Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources

Iowa City Area Black Owned Businesses

In the Iowa City area we believe that cultural diversity enriches our community, builds economic vitality, and uplifts our community as a whole. Our area’s Black-owned businesses offer everything from sustainable self-care and spiritual goods to childcare and home improvement services. We encourage you to look at the list below and support our locally-owned Black businesses.

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Resources on Race

The Johnson County Diversity and Inclusion Committee compiled a list of our top-ten recommended media about race —including books, documentaries, podcasts, articles, videos, and essays—to help employees seek out information, develop a more comprehensive view of the issues, and become better allies.

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The Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide

The Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide lists hundreds of African American businesses, organizations, consultants, physicians, and more.

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Inclusive ICR

Inclusive ICR is proud to act as a resource to ICR employers looking for guidance on implementing diversity and inclusion (D&I) workforce initiatives including: Employee Resource Group (ERG) implementation, D&I advisory council development, and connecting staff with colleagues and resources in ICR.

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State of the Community: Conversations Around Racial Justice

Holding Our Own BIPOC + Immigrant Business Grant Program

Project Better Together partnered with the Community Foundation of Johnson County to assist in the administration of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and Immigrant Owned Business Grant. Applications closed on Monday, July 27th. We had over 50 businesses apply to this business grant program, and are hoping to fund as many grant requests as possible!
 
The purpose of Project Better Together’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Immigrant Owned Business Grant is to provide short-term funding in the form of a one-time grant to BIPOC and immigrant-owned private businesses in Johnson County, Iowa who were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and need help with both short-term needs and long-term recovery efforts to continue their business. This fund is intended to help businesses that have not been able to access or have been declined local, state, or federal relief funds, or that need additional support to weather this crisis. It will be focused on businesses that may be dealing with additional barriers including but not limited to language, general business knowledge, etc. and from under served communities. The grant may range from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on need and number of applicants.
 
UPDATE (August 24, 2020) – $52K granted to 33 businesses.
 

COVID-19 Related News & Events