A Strategic Partner for Iowa Businesses

Headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, EDC is a leading business growth engine for Iowa-based interstate companies. We are a collaborative, strategic partner that offers customized, results-oriented guidance for every stage of business. Fueled by a non-profit team of experts, EDC supports the businesses that power the state’s economy and beyond. 

What makes EDC unique is our ability to provide hands-on, professional support and direction to both emerging and established businesses in all stages. In fact, we’re one of the only resources of our kind in the state. 

From capital fundraising to branding, marketing, business planning, and analysis, EDC offers a full range of support services designed to maximize your business’s potential. Clients who have successfully grown their businesses say EDC was the trusted guide and tireless advocate they needed to reach the next level.

Industries We Support

Consumer Products

Medical Innovations

EdTech

Manufacturing

Agriculture

Software as a Service (SaaS)

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Founded by a Founder

In 2003, EDC Founder Curt Nelson recognized a gap in the market: Businesses that supported their state economies were lacking the support they needed to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. 

As a business owner himself, Curt was no stranger to these challenges. He founded EDC to walk alongside business owners and serve as a resource to help them overcome the hurdles holding them back. Our seasoned business experts roll up their sleeves, getting to the core of your business to create a plan for leveraging your strengths and opportunities for success. This critical work drives strong economic impact for our state and fuels vital and sustainable communities. 

To date, EDC has helped more than 1,400 businesses across the state—100+ from the ground up.

EDC Celebrating 20 years

Celebrating 20 Years

In 2023, EDC celebrated two decades of accelerating Iowa businesses. See how far we’ve come and read the success stories we’ve helped entrepreneurs write along the way

Check out our 20th anniversary feature in The Gazette.

Our Team

When you work with EDC, our team becomes an extension of your staff. We understand the difficulties of starting or scaling a business, but we also know your journey is unique. We’re committed to getting to know you, your business, and your industry so we can take you to the next level. 

What sets EDC apart isn’t solely our experience, but the way we work with our clients. We don’t shy away from asking the right questions, and we’re fueled by a passion to help you grow.

Curt Nelson

Curt Nelson

President & CEO

With over 40 years of successful national and international business creation and leadership experience, Curt has directed the development and successful launch of over 100 new businesses and more than 500 new products for the communications, IT, military, transportation, medical, health, food, and gardening industries worldwide. Curt is a seasoned public speaker, entrepreneur, investor, consultant, and three-time veteran of Inc. Magazine’s 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies® list (#48, #67, #225 as President of Crystal Group Inc., Hiawatha, IA.).

Years of Experience: 46

Alma Mater: University of Iowa

Previous Companies & Organizations: Iowa Venture Capital Association (co-founder / president), Iowa Seed Fund I & II (Fund Manager), Elmcrest Country Club (President), Crystal Group Inc. (President), Rockwell Collins Land Transport (Director Sales & Marketing), Universal Gym Equipment (Director Sales & Marketing)

Community Involvement: UI Research Foundation Board of Directors, ASAC Board of Directors, Cedar Rapids Chamber Board of Directors, Isaak Walton Board of Directors, and various other private boards.

Life Outside of EDC: Cycling, skiing, golfing, friends, and ongoing DIY projects on my children’s houses.

What is one of the most common challenges you have encountered with entrepreneurs and existing business leaders over the years? Understanding the need to wrap the right talent and experience around their vision and successfully execute accordingly.

Jane Burroughs

VP of Operations and Program Funding

Jane Burroughs currently serves as VP of Operations and Program Funding for the EDC. She provides clients with operations mentoring, purchasing best practices and materials management plus guidance with funding at local, state of Iowa and federal levels. Jane works closely with IEDA on all new funding programs and has been especially successful with client awards relative to the Iowa’s Public Innovation Funding Continuum. With over 16 years working with IEDA Jane brings a vast knowledge of all programs.

Years of Experience: 37

Alma Mater: Iowa State University

Previous Companies & Organizations: RepellT LLC, Crystal Group, Rockwell Goss

Life Outside of EDC: Jane is an active member of the Cedar Rapids Moose Lodge, a member of PEO, Chapter CU, and supporter of Miracles in Motion.

How have you seen funding opportunities and requirements change in your time at EDC? The state of Iowa is fortunate to have supportive funding that became available with the flood of 2008, the pandemic and derecho of 2020. In the early years, there were various grants available, but that is no longer the case. Low interest loans tied to milestones and deliverables are the normal now. The funding documentation requirements have increased, and the process (due diligence) has significantly improved over the years. Iowa has a variety of funding programs for startups to expand Iowa businesses.

Stacey Paoli

Stacey Paoli

Director of Finance

Stacey Paoli brings experience in finance and administration to her role as the office manager for EDC. Her focus is to manage office operations, human resources, internal bookkeeping and accounting, and vendor relationships for EDC. She also assists clients with their bookkeeping and accounting needs.

Years of Experience: 29

Alma Mater: University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and Western Wisconsin Technical College

Previous Companies & Organizations: US Cellular, Heartland Investments

Community InvolvementArthur Elementary Parent Teacher Association Treasurer, Cedar Rapids Youth Hockey Association Treasurer, Cedar Rapids High School Hockey Association Board of Directors (Treasurer)

Certifications: QuickBooks™ certified user, notary public

Life Outside of EDC: Hiking, running, walking our dog, gardening, interior decorating and DIY projects.

What’s one tip you always give entrepreneurs about managing their business finances? It is never too early to start using accounting software and to establish a budget. Learn how to read and understand your financial statements so you can make better decisions in scaling and growing your company.

Beth Meyer

Beth Meyer

VP of Marketing

As VP of Marketing, Beth works directly with our entrepreneurs and business leaders to help them create or enhance their current marketing strategies and plans. Brand development, market research and fit, go-to-market strategies, sales support, and promotional content are common areas where Beth assists EDC clients.

Years of Experience: 31

Alma Mater: Iowa State University

Previous Companies & Organizations: Iowa City Area Business Partnership, Raining Rose, North Forty, Benchmark, Inc.

Community Involvement: Iowa City Downtown District Board Member, EntreFEST Planning Team, Waypoint, United Way

Life Outside of EDC: Golfing, cycling, live music, wineries, reading, travel (not necessarily in that order)

What marketing challenges have you found in working with your clients? It’s typical that most entrepreneurs or business leaders don’t understand marketing. Early-stage business founders don’t understand how important it is to have a sound brand developed prior to launching their business. Likewise, a rebrand can have a huge impact on an established business and reset their marketing strategies.

Briana Krumm

Brianna Krumm

Client Services Manager

Brianna fills our newly created Client Services Manager position with a passion for organization and all things data. She has a front row seat in building direct relationships with most of our clients, and plays a key role in onboarding prospects and new clients.

Years of Experience: 15

Alma Mater: University of Northern Iowa

Previous Companies & Organizations: New Leader Manufacturing, Adidas Group

Life Outside of EDC: Hiking, biking, camping out west, visiting breweries and wineries, and anything that involves animals.

What’s your favorite part about onboarding new clients at EDC? Learning about the product they are developing. Whether it be manufacturing, ed-tech or a SaaS product, it’s fascinating to learn about their product and where the passion came from.

Board of Directors

Aaron Friederich

Aaron Friederich

GreenState Credit Union

Chad-Pelley

Chad Pelley

Twenty40 Building Concepts

Charles Rohde

Charles Rohde

King’s Materials

David Hensley

David Hensley

University of Iowa, JPEC

Dennis Jordan

Dennis Jordan

Alliant Energy

Hunter Skogman

Hunter Skogman

Skogman Realty

Jack Gonder

Jack Gonder

Bankers Trust

Jared Adam

Shuttleworth & Ingersoll

Jasmine Almoayyed

Jasmine Almoayyed

Kirkwood Community College

Jon Dusek

Jon Dusek

Armstrong Development

Kim King

Kim King

Alliant Energy

Kris Gulick

Kris Gulick

Kris Gulick, CPA/EdgeData

Larry Helling

Larry Helling

Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust

Nancy Lynk

Nancy Lynk

(Chair) U.S. Bank

Pat Deignan

Pat Deignan

BankIowa

Riley Eynon-Lynch

Riley Eynon-Lynch

Entrepreneur

Terry Sullivan

Terry Sullivan

Linn County REC

Tim Kintner

Tim Kintner

Ohnward Bank & Trust

Tom Deboom

Tom DeBoom

Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC

William McCartan

William McCartan

Bradley & Riley PC

Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

Reach out today to learn more about how we can help, or fill out a client application.