Economic Development Week and the Carroll County Growth Partnership

Economic Development Week, celebrated between May 8-12, 2023, provides a platform to highlight the economic development efforts underway in rural communities like Carroll County. It is a time to showcase the innovative programs and partnerships that are helping to create a more vibrant and sustainable local economy. 

“Economic Development Week is an important event for rural communities like Carroll County in Iowa,” states Executive Director Kimberly Tiefenthaler. “It provides an opportunity to showcase the ongoing economic development efforts and to highlight the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural areas.” For example, the Carroll County Growth Partnership is working to provide support and resources to local businesses and startups. Through partnerships with organizations such as the Small Business Development Center and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the CCGP offers various services to help entrepreneurs and business owners start and grow their businesses.

In addition to supporting local businesses, Economic Development Week is an opportunity to attract new investment to rural communities. Rural communities can promote their unique advantages to potential investors through partnerships with state governments and other economic development organizations. This can lead to new investments in the area, such as new manufacturing facilities or retail stores, which can create new jobs and help to drive economic growth.

Rural communities face several economic challenges, including declining populations, limited access to capital, and a shortage of skilled workers. These challenges can make it difficult for businesses to start and grow and for communities to attract new investments. However, rural areas also offer many advantages, such as lower costs of living and a strong sense of community, which can be leveraged to promote economic growth.

Fostering growth and economic development in Carroll County - the Carroll County Growth Partnership

In western Iowa, Carroll County is a rural community; despite its small size, it has a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. However, like many rural communities across the country, Carroll County has recently faced its fair share of economic challenges, including a declining population and a shortage of skilled workers.

The CCGP achieves this mission by providing support and resources to local businesses and startups. Through partnerships with organizations such as the Small Business Development Center and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the CCGP offers various services to help entrepreneurs and business owners start and grow their businesses.

For example, the CCGP assists with business planning, market research, and financial analysis. It also offers access to funding opportunities, such as grants and low-interest loans, to help businesses invest in equipment, technology, and infrastructure. In addition, the CCGP hosts a variety of workshops, training programs, and networking events to help businesses connect with each other and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.

Two grants for business expansion and facade improvements

Carroll County Growth Partnership is launching two grants in 2023: a) Micro-Facade Grant and b) Jump-Start Accelerator Grant. These grants aim to incentivize new business start-ups, business expansions, and facade improvements to downtowns across Carroll County.

The Micro Façade Grant will award ten (10) $1,000 grants for façade improvements - renovations that will help towards the beautification of Carroll County. 

Through the Jump-Start Accelerator Grant, CCGP will award two (2) $5,000 grants for business start-ups or expansion projects. Funds can be put towards construction, land/building acquisition, major renovation or repair of buildings, site development, engineering, materials, equipment, marketing, legal fees, and website/e-commerce. New start-ups and existing brick-and-mortar businesses in Carroll County can apply.

Carroll County Growth Partnership (CCGP) supports the existing industry base, assists in establishing new industries, and works to enhance area quality of place for residents and businesses throughout Carroll County, IA. Contact us for more information.