Section 261.107.6. Application and review process.

       107.6(1)  An industry group, business or other sponsor of a networking event must submit an application for financial assistance, in the form specified by the authority, to the Economic Development Authority, 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Required forms and instructions are available by contacting the authority at that address or from the authority’s Web site at www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com.

       107.6(2) To apply for financial assistance from the fund, an industry group, business or other sponsor of a networking event shall submit an application to the authority, in the form specified by the authority. The application will be reviewed by authority staff, the committee and the board. The committee will make a recommendation to the board regarding an application. The board has final decision-making authority on requests for financial assistance from the fund. The board may approve, defer or deny an application.

       107.6(3) An application for financial assistance shall include all information required by the authority including, but not limited to, the following:

        a.           Event topic. A description of the theme for the networking event or planned topic of discussion. Topics must be substantive in nature and address key innovations, opportunities, resources, or needs of the event attendees.

        b.           Event format. Events must have a planned structure, including an agenda. Formats may include business panels, business executive presentations with question and answer periods, intellectual property showcases and presentations, roundtable discussions, “speed networking” sessions, workshops, plant and laboratory tours, or other formats deemed appropriate by the authority. Strictly social events and member-only events for associations will not qualify for funding.

        c.           Resources and budget. A budget that includes a detailed description of the sources and uses of the funds.

        d.           Project outcomes. A statement of the anticipated project outcomes including potential industry connections and benefits to the targeted industries.

[ARC 0611C, IAB 2/20/13, effective 3/27/13]