Fueling Iowa Business Growth

Get customized, results-oriented guidance to power your business success at every stage. EDC is a nonprofit business growth engine in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that strategically partners with Iowa-based interstate commerce companies to drive strong economic impact and fuel vital and sustainable communities.

We serve as a trusted resource throughout the lifecycle of your business, whether you’re a startup, early-stage business, or established company. No other resource in Iowa provides this level of hands-on, collaborative support.

When Iowa businesses succeed, our state thrives.

Consumer Products

Medical Innovations

EdTech

Agriculture

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Our Impact

companies assisted

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revenue growth generated

$ 0 B

payroll growth generated

$ 0 M

capital raised and employed

$ 0 M

total impact

$ 0 B

How We Support Your Business

When you work with EDC, you get 1:1 professional support from seasoned business veterans who know how to help grow your business. We’ll help you nurture your skills and knowledge, navigate the appropriate resources, and pair you with the right strategic partners when needed.

Our services are intended to fill the gaps in your business, no matter your stage of growth.

Strategic Planning
Sales Team Development/Hiring
Leadership Mentoring
Market Research and Analysis
Market Plan Development
Operations Efficiencies

New Product Development
Finance/Budgeting
Venture Capital Access/Equity Raising
Transition Planning
Business Planning

Get Started with EDC

Step 1:

Step 2:

Submit a New Client Application
Fill out and submit a brief client application.

Step 3:

EDC Review
We’ll review your application and determine next steps, which may include an initial meeting with EDC or a referral to the appropriate resource.

Step 4:

Schedule an Initial Meeting
During this meeting, we ask you to provide as much information as possible (a copy of your business plan, etc.) so we can better understand the current state of your business.

Step 5:

Grow Your Business
Dedicate the time and hard work necessary to grow your business, and with ongoing mentoring, you’ll be able to define your own success.

Success Stories

Pear Deck
Over $100 million has flowed back into Iowa’s economy—one of the largest investor returns in Iowa history—after Pear Deck was purchased by Go Guardian in 2020. EDC played a critical role in this acquisition.

Bazooka Farmstar
While working with EDC, Bazooka’s sales grew nearly four times. Bazooka added new facilities and doubled employment in the Washington County area.

Testimonials

"The EDC team always feels like an extension to our team and are quick to provide support for multiple areas that we need as we prepare to scale our business."

"The EDC team continued to provide critical marketing and organizational strategy support in 2023, enabling Inteconnex to continue to grow at an AAGR of over 20%."

“I can honestly say that without EDC, there is no way our business would have been successful in Iowa. Without the expertise and diligent engagement of Curt and his team, no matter the time of day or day of the week, we would have failed to raise the money, or money would have forced us to move out of Iowa.”

“EDC provides us with long-term advice and assistance in our strategic planning. Given their interaction with thousands of entrepreneurs and small businesses, they’ve seen it all and can lend help by experience.”

"The EDC is a remarkable business ally. Their approach to starting conversations with 'How can I help?' fosters a relationship built on trust, openness, and a shared commitment to growth. In just four months of collaboration, we've achieved milestones that previously seemed a year away."