Altoona is the place to build your business. With a strong local economy, thriving entertainment scene and close proximity to Des Moines—our city fosters an environment of success for companies of all sizes and industries.
We’ve compiled a list of essential resources, tools and information to help you get started. From site selection and permitting to incentives and more, keep exploring this guide to learn more about growing your business in Altoona, Iowa.
To learn more about doing business in our community, please contact Chad Quick, Economic Development Director for the City of Altoona.
Economic Development Director,
City of Altoona
Altoona has an extensive inventory of commercial real estate for lease and purchase, ranging from small retail bays to massive development properties. Click below to start browsing.
Find A Commercial PropertyMaking certain kinds of changes to your commercial property can require a building permit. To get more information and apply, please visit the City of Altoona’s permit portal.
BUILDING PERMIT PORTALWhile Altoona does not issue or require general business licenses, some companies may need to obtain additional permits or licenses from the City, County, or State. Learn more below.
PERMIT & LICENSE INFOTo schedule a building or rental inspection, please call the City of Altoona’s Community Development Department at (515) 957-5128.
With over 1,600 acres of development-ready land and a wide range of commercial buildings available for purchase or lease, Altoona is the place to expand your horizons. Our properties are minutes from downtown Des Moines—offering access to major transportation routes, a skilled workforce and a diverse, fast-growing consumer population.
From small retail bays to large development sites, click below to browse our database of commercial properties in Altoona, Iowa.
Commercial Property DatabaseContact Chad Quick, Economic Development Director for the City of Altoona, for site selection assistance or to learn more about doing business in Altoona.
(515) 957-5117 | cquick@altoona-iowa.comUtilize these resources to ensure your business aligns with the City of Altoona’s local zoning regulations and community planning goals.
Making certain kinds of changes to your commercial property can require a building permit. Following proper protocol is crucial when starting your business in Altoona, as it ensures compliance with our local regulations and promotes safe and sustainable development.
Use the City of Altoona’s permit portal to learn more about building and sign permits, when they’re needed, and how to apply.
Building Permit PortalWhile Altoona does not issue or require general business licenses, some companies may need to obtain additional permits or licenses from the City, County, or State. Adhering to these regulations, especially for activities such as liquor and tobacco sales, is essential for upholding legal and operational standards.
Click below to learn more about additional licenses, codes, permits and how to apply.
Permits & Licensing InfoStrengthen your bottom line and support your community by tapping into the Greater Des Moines area’s diverse network of organizations, resources and collaborative programs for local business owners.
The Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce fosters community development while supporting local businesses and tourism. The organization represents professionals in the Altoona area, aiming to benefit its members, residents, and visitors alike.
Altoona Chamber WebsiteThe Altoona Public Library offers various resources applicable to businesses, including A to Z market research tools, online courses for work skills development, study room reservations, printing and scanning services, equipment borrowing, educational videos, notary services, proctoring for industry exams, and professional reference assistance.
Altoona Library SiteBioConnect Iowa supports Iowa businesses in bioscience, advanced manufacturing, and tech sectors. They provide entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and networking connections to help turn their concepts into successful ventures.
Bioconnect Iowa WebsiteThe City of Altoona's Economic Development Department offers resources and assistance to current and prospective local businesses, helping with site selection, the development process, incentives, and community insights.
Economic Development DepartmentAltoona is served by two DART bus routes: Express Route (99) and Local Route (17). Transit service operates 7 days per week, offering accessible, low-cost connectivity within Altoona and the Des Moines Metro.
Ride Dart WebsiteFrom workforce development initiatives to job training programs and more, the Des Moines Area Community College provides a range of helpful resources to new and expanding businesses in the Altoona area.
DMACC Business ResourcesConnected and convenient, DSM provides nonstop flights to dozens of major destinations across the U.S.—making business and personal travel a breeze.
FLY DSM WebsiteThe IEDA supports Iowa's development, bolstering economic and community vitality. Through state and federal programs, they forge partnerships and leverage resources, establishing Iowa and Altoona as prime destinations for people and businesses.
IEDA WebsiteAmerica’s SBDC Iowa provides free guidance, training and support to small businesses across the state—helping them find success through unique local efforts.
SBDC Iowa WebsiteVisit Altoona is an innovative marketing brand promoting local entertainment, shopping, and dining. Restaurants can get free exposure through the "Off the Menu" series by contacting visit@visitaltoona.com. Businesses can also add events to the Visit Altoona calendar and explore other involvement opportunities below.
Visit Altoona WebsiteAltoona companies can leverage numerous local and state financial assistance programs, tax credits, etc. to grow and scale their operations more effectively. Keep reading to learn more.
Altoona can designate a tax increment district for economic development, using the increased property tax revenue for grants or loans to businesses that relocate there.
TIF INFOProvides a partial exemption of property taxes for a period of five years from the actual value of added industrial real estate. Eligible projects include a distribution center, warehouse, research facility, or industrial real estate.
INDUSTRIAL TAX ABATEMENT INFOThese programs reimburse Iowa companies up to 75% of international marketing costs for trade shows or IEDA missions abroad (Export) and in the U.S. (Domestic) to explore or expand markets.
Trade Assistance InfoAids small and medium-sized Iowa companies in advanced industries by providing financial and technical support for prototype development, aimed at commercial viability and attracting later-stage private sector funding.
Demonstration Fund InfoThis program defines and articulates opportunities for businesses with innovative technology proofs-of-concept, offering grants up to $25,000 with a 1:2 (Private:Public) match.
POCR Program InfoSupports technology transfer, research commercialization, and start-up growth in Iowa with grants to encourage high-paying job creation and industrial expansion.
Acceleration Fund InfoProvides tax credits to increase venture capital availability for seed-stage ventures, aiming to create high-paying jobs and promote industrial development.
Angel Investor InfoEncourages business equity sharing with employees and offers tax deductions for stock sales, benefiting business retention and employee retirement.
ESOP InfoOffers tax credits and financial assistance to offset costs for businesses locating, expanding, or modernizing facilities in Iowa, contingent on meeting wage thresholds.
HQJ InfoStimulates venture capital investment in Iowa by providing tax credits to individual investors supporting early-stage companies.
Innovation Tax Credit InfoOffers corporate income tax credits to companies expanding their Iowa employment base by 10% or more, based on wages paid per new employee.
New Jobs Credit InfoProvides refundable tax credits for Iowa companies investing in research and development, promoting innovation and economic growth.
Research Credit InfoSupports Brownfield and Grayfield site redevelopment through annual tax credits, aiming to improve environmental conditions, create jobs, and boost tax revenue.
Redevelopment Credit InfoAdministered by IEDA, this program funds projects to develop underserved and lower-income communities, including housing, infrastructure, economic development, and job training.
CDBG InfoDevelopers building or rehabilitating housing in Iowa may be eligible to receive certain state tax incentives.
Workforce Housing InfoNote: Please contact utility providers directly to verify the specific services available at your property/location.
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY
Business Line: 1-800-329-6261
Emergency (Gas Leak): 1-800-595-5325
Power Outage/Wires Down: 1-800-799-4443
CENTURY LINK (BUSINESS CUSTOMERS)
Sales & Billing: 1-877-744-4416
Control Center: 1-800-350-1044
24-Hour Repair & Phone Service: 1-800-954-1211
Tech Support: 1-800-247-7285
WINDSTREAM
Business Support: 1-800-843-9214
Online Orders: 1-800-481-5441
Internet Technical Support: 1-866-445-0978
MEDIACOM
Customer Service: 1-855-633-4226
AUREON BUSINESS
Phone: (888) 387-5670
Website: Aureon Business
CENTURYLINK
Phone: (877) 990-0994
Website: CenturyLink
ICS ADV TECH
Phone: (515) 268-4050
Website: ICS Adv Tech
KINETIC BY WINDSTREAM
Phone: (800) 347-1991
Website: Kinetic by Windstream
MEDIACOM BUSINESS
Phone: (877) 318-9307
Email: info@mediacomcc.com
Website: Mediacom Business
METRONET
Phone: (855) 383-9859
Website: Metronet
MI-FIBER
Phone: (515) 850-0500
Email: info@mi-fiber.net
Website: Mi-Fiber
MI-FIBER BUSINESS
Phone: (515) 850-0500
Email: info@mi-fiber.net
Website: Mi-Fiber
UNITE PRIVATE NETWORK
Phone: (515) 330-8852
Email: mike.myers@upnfiber.com
Website: Unite Private Networks
VERIZON BUSINESS
Phone: (515) 443-2865
WINDSTREAM ENTERPRISE
Phone: (800) 600-5050
Website: Windstream Enterprise
XTREAM POWERED BY MEDIACOM
Phone: (855) 663-4226
Email: info@mediacomcc.com
Website: Xtream
You’ll find all relevant information and applications regarding public utilities on the City of Altoona’s website.
Utilities InfoAltoona is driven forward by a team of passionate, business-friendly leaders who listen. For more information about the Mayor and Council, please visit the City of Altoona’s website.
Jeremy Boka
(515) 556-1613
jboka@altoona-iowa.com
Scott Duer
(515) 418-2227
sduer@altoona-iowa.com
Josh Dunwoody
(515) 720-8891
jdunwoody@altoona-iowa.com
Jerry Evans
(515) 967-5136
jevans@altoona-iowa.com
Julie Stewart
(515) 967-5136
jstewart@altoona-iowa.com