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ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT

ECICOG works closely with economic development partners throughout the region to help support the growth of our business community. Whether it is industrial development or downtown revitalization, the ECICOG team can assist with goal setting, grant writing and management, economic development assessments and/or technical assistance. ECICOG is designated as the Economic Development District (EDD) through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Economic Development Assessments

Not sure how to advance economic development in your community? ECICOG can help with an economic development assessment designed to help smaller communities identify their strengths and potential opportunities. As part of the assessment, ECICOG can also work with your community to develop an action plan and identify potential funding sources for priority projects. 

Envision East Central Iowa

ECICOG partnered with regional economic development stakeholders in our six-county region to create a comprehensive economic development strategy, known Envision East Central Iowa. Learn more about Envision East Central Iowa’s seven strategic pillars, the action teams supporting this regional work and how you can get involved here.

Business Loans

ECICOG administers a regional business loan program as well as several local loan programs. If your community is interested in establishing a business loan or grant program, ECICOG can help!

Grant Writing & Administration

As the designated Economic Development District, ECICOG has a special relationship with the EDA and is skilled at writing and administering EDA grants. EDA grants can help communities or non-profits with infrastructure projects necessary to support industrial development or growth, business accelerators or incubators, the commercialization of new technologies, or industry cluster development. ECICOG can also assist with writing and administering USDA rural innovation grants, CDBG downtown revitalization grants and other grant opportunities offered through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).

STAFF WHO CAN HELP

Karen Kurt Profile

Karen Kurt

Executive Director

Robyn Jacobson Profile

Robyn Jacobson

Contracts Administrator

Jessica Walker Profile

Jessica Walker

Community Development Specialist

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