Business Development was split into four branches: Fostering Entrepreneurship, Business Retention, Business Attraction, and Regional Brand.
There are already significant activities underway to promote these areas.
The region boasts a robust entrepreneurial support network with several key entities providing significant resources. There is a constant and growing level of opportunity for people to learn about, engage with, and become part of the startup community. For example, Business Development resources are available through NewBoCo and Iowa’s Small Business Development Center.
The University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) also works with its university and community partners to foster a vibrant regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and accelerate the creation and growth of entrepreneurs, including: Venture School, Faculty/Student Business Consulting, International Business Support, Student Internships and Placement, John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition, Wellmark Venture Capital Fund, and Networking/Connections.
Additionally, ECICOG has an established regional Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), created with funding from the Economic Development Administration. With an established base of nearly $4 million, the RLF provides low interest loans to businesses throughout the EDD to encourage new and/or expanded development. More recently, several locally-based funds have also been established, including city-funded programs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Marion, and Swisher. Other RLFs include MEDCO and Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street District. With the exception of the Iowa City RLF, these programs are being administered and underwritten by ECICOG.
There are already significant activities underway to promote these areas.
The region boasts a robust entrepreneurial support network with several key entities providing significant resources. There is a constant and growing level of opportunity for people to learn about, engage with, and become part of the startup community. For example, Business Development resources are available through NewBoCo and Iowa’s Small Business Development Center.
The University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) also works with its university and community partners to foster a vibrant regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and accelerate the creation and growth of entrepreneurs, including: Venture School, Faculty/Student Business Consulting, International Business Support, Student Internships and Placement, John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition, Wellmark Venture Capital Fund, and Networking/Connections.
Additionally, ECICOG has an established regional Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), created with funding from the Economic Development Administration. With an established base of nearly $4 million, the RLF provides low interest loans to businesses throughout the EDD to encourage new and/or expanded development. More recently, several locally-based funds have also been established, including city-funded programs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Marion, and Swisher. Other RLFs include MEDCO and Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street District. With the exception of the Iowa City RLF, these programs are being administered and underwritten by ECICOG.
