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Carroll County Growth Partnership asks county for modest FY26 increase, highlights small‑business grants and advocacy
Summary
Kimberly of the Carroll County Growth Partnership requested a small cost‑of‑living funding increase for FY26, summarized facade and Jumpstart grants, business retention work and regional advocacy including rural EMS and Farm Bill outreach.
Kimberly, representing the Carroll County Growth Partnership (CCGP), asked the board for a slight increase in FY26 funding to offset rising operating costs and insurance premiums.
The CCGP requested a modest cost‑of‑living increase and reviewed its 2024 activities, saying its facade and Jumpstart Accelerator grants have assisted 24 businesses with facade improvements or start‑up support; 11 of those grants were in Arcadia, Breda, Lake City, Glidden and Manning (communities named in the presentation). Kimberly said CCGP funding for facade grants comes from private investments and board member dues.
Why it matters: CCGP provides business retention and expansion services, connects local firms to resources like Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), and conducts advocacy on issues that affect local manufacturers and rural services.
Kimberly told the board that CCGP has increased business counseling hours through Hub 712 and that the organization regularly advocates at the federal level on rural EMS funding and to the congressional delegation on Farm Bill issues. She said the USDA pass‑through loan program has helped local manufacturers and urged continued support for that funding mechanism.
Board members asked about Hub 712’s term and client reach; Kimberly said the Hub position is a two‑and‑a‑half‑year role and reported an uptick in business interest and potential projects as the economy moves further from the 2020 pandemic period. Kimberly said CCGP will continue marketing and counseling work and expressed optimism that even one large project would have noticeable economic benefits for the county.
Ending: The board did not take an immediate funding vote during the presentation; staff said the request will be considered during the FY26 budgeting process and that Kimberly will be notified once decisions are finalized.
