Cedar Rapids had a major flood in 2008 and funding to support economic development and small business growth in flood effected areas. The city and community foundation also had funding to encourage needed new businesses across a city trying to rebound after stunning losses. The Micro Loan program seeks to provide small funding for businesses and entrepreneurs to get the jump start they need. This partnership places the public library, which has been solely recognized and lauded for architecture, as a connector across all socioeconomic levels of our community.

The other partners in this program had an idea and the expertise, and had been working for several years to get it up and going. The library came to the table with the two essential ingredients to get the program going: a patron base looking for resources and skilled, passionate librarians to help them navigate the system. From basic financial skills to preparing a professional business plan, the library is a comfortable entry point for people to take advantage of this funding. The library now has a place at the table as an equal with well-respected partners.

To date, 40 people have met to discuss the program; out of eight applications applying for a total of $80,000, five have been approved, awarding a total of $50,000. From construction to clothing lines, dog grooming to restaurants, the Micro program is fueling the engine of economic development for Cedar Rapids. While connecting people with the financial resources has been a win for all involved, the library has had the tremendous benefit of connecting patrons with additional resources that they would not have known about otherwise. The library is now a high-profile, sought-after partner for major community initiatives.