The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and the Iowa Association of Realtors (IAR) announced the inaugural Iowa Homeownership Incubator July 20. The Incubator is a challenge to Iowa lending institutions and real estate professionals to think innovatively about advancing financial literacy around homeownership among all Iowans, with the winning idea receiving $20,000 to implement.
Successful proposals will include a partnership between a lending institution or real estate and a community organization or business, according to a press release.
“Homeownership is one of the leading drivers of economic security and wealth creation for Iowans,” said IFA Executive Director Debi Durham in a statement. “The challenge we face is opening that pathway to more families, especially Iowans long locked out of this wealth-building opportunity.”
Proposals must be submitted by Aug. 15. Finalists will be determined by the Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Association of Realtors and will be invited to make their pitch to a panel of industry judges, who will determine the winner at the HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines on Sept. 7.
The 2022 HousingIowa Conference includes trainings, workshops, and networking opportunities for housing professionals. A full list of attendees can be found here.
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