261—52.2(15) Certification. The authority is responsible for ascertaining that a small business is owned, operated, and actively managed by a targeted group person.
	52.2(1) Regular certification. Before a small business can participate in the Iowa targeted small business program, it must be certified by the authority.
	a. 	The authority shall review applications from small businesses to determine whether they are eligible to participate in the program pursuant to this chapter as in effect as of the date of application for certification.
	b. 	Certification means the authority has determined that the business meets eligibility standards.
	c. 	Applications for the targeted small business certification are available by contacting the authority or by visiting the authority’s website:
Iowa Economic Development Authority
1963 Bell Avenue, Suite 200
Des Moines, Iowa 50315
515.348.6200
www.iowaeda.com
	d. 	Applicants shall receive written notification of the authority’s decision.
	52.2(2) Recertification. Certified businesses shall submit verification of continued eligibility to the authority at least every two years.
	a. 	The application for recertification will be provided by the authority.
	b. 	Other documents will be requested to verify the continuing eligibility of the business.
	c. 	The authority shall determine whether a certified business is eligible for recertification pursuant to this chapter as in effect as of the date of application for recertification.
	52.2(3) Information required in application. Various and specific documentation may be required by the authority during the certification or recertification process. Each business shall provide relevant information upon the authority’s request in order to be considered for certification or recertification. Applications shall be signed by an authorized representative of the business. An authorization to release information is part of each application and shall be signed by the applicant. This signature shall be notarized.
	52.2(4) A business may reapply upon proof of compliance with TSB certification standards. Any company that is denied certification or decertified for any reason bears the burden of proving that all deficiencies previously cited have been corrected. Corrections shall be in accordance with requirements governing the targeted small business program. The burden of proof to recertify a business is the responsibility of the owner of that business.
	52.2(5) The business shall notify the authority within 30 days following a change in ownership or control of a certified business. A new application shall be filed showing the change and must be accompanied by sufficient documentation to determine whether the business continues to be eligible to participate in the TSB program.
	52.2(6) An applicant for certification as an Iowa targeted small business may indicate in writing that a similar application is pending with an agency other than the authority. When the authority considers another certification process equal to or more stringent than the process described in these rules, an applicant may submit the information required for the other process. The authority may certify a business as a TSB based on copies of the information provided to another agency. The Iowa application for certification as a TSB may still be required. Certification as a targeted small business in Iowa is granted only by the authority. Certification by any other entity does not ensure certification as a targeted small business in Iowa.
	52.2(7) Disability determinations.
	a. 	Person with a disability. In order to be considered a person with a disability for the purpose of the TSB program, the person must qualify and receive certification as having a disability from a licensed medical physician or physician assistant or must have been found eligible for vocational rehabilitation services by the department of education, division of vocational rehabilitation services, or by the department for the blind.
	b. 	Service-disabled veteran. In order to be considered a service-disabled veteran for the purpose of the TSB program, the person must provide written verification from the Veterans Administration or the U.S. Department of Defense of a service-connected disability, as defined in 38 U.S.C. Section 101(16).
[ARC 3582C, IAB 1/17/18, effective 2/21/18; ARC 5907C, IAB 9/22/21, effective 10/27/21; ARC 6794C, IAB 1/11/23, effective 2/15/23]