Welcome to

Poweshiek

County

Join our membership!

Poweshiek Development counts on dedicated supporters like you to fuel our work in strengthening and growing our county. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your membership helps fund initiatives that create opportunity, attract new investment, and support local businesses, workforce development, and community projects that benefit everyone.

Poweshiek Development

Poweshiek Development aims to foster strategic economic growth by leveraging partnerships and programs which will create a vibrant economy for the benefit of regional businesses and residents alike.

Why Poweshiek County

Situated along Interstate 80 in the State of Iowa, Poweshiek County offers a strategic location with a skilled workforce, quality of life and business-friendly environment. Poweshiek County truly possess the total package.

County Demographics

With a population of nearly 20,000 residents, Poweshiek County covers 584.2 square miles filled with vibrant towns, lush farmland, more than 9,000 housing units and over 550 employer establishments.

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

See commercial buildings and sites that are currently available across Poweshiek County spanning from Grinnell to Montezuma, Brooklyn to Searsboro, and more.

See Properties

18,454

584

572

Residents

Square Miles

Employer Establishments

Interstate 80 Interchanges

NEWS & EVENTS

Why Economic Development and Agriculture Go Hand in Hand

The Grinnell Lions Club invited Poweshiek Development Executive Director Melissa Strovers to speak at Ag Appreciation Day on Thursday, August 27. Her message to farmers, agricultural businesses and community members was clear: agriculture and economic development go hand in hand. Agriculture is deeply connected to Poweshiek County’s businesses, workforce and communities. Every farm is a business. Farmers invest in land, buildings, equipment, technology and employees. Their wo

Grinnell's Downtown Energy Efficiency Pilot Program Moves into Next Phase

Nine downtown building owners and business representatives attended an informational session at the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce to learn more about Grinnell's Downtown Energy Efficiency Pilot Program on May 26, 2026. The pilot program is a collaborative effort between Poweshiek Development, the City of Grinnell, the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, Alliant Energy, and Franklin Energy. The initiative is designed to help downtown building owners and tenants identify opp

Prairie Thrift's mission extends beyond operating a successful thrift store. Its long-term purpose is to create a sustainable funding source for projects inspired by the IEDA Downtown Assessment—helping transform ideas into improvements that make downtown Grinnell more vibrant, welcoming, and economically resilient.

Turning Vision into Lasting Impact

Economic development is about more than creating plans—it's about turning ideas into lasting community impact. Last summer, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) partnered with the City of Grinnell, Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, and Poweshiek Development to complete a Downtown Assessment. The assessment identified opportunities to strengthen downtown, including creating welcoming public gathering spaces, activating alleys, expanding public art, and enhancing the

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Defining the Future: Our Annual Update

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CONTACT

Inquiries

For any inquiries or questions, please call 641-260-1625 or email director@poweshiekdevelopment.com

Office

520 4th Avenue

Grinnell, IA 50112

641-260-1625

director@poweshiekdevelopment.com