B.O.O.S.T. Program

Due to the popularity and high demand for small business assistance, the American Rescue Plan Act BOOST program funds have been exhausted.  The remaining 2023 BOOST Workshops (Tier 1 and Tier 2) classes have been cancelled and no additional program applications are being accepted.  We sincerely appreciate the support and engagement of all participants. 

Questions? boost@moline.il.us

Through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the City of Moline is dedicating more than $1 million dollars to spur economic growth, strengthen the Moline community, and support Moline small businesses.  The Business Owner Occupied Stabilization Transformation (B.O.O.S.T.) Program represent another large investment in Moline’s small businesses.   Since 2020, the Moline City Council has allocated over 2.7 million dollars towards small business programs.  This is a recognition of the dedicated and hard-working people that keep the Moline economy moving and attempts to reduce the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and a long-term blight on our community.

Eligible Applicants

A B.O.O.S.T business shall be defined as a business having no more than 50 FTE employees, including the owner.  

• A business must be independently owned and operated. Applicants must be based within the City of Moline. Franchises will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the appointed selection committee.  
•  A business must be actively operational or will be operational within ten days of this assistance and remain operational for at least two years (otherwise funds are subject to repayment).

Eligible Categories

The Program consists of two categories:                       

Entrepreneur – Assistance for new business startups established in the last 12 months or within three months of applying (also business related interior and accessibility improvements).
  
Accelerator – A business looking to expand operations through real estate improvements, equipment, and/or the expense of hiring employees (also business interior and accessibility improvements).

Eligible Business Types

The Program consists of three business types:

Home-Based - A home-based business is any business where the primary office is located in the owner's home.

Brick and Mortar - A brick and mortar business is located inside a physical building to sell their goods, rather than relying solely on the internet.

Food Truck - A food truck is a mobile restaurant – a large truck, trailer, or van equipped to cook, prepare, serve, and sell food.