Fuel Your Future 2026:

Grants and Growth for Entrepreneurs

Expression of Interest Form

Applications open February 2026

Submit an Expression of Interest to be notified.

This program is funded by Clark County through CDBG funds.

Business IDA for Entrepreneurs

Turn Your Savings into Business Growth

Are you a professional looking to launch or expand your business? Our Business Individual Development Account (IDA) Program is designed to help trades entrepreneurs like you build financial stability, gain essential business skills, and secure the funding needed to grow.

With just $500 in savings over six months, you can unlock $3,000 in matching funds—giving you a total of $3,500 to invest in tools, equipment, licensing, or other business needs.

How It Works

  1. Save $500 over six months in a dedicated savings account.

  2. Complete Business Education Requirements, including workshops on financial management, marketing, and business planning.

  3. Participate in Financial Coaching sessions to strengthen your money management skills.

  4. Receive a 6:1 Match—once you meet all program requirements, your savings will be matched with $3,000, giving you a total of $3,500 to invest in your business.

Who Should Apply?

This IDA program is designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses that rely on physical equipment, materials, or infrastructure to start or expand their operations. While all industries are welcome to apply, specific business types receive priority consideration based on the nature of their capital needs.

Priority consideration is given to:

  • Construction & Skilled Trades
    Businesses that require machinery, tools, safety equipment, or permits to operate.

  • Food & Beverage Businesses
    Food trucks, catering companies, bakers, cafés, and other ventures needing kitchen equipment or licensing.

  • Makers, Artisans & Small-Scale Manufacturers
    Entrepreneurs producing handmade goods or manufactured products that require specialized equipment or workspace setup.

Basic Eligibility & Program Requirements

To participate in the Business IDA Program, you must:

✔ Be at least 18 years old

✔ Have a business address in Clark County outside of City of Vancouver limits (verify location HERE).

✔ If planning to start a business in Clark county, applicant must reside in Clark county.

✔ Meet income eligibility requirements (under 80% area median income AMI)

✔ Commit to saving $500 over six months in a dedicated IDA account

✔ Complete 15 hrs of business education and a 4 hrs of financial literacy sessions

✔ Finalize a business plan

✔ Use the funds for approved business expenses (tools, equipment, licensing, etc.)

Application Requirements:

📌 Complete an online or paper application

📌 Provide proof of income and residency

📌 Submit answers to business questionnaire

📌 Attend an orientation session before enrolling

“I’m not scared to try! They guided me, educated me and continue to support on top of the grant. Truly incredible!”
— Carmen (2025)
Fill out Expression of Interest

What Our Graduates Are Saying

“I fell confident and capable to lead my business, my team and my finances. Truly eye opening! Ready to grow”
— Norberto (2025)

Why Join?

  • Multiply Your Savings: Get a 6:1 match on your contributions ($3,000)

  • Business & Financial Training: Learn how to manage and grow your business effectively.

  • Expert Coaching: Receive guidance from financial and business professionals.

  • Investment in Your Future: Use your funds for tools, equipment, licensing, or other business expenses.

“I learned something new in every class even though I’ve been in business for a while. It was motivating, and eye opening”
— Jessica (2025)

Applications open February 2026

Fill our Expression of Interest form to be notified when they go live and get your questions answered.

Spots are limited!

Contact Us: businessassist@fourthplainforward.org

Expression of Interest Form

 FAQs

  • There are two options for proof of income. You can submit paperwork under Option 2 in our Application Guide.

  • Attending an info session is a requirement of this program as it delineates program expectation and requirements for compliance.

  • Send a screenshot of the error message along with the supporting documentation to businessassist@fourthplainforward.org so we can include it to your application file. Use Subject Line: Grant Application Docs

  • Notification emails will go out no later than May 9th. Please note: we will not give individual updates to anyone beforehand.