Business Resources

The ICDD provides many opportunities to attract and retain great businesses in the Downtown District.  The following opportunities are available to Downtown District businesses throughout Downtown and the Northside neighborhoods.

The ICDD works in tandem with City of Iowa City staff to ensure those looking to locate Downtown have the information they need to make critical investment decisions. This page includes resources where our staff and the City of Iowa City staff collaborate to support members.

Support for New Retail Tenants

New leases signed that provide dry goods or other merchandise meet the ICDD’s Retail Strategy.  The goal is to help preserve downtown spaces that don’t already have commercial kitchens for other commercial use. These businesses are eligible for the following:

1. $15,000 Retail Build-Out Grant to support the costs of creating a dynamic store environment (as funding is available).
2. Complimentary customer insights, accurate foot traffic, dwell time, and psychographic data custom to your location.
3. Complimentary retail delivery service up to 15-mile radius from Downtown Delivers
4. Complimentary e-commerce merchandise sales support via downtowniowacitymarket.com
5. CoSign+ signage and storefront grant @ 50% match up to $3,500
6. City liaison, mentoring, and marketing support to launch a business successfully

Companies seeking commercial space or development opportunities downtown should contact the Iowa City Downtown District.  The ICDD provides non-commissioned leasing support as requested by downtown property owners to support the location of businesses that meet the Downtown District’s mission. Inquiries are confidential and without fee.

The ICDD is proud to provide marketing services that help Downtown businesses reach their full potential. Downtowniowacity.com has become more than just a site about the ICDD – it is the resource for everything that is happening in the commercial core. Take advantage of our tools and services to promote your business online and in the community.

Our comprehensive and searchable business and organization listing is the most complete resource for residents, employees, and visitors in the region. We use this information to create dining and retail guides, maps, and marketing campaigns for the benefit of the entire District.

If you host or organize events that take place within the ICDD, you are welcome to submit them for posting on our featured events listing. We accept submissions through our online Event Submission Form, which allows us to quickly review and post your events as you would like them to appear. Approved events will display within 2-3 business days.

Occupying the pedestrian mall, closing streets or sidewalks, or utilizing public space for an event often requires a permit from the City of Iowa City.  Visit the City’s website to review permitting needs.

Join the ICDD Retail or Restaurant Caucuses to get connected with local business owners, marketing, advertising, public relations, and event planning leads. As a member of these Caucuses, you have unique opportunities to stay in the know and create community. The Caucuses are business-driven and are a joint initiative of the ICDD.

Monthly meetings for the Retail Caucus are held the 1st Thursday of each month from 9:00am to 10:00am at various locations. Restaurant Caucuses are typically held bi-monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 2pm.

Once a month the ICDD facilitates a happy hour gathering at Downtown establishments. “First Round” is open to anyone (no RSVP necessary) and features conversation and stories from creative influencers in both the business and arts communities. Different Iowa City-area business sponsor the event each month by buying the first round of drinks for all attendees. Follow “First Round” on Facebook for updated information.

The ICDD has gathered or produced the following reports and resources intended to better inform those interested in learning about the area’s market economy, planned public investments, and the ICDD’s intention with strategic planning and business recruitment and retention.

The mission of the ICDD team is to improve and enhance Downtown and Northside Neighborhoods and bring investment and new businesses to the area. We work with many community partners to ensure collaboration as needed to support new business or entrepreneurial efforts.