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 Trades Entrepreneurs

Turn Your Savings into Business Growth

Are you a trades 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 $2,500 in matching funds—giving you a total of $3,000 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 5:1 Match—once you meet all program requirements, your savings will be matched with $2,500, giving you a total of $3,000 to invest in your business.

Who Should Apply?

This program is perfect for individuals in trades industries, including:

Construction & Building Trades (roofing, flooring, painting, etc.)

Mechanical & Technical Trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, etc.)

Automotive & Transportation Trades (auto repair, detailing, mechanics, etc.)

Cleaning & Sanitation Trades (commercial cleaning, power washing, mold remediation, etc.)

Other Skilled Trades (landscaping, cabinetry, pest control, home inspections, etc.)

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).

✔ Own or plan to start a business in a skilled trade industry

✔ 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

Fill out Expression of Interest

Why Join?

  • Multiply Your Savings: Get a 5:1 match on your contributions.

  • 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.

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.