Business Resources

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Tell WEDG what you're trying to do, and we'll help you figure out how to get there.

Business Resources

Where can I get help?

Free, confidential guidance from people who do this every day - mentoring, business planning, market research, financing help and statewide networks.

SCOREKirkwood SBDCIASourceLinkAdvance IowaJPEC

Business Incentives

What financial tools might help my project?

Training dollars, property tax tools, state programs and Iowa tax advantages that may apply when you expand, hire, build or invest.

260E TrainingProperty TaxState ProgramsTax Advantages

Business Incentives

Growing here should be easier.

Whether you're expanding an existing Washington County business, adding employees, investing in new equipment or facilities, or considering Washington County for your next location, there may be local and state programs available to help.

The tricky part? Knowing what's available and what makes sense for your project.

That's where WEDG comes in.

We work with businesses, communities, and our economic development partners to identify potential resources, make the right connections and help move projects forward.

Iowa New Jobs Training Program (260E)

Adding jobs? The Iowa New Jobs Training Program can help eligible businesses cover the cost of training employees hired as part of an expansion.

Administered locally through Kirkwood Community College, 260E uses a portion of the state withholding taxes generated by qualifying new positions to fund employee training.

Funding may support structured employee training, on-the-job training, and other eligible workforce development expenses.

If you're thinking about adding employees, talk to us early. Timing matters with programs like 260E, and WEDG can help connect you with Kirkwood to determine whether your project may qualify.

Property Tax Incentives

New construction, major renovations, and business expansions may qualify for property tax incentives depending on the project and location.

Potential tools can include Iowa's industrial property tax exemption, local property tax abatements, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

These incentives aren't one-size-fits-all. Availability and eligibility vary by project and community, so WEDG can help you start the conversation with the appropriate city, county, or other local partner.

State Business Incentives

Iowa offers additional programs that may help qualifying businesses offset costs associated with locating, expanding or modernizing operations.

Depending on the project, assistance may include loans, tax credits, construction-related sales tax refunds, workforce programs or other financial incentives.

WEDG can help businesses explore available programs and connect directly with the Iowa Economic Development Authority and other state partners.

Iowa's Business Tax Advantages

Sometimes the incentive isn't a special program at all.

Iowa's tax structure includes several advantages that can be particularly valuable for manufacturers and other growing businesses, including exemptions that may apply to:

Manufacturing machinery and equipmentCertain utilities used in the manufacturing processInventoryCertain computers and softwarePersonal propertyMachinery and equipment property taxes

Iowa also offers a Research Activities Tax Credit for qualifying research and development activity.

Start With WEDG

You don't need to know the name of the program, which application to fill out or who to call first.

Tell us what you're trying to do.

Are you adding jobs? Buying equipment? Building an addition? Looking for property? Considering a new location? Planning an investment but aren't quite sure what resources might be available?

We'll help you ask the right questions, identify potential resources, and connect you with the people who can help.

Let's talk about your project

East Central Iowa

For over 50 years we have provided free, confidential, face‒to‒face mentoring to help entrepreneurs start, grow and fix their small business.

Learn more about ECIS here.

Kirkwood Small Business Developement Center

Successful entrepreneurs possess vision, determination and a relentless desire to obtain sound advice from outside experts. The Kirkwood SBDC provides free counseling to entrepreneurs who are planning or operating small businesses. Services available include:

One‒on‒one, confidential counseling by qualified professionals;
A variety of learning opportunities, including workshops, classes, online assistance, publications and other resources;
Connections to other service providers, federal, state and local resources, sources of capital, and similar small‒business assistance.

Learn more here.

IASourceLink

IASourceLink is the premier online resource connecting entrepreneurs and small businesses to more than 320 resource providers across Iowa. IASourceLink benefits for small businesses include:

IASourceLink is brought to you by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) in collaboration with MyEntre.Net at the University of Northern Iowa.

Advance Iowa

Advance Iowa is the State of Iowa’s comprehensive consulting program designed to work with mid sized companies to enhance their growth. It is often lonely at the top for business owners, we are here to be a third party sounding board and trusted advisor.

Advance Iowa assists firms in overcoming their obstacles and helps to identify new opportunities.

Learn more about Advance Iowa here.

John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC)

The University of Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) is committed to being a national leader in teaching and supporting innovation and entrepreneurial development. They’re proud to play an important role in the development of Iowa‒based technology and high‒growth start‒up companies.

Learn more about JPEC here

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WEDG partners with existing and new businesses for the benefit of all involved. We are the premier Economic Development organization in Washington County, Iowa.

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