Economic Development

Governor Reynolds Announces COVID-19 Iowa Small Business Relief Program

posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 in Economic Development

Governor Reynolds announced Monday Morning the launch of a new Iowa Small Business Relief Program that will provide financial assistance to small businesses that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000 in addition to offering Iowa businesses a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest.

Iowa's 2020 Competitive Dashboard

posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in Economic Development

On Tuesday, March 10, Executive Director of the Iowa Business Council, Joe Murphy, presented on how Iowa measures and how the state is competing nationally in five indicators: economic growth; workforce and education; governance; health and wellness; and demographics and diversity.

How is Iowa Emerging in ‘The Next Economy'?

posted on Monday, March 9, 2020 in Economic Development

Where is the economy headed in the next decade? Will the southwestern edge of the country see the same wild increase in jobs as it saw in the last decade, or is the tide changing?

Economic Development Update: Existing Business Trends, Workforce & Innovation

posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 in Economic Development

In January, the Iowa Economic Development Authority released its statewide Business Expansion & Strategic Trends report (BEST of Iowa). This report takes a snapshot of what is on the mind of existing businesses the 12 months preceding September 1, 2019. In aggregate, the data includes existing business interviews Grow Cedar Valley conducts.

Waterloo Ranked Top City in U.S. for Economic Advancement

posted on Monday, December 30, 2019 in Economic Development

In a recent article released by LendEDU, Waterloo has been recognized as one of the best positioned cities for #economicadvancement in the new decade! Analyzing nearly 400 U.S. cities on a variety of socioeconomic factors deemed important for economic success in the new decade, Waterloo ranked #134 specifically.

Two Local Companies Invest $27 Million Dollars in Waterloo Projects Receive State Support

posted on Friday, November 22, 2019 in Economic Development

Lincoln Savings Bank and Warren Transport were awarded $27M combined in tax reimbursement from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for the companies projects in Waterloo.

Diversity & Perceptions are KEY to Growing Population

posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 in Economic Development

WORKFORCE was the headliner in Iowa Economic Development and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham's presentation on Tuesday morning. It comes as no surprise to many, if not all, Cedar Valley businesses that questions such as, "How do I find workers to fill our positions?" is a real and consistent issue plaguing the future of our businesses. Durham emphasizes that diversity and perception are the biggest factors contributing to Iowa's workforce shortage.

Waterloo City Council Approves $8.5 Million in Renovations to Ramada Hotel