The Iowa Economic Development Authority recently awarded $40,000 to five Main Street programs around the state, including one business owner in Fort Dodge.

Ethan Becker, owner of Dungeons and Dodgers, located at 1018 Central Ave., is moving into the final round of competition. Becker will receive $8,000 for his business as one of the top five finalists. The winner of Open 4 Business will receive $20,000.

As a contestant Ethan has a matching portion of 25%.

“We are proud and excited for Ethan to represent Fort Dodge as in independent entrepreneur at the state level,” said Luke Hugghins, president of Main Street Fort Dodge.

The grants will benefit business development and expansion projects in the Main Street districts of Cedar Rapids, Elkader, Fort Dodge, Spencer and West Union.

The grants are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs.

The funding will assist with business expansion projects for Almost Famous Popcorn in Cedar Rapids, Cutting Edge Archery in Elkader, Dungeons and Dodgers in Fort Dodge, Pressed in Spencer, and Unique Memories by Rachel in West Union.

All five businesses will advance to the state Open 4 Business contest that will be held in July for the chance to win an additional $20,000.