Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 261 - Economic Development Authority
Part IV - Business Development Division
Chapter 56 - Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Formation Assistance
Rule 261-56.3 - Program Description

(1) Amount, form, and timing of assistance. The program provides financial assistance to businesses interested in establishing an ESOP. An applicant to the program may be approved for financial assistance in an amount equal to 50 percent of the cost incurred for obtaining a feasibility study conducted by an independent financial professional. The total amount of financial assistance provided to an applicant will not exceed $25,000. The financial assistance may be provided in two tranches. The first tranche will be provided as a reimbursement of 25 percent of the cost of a feasibility study and will be remitted upon completion of the feasibility study. The second tranche will be provided as a reimbursement of 25 percent of the cost of the feasibility study and will be remitted only upon completion of an ESOP formation. A business that does not successfully complete the formation of an ESOP will not receive the second tranche. A business will be required to provide to the authority documentation establishing the costs incurred and the successful completion of all necessary transactions.

(2) Application.

(3) Approval of assistance. Authority staff will consider, evaluate, and recommend applications for financial assistance under the program. The authority may consult with an ESOP advisory panel consisting of individuals selected by the director who have demonstrated expertise in the formation and operation of ESOPs as needed. Authority staff will review applications for financial assistance and score the applications according to the criteria described in rule 261-56.4 (85GA,HF648). Applications deemed to meet the minimum scoring criteria will be submitted to the director for a final funding decision.

(4) Contract required. If the director approves an applicant for financial assistance under the program, the authority will prepare an agreement stating the terms on which the financial assistance is to be provided, and the applicant shall execute the agreement before funds are disbursed under the program.

(5) Use of funds. An applicant shall use funds provided only for the purpose of reducing the cost of services of an independent financial professional for evaluating the feasibility of an ESOP and forming an ESOP. The authority may require documentation or other information establishing the actual costs incurred. The financial assistance shall be provided to the applicant after the costs are incurred and on a reimbursement basis. Costs incurred prior to approval of financial assistance will not be eligible for reimbursement.