Strategic Growth for Poweshiek County: Unpacking the CyBIZ Lab

Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative is committed to understanding and enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem for our county. Recognizing the vital role that entrepreneurship plays in driving economic growth, we partnered with the CyBIZ Lab at Iowa State University in Spring 2025 to conduct a comprehensive study of our county entrepreneurial landscape. This research examined economic trends, surveyed residents and businesses, and benchmarked comparable rural communities. 

The CyBIZ study highlighted five strategic pillars for consideration: 

1. Agri-Tech & Precision Farming: The study suggesting pursuing innovation in agriculture to maintain competitiveness. Short-term actions might include launching pilot plots using drones and hosting AgTech demo days.

2. Renewable Energy & Green Technology: This pillar focuses on advancing clean energy solutions to diversify the economy and create jobs. Future steps may involve partnering with Iowa State University to assess microgrid feasibility and promoting small-scale solar projects.

3. E-Commerce & Remote Work: They recommended strengthening digital infrastructure and training to support our entrepreneurs. Suggestions included  running e-commerce training, digital bootcamps, and work on expanding broadband in the short term.

4. Tech-Based Business Incubators: The study identified incubators as a powerful catalyst for new business creation. Suggestions included considering short-term efforts include piloting hybrid incubator spaces in underutilized downtown buildings.

5. Tourism & Cultural Development: The study suggested leveraging unique culture and tourism assets as economic drivers. Specific examples given includes: festivals, food fairs, and agri-tourism events.

Working groups have been formed and are taking this research into consideration when developing action plans for the next year.

This vital project was made possible through the generous support of the City of Grinnell, Grinnell College, Grinnell Mutual, the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, and the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, and through a Power of Connection Grant from ITC Midwest.

For questions about the report, please contact Poweshiek Development’s Executive Director, Melissa Strovers, at director@poweshiekdevelopment.com.