Applications open for Homegrown Talent Initiative Grant

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has announced the application period for the new Homegrown Talent Initiative grant program starting December 10, 2024 through January 31, 2025.

The Homegrown Talent Initiative is a new program by the Corridor to encourage former students of the region’s schools to come back to the Corridor and fill the high-quality jobs available here. Recipients of the grant will receive $6,000 over four years to be used toward student loan repayment, mortgage payments, or childcare reimbursement.

In August 2024, the Corridor hosted the first annual Homegrown Talent Initiative Golf Tournament at the Spencer Municipal Golf Course. The proceeds raised in the first tournament provided funds for the first grants to be awarded Spring 2025.

“As someone who has left the region and returned home, I know the impact that this program can have on both individuals and our businesses,” share Corridor Senior Vice President of Economic Development Trevor Smith. “By showcasing to our alumni that there are quality jobs here and they can return home to live, work, and start a family, we benefit not just them, but the employers here that are looking for highly-qualified individuals to join their teams.”

The Corridor recognizes that the four-county region has educated many qualified individuals over the years that have gone on and furthered their education. The region also boasts many local employers with high-quality jobs with great benefits and pay for those individuals to pursue. This new initiative will bring that homegrown talent back to the region and support those individuals ready to come home.

Eligibility requirements include graduating from a high school within the Corridor region, currently living in or moving to a Corridor community; work for a Corridor business; have graduated college in the last five years; and have proof of student loan, mortgage, or childcare debt and expenses.

To learn more and apply, visit www.lakescorridor.com/homegrown. Applications are open now until January 31, 2025.

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ABOUT THE IOWA LAKES CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is the regional economic development agency for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. The Iowa Lakes Corridor’s mission is to foster, encourage, promote, aid or otherwise assist in the economic development growth and development of the four-county region.