IOWA CITY - Small businesses in Iowa City could soon get some help from the local government. The city council supports a plan to give businesses financial support. The city has about $75,000 to help small businesses get a jump on reopening.

Take a business like Every Bloomin' Thing on Highway Six. If the business owner there needed some money to help get electricity back to the building, she could go to the city and apply for a grant. The city is planning on giving people up to $5,000 to work on their businesses. The city can help about 15 different businesses, maybe more if people do not need the entire amount. Money will come from the economic development fund. Iowa City City Manager Michael Lombardo said, "This is specifically for economic development and how better us the funds than to make sure our businesses are vibrant."

Iowa City is talking with Coralville to see if the two communities can work together and provide even more money. Iowa City is also asking corporations to consider donating to small businesses.

Email Steve Nicoles at Steve.Nicoles@kcrg.com