Winneshiek County Economic Development

Big or Small, We’re Here to Help You
Winneshiek County Development, Inc. is here to help prospective businesses, small businesses, large businesses, and agriculture-related businesses. Located in Decorah, Iowa in the heart of Winneshiek County, our goal is to promote economic growth in our unique corner of the state.

Prospective Businesses
When an entrepreneur is planning to start or relocate a small business in Winneshiek County, WCDI is the preferred first stop. Free and confidential information may be provided about:

• Writing a business plan
• Public and private loan and grant programs
• Potential buildings or construction sites
• Government regulations
• Marketing

Small Businesses
Existing businesses often need assistance to adapt to changes that have occurred since their start-up. WCDI may help by providing:

• Access to Regional Business Center consultants
• Access to an Iowa Business Accelerator
• Information about MyEntreNet, a free online service
• Seminars about marketing
• Workshops on how the Internet can be used to boost sales
• Information about federal and state programs

Large Businesses
Large businesses often need assistance with expansion efforts or dealing with technology changes. WCDI can assist by:

• Locating sites or buildings as needed
• Providing proper labor information through laborshed analysis
• Working with Northeast Iowa Community College for training agreements
• Working with Iowa Department of Economic Development on grant and loan programs

Ag-related Businesses
WCDI has been active in the Northeast Iowa Food & Farm Coalition and the Food & Fitness Initiative. Assistance to local food production comes from:

• Administering grants to local food producers
• Providing business-plan competition grants to local food producers
• Working to provide micro-loans to local food producers