The Carroll Area Development Corporation is the Go-to Resource for Business Incentives and Support

Businesses in Carroll County, Iowa can take advantage of several programs designed to help their business grow. The Carroll Area Development Corporation is the go-to resource for information on these programs, connections to regional partners, and access to capital. Established businesses, entrepreneurs and those considering relocating to one of our growing communities are invited to contact the CADC to learn about available resources and opportunities. In the meantime, here are a few of the ways the CADC and our regional partners are helping businesses grow.

Revolving Loan Funds are available in Carroll County

Local businesses can apply to receive loans ranging from $5,000 to $300,000. These revolving loan funds are available to businesses making investment in the region. These loans typically work in conjunction with a traditional bank loan, providing opportunities for borrowers to receive more loan funds or to make a lesser down payment. Applicants must contribute a minimum of 10% of the total project cost, far less than with bank financing alone.

The revolving loan fund was created to assist new or existing businesses with development and expansion. The funds may be used for land acquisition, expansion, building construction or renovation, equipment, inventory and working capital. The business must leverage other financing first as the RLF program is intended to be used for gap financing. The program aims to create or retain jobs.  Therefore, all applicants must include information on jobs to be created or retained by the proposed project.  Read this fact sheet to learn more about the lending criteria.

One Carroll County business who has received revolving loan funds is Photography by Fiscus. The Region XII Development Corporation was able to assist Jacob Fiscus with the purchase of a new location on Main Street in Carroll so that he could grow and expand his business. His photography business is action-oriented – taking pictures of youth sports players, for example. In addition, he has an artistic side that required a full studio. Click the link below to watch a video on the company or click to learn more about Photography by Fiscus.

Click here to watch videos on some of the businesses who have benefited from the Region XII Revolving Loan Fundwww.region12cog.org/business-loans/.

To inquire about this program or to apply, email s.landauer@carrolliowa.com.

Start-up Assistance

Entrepreneurs looking to start a business or to grow out of their home office, can benefit from support services ranging from creating a business plan and financial projections to learning how to export or market their services. The CADC provides businesses with information and assistance, while also connecting entrepreneurs with established programs designed to aid them in their journey to success.

Some of these partners include:

• Region XII Council of Governments
• North Central Iowa Small Business Development Center
• Racoon Valley Electric Cooperative
• Des Moines Area Community College
• Iowa State University CIRAS
• Advance Iowa
• University of Northern Iowa
• Iowa Workforce Development
• Iowa Area Development Group
• Iowa Economic Development Authority

It can be difficult for business owners to determine which organization they should contact for a specific need. Working with CADC can help. We can ask questions to learn more about your business and then make introductions to the partners who can provide needed services and assistance.

Small Business Development Center

Businesses in Carroll County should also be aware of the SBDC and the help they offer to those who wish to start a business with a plan that will allow them to access capital investment and financing. Whether it is individual counseling, or classes such as the popular Fast Trac Entrepreneurial Training, North Central Iowa Business Center in Fort Dodge can answer many questions of the prospective business owner. Learn more on the SBDC website.

The Carroll Area Development Corporation is the go-to resource for business support
Entrepreneurs, established business owners and those considering relocating to Iowa, should contact the CADC to learn more about the advantages of doing business in Carroll County and the incentives and support offered to businesses who do. For more information, contact Shannon Landauer, Executive Director, at s.landauer@carrolliowa.com.