About the Program
Pocahontas County Economic Development Commission (PCEDC) has launched the Jump-Start Accelerator Grant Program to assist new businesses in gaining capital to open their doors and thrive within Pocahontas County. In an effort to expand the county’s outstanding business community and add job opportunities within the county, PCEDC is offering up to $10,000 to at least one startup or business expansion project per year. In addition, applicants may have the opportunity to apply for no or low interest loans in support of their project. If you have a good idea for a business, the background to make it happen, and the passion to follow through with it, PCEDC is eager to help.
PCEDC will provide support as needed through their network of partners, including the opportunity to participate in business training through Iowa Central Community College and the Small Business Development Center to ensure that the grant recipients have the skills and training necessary to be successful.
New startups, businesses relocating to Pocahontas County, and businesses wanting to expand within the county are invited to apply. All businesses must be located or will plan to locate within Pocahontas County, Iowa. All applicants will be required to fill out the complete application and submit a business plan and resume. Applications are due on April 1, 2023..
The Jump-Start Accelerator Grant supports PCEDC’s mission to increase economic opportunity through business formation, job creation and appropriate business and community development strategies for the citizens of Pocahontas County.
Potential applicants should review the grant guidelines and application before applying. Contact litwiller@iowacentral.edu with questions.
Jump-Start Accelerator Grant Recipients
2020 Recipient
- Aspen Leaf Cafe & Coffee House- Pocahontas
2021 Recipients
- Eva's Berries- Fonda
- Powhatan Travel Service- Pocahontas
2022 Recipients
- MedSpa Express- Pocahontas
- Creator's- Pocahontas
- Tavern 119- Fonda
2023 Recipients
- Odd-Fellows-Pocahontas
- 90 Ten Hobby-Pocahontas
- Bill n Lin's Bakery-Varina
- T Dawgs Restaurant-Laurens
- Meltdown Comics and Games-Pocahontas
Our mission is to increase economic opportunity through business formation, job creation and appropriate business and community development strategies for the citizens of Pocahontas County.
The purpose of PCEDC is to promote and encourage economic development; to encourage unity and cooperation within the County; and to improve a higher quality of life in cities, rural areas, and neighborhoods. PCEDC strives to enhance, develop, fund, and implement programs to encourage and support the quality of life in Pocahontas County through cooperative economic development efforts.
PCEDC Board & Staff
Jessica Feilmeier
PCEDC Chair
Rolfe Representative
John Pohlman
PCEDC Vice Chair
Laurens Representative
Hilary Reed
PCEDC Treasurer
Laurens Alternate
Hanna Kies
PCEDC Secretary
Fonda Alternate
Brent Aden
Board of Supervisors Alternate
James Roetman
Pocahontas Representative
Jessica Feilmeier
Rolfe
Lars Hersom
Business Representative
Jeff Ives
Board of Supervisors Representative
Hanna Kies
Fonda Alternate
Joan DeWall
Pocahontas Alternate
Russ Naeve
Gilmore City Alternate
Angela Duitsman
Fonda
Michelle Wells
Business Alternate