Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses is an important part of building strong communities and a resilient local economy. Across Poweshiek County, local organizations are working together to ensure business owners have access to the tools, training, and support they need to start, grow, and succeed. Over the past several months, Poweshiek Development has partnered with The Iowa Center for Economic Success, Montezuma Community Development, Brooklyn Economic Development,

Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative and the City of Grinnell working in coordination with Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce are launching a new Energy Efficiency Pilot Program for buildings located within Grinnell’s Central Business District. In partnership with Franklin Energy and Alliant Energy, the pilot program is designed to help downtown building owners and tenants learn more about and take advantage of opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce operati

Image provided by IDEA downtown assessment with proposed flex space idea for activating underutilized spaces in downtown Grinnell.

The Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative team attended the "Stronger Boards, Stronger Communities" leadership workshop hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach on April 18th, 2026. The team along with incoming board President Ashtyn Beck and board member, Rachel Bly, spent the day at the DMACC campus in Newton. Joined by a diverse group of regional leaders and representatives of the Pregnancy Center of Central Iowa, DMACC- Newton Campus, Newton Library,