The High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program provides qualifying businesses assistance to off-set some of the costs incurred to locate, expand or modernize an Iowa facility. This flexible program includes loans, forgivable loans, tax credits, exemptions and/or refunds. The Iowa Economic Development Authority offers this program to promote growth in businesses, which employ Iowans in jobs defined as high-quality by state statute.

Actual award amounts based on the level of need; quality of the jobs; percentage of created or retained jobs defined as high-quality; and the project’s economic impact
Local property tax exemption of up to 100% of the value added to the property to a period not to exceed 20 years may be available
Investment tax credit equal to a percentage of qualifying investment
amortized over 5 years, which offsets Iowa income taxes owed
tax credit earned when corresponding asset is placed in service
credit can be carried forward for up to 7 additional years or until depleted, whichever occurs first
Refund of state sales, service or use taxes paid to contractors or subcontractors during construction
Refund of sales and use taxes paid on racks, shelving and conveyor equipment for distribution projects
State's research activities credit may be increased while participating in the program

Must apply prior to the beginning of the project. Priority to projects with significant local economic impact. IEDA is not currently providing incentives to distribution centers under the High Quality Jobs program.

Must meet wage threshold requirements:

Created jobs must pay at least 100% of the qualifying wage threshold at the start and 120% of the qualifying wage threshold by project completion and through the maintenance period unless in a distressed area
Retained jobs must pay at least 120% of the qualifying wage threshold by project completion and through the maintenance period

Must provide a sufficient benefits package to all full-time employees, which includes at least one of the following:

Business pays 70% of medical premiums for single coverage plans with qualifying deductible, OR
Business pays 60% of medical premiums for family coverage plans with qualifying deductible, OR
Business pays for some level of medical and dental coverage and provides the monetary equivalent value through other employee benefits

Complete the Iowa Project Questionnaire (IPQ) pre-application so staff can provide individual assistance and guidance to ensure access to programs that best fit your needs.

Upon completion of the IPQ, applicants invited to apply for financial assistance may complete the Application for Financial Assistance. Visit wage requirements to view the requirements for wage thresholds.