In 2020, Dubuque Initiatives partnered with the East Central Intergovernmental Association
(ECIA) and the COVID-19 Business Helpline to create the Dubuque Initiatives Emergency
Bridge Loan Program. The program authorized the use of $2 million of Dubuque Initiative funds
to provide bridge financing in the form of loan, up to $10,000, for local businesses to use until
pending State and Federal financing support was made available. Businesses were not charged
interest or fees for the first 60 days of the loan and repaid the loan to Dubuque Initiatives upon
receipt of State or Federal assistance. For businesses that did not receive State or Federal
assistance, the bridge loan was converted to a three-year, ultra-low-interest loan.