.

When The Haven applied for WCEDC’s Small Business Grant Contest, owner Bethany Grabe had a vision to create a wellness collective and community studio where local instructors could come together under one roof to offer yoga, barre, sculpt, dance and other whole-body wellness practices.

Their grant application focused on creating a welcoming, inclusive space while also giving local movement instructors a place to grow their own businesses. Grant funding would help cover important startup expenses like their website and registration platform, branding, photography, signage and improvements to the space.

The Haven was awarded $5,000, the highest startup grant amount available at the time, to help get that vision off the ground.

And today? The Haven is open and thriving!🤍

The space now has 8 instructors and hosts a variety of wellness classes and events throughout the week, creating the community-centered space they first envisioned in their application.

Now, what could a grant help YOUR business idea become? 💡

The deadline to apply for the WCEDC Small Business Grant Contest is September 1 at MIDNIGHT. Whether you're looking to start something new or grow an existing business, don't miss your chance to apply!

08/26/2026

What could a small business grant help bring to your community?

For Muddy Puddles Ice Cream , it helped support a dream centered around family, community and creating a place for people to make memories.

Muddy Puddles was created after owners lost their son, Maximillion, unexpectedly in 2022. They wanted to honor his memory in a positive, lasting way by creating a fun, family-friendly business where people could gather, enjoy something delicious and make memories together.

When they applied for WCEDC’s Startup Business Grant Contest, Muddy Puddles was still just that, a startup with big plans for its future in Indianola.

Their vision included homemade, premium ice cream, a gathering space for birthday parties and community organizations, outdoor seating and eventually expanding their business to serve even more people throughout the community.

And today? Muddy Puddles is OPEN! 🍨

They've brought that vision to life, created local jobs and are serving up delicious ice cream while giving families and friends a new place to gather and make memories right here in Warren County.

Now, what could a grant help YOUR business idea become? 💡

The deadline to apply for the WCEDC Small Business Grant Contest is September 1 at MIDNIGHT. Whether you're ready to start something new or take your existing business to the next level, don't miss your chance to apply!

08/25/2026

What could $6,000 do for a local business? 👀

For Savor The Rise, it helped turn an idea for growth into reality.

When Savor the Rise applied for WCEDC’s Small Business Grant Contest, they had a vision: expand beyond the bakery, coffee, breakfast and lunch their customers already loved and begin offering dinner service right here in Indianola.

One of the biggest things standing between them and that next step was a walk-in cooler. The additional storage and organization would give them the capacity they needed to expand their menu, increase their hours and create more local jobs.

Savor the Rise was awarded $6,000, the highest grant amount available at the time, to help make that vision possible.

Today, that vision has become Savor, Savor the Rise’s dinner restaurant! 🍽️ If you haven’t experienced it yet, be sure to check it out and see what investing in our local businesses can help make possible.

Now, what could a grant help YOUR business accomplish? 💡

The deadline to apply for the WCEDC Small Business Grant Contest is September 1 at MIDNIGHT. Don’t miss your chance to take the next step for your business!

08/24/2026

Applications for the Warren County Small Business Grant Contest are due next week. If you’ve been thinking about applying, now is the time to get your application started and submitted.

Don’t miss your opportunity to compete for grant funding to help grow and strengthen your Warren County business.

Applications are due next week. Get yours in before the deadline!

08/11/2026

SBA DISASTER LOANS AVAILABLE FOR WARREN COUNTY

Following the severe storms that impacted Warren County from July 2–4, 2026, federal disaster assistance is available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

SBA disaster loans may be available to homeowners, renters, small businesses, and private nonprofit organizations to help with eligible disaster-related losses, including repairing or replacing damaged property and covering losses not fully reimbursed by insurance.

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08/03/2026

So exciting! Welcome back National Balloon Museum, Inc! Can't wait to see your fresh new look in person.

The National Balloon Museum cut the ribbon on its grand re-opening Sunday after a 2024 fire that forced the museum to close temporarily. Story🔗below.