ILCDC Receives Funds

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation was among the group of grant recipients
announced Wednesday by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns for new rural business and
development grants. Over $13.7 million was awarded across the country; the Iowa Lakes
Corridor received $50,000 under the Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) program.
The RBOG program finances training and technical assistance for business development. The Corridor plans to utilize these funds to further the momentum started last year with the first Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute by helping introduce entrepreneurship intomiddle schools and high schools in the region. It will include a high school teacher training program to provide teachers with help and support incorporating entrepreneurship education into their classrooms. Plans also include the continuation of the food entrepreneur training and other specialized or industry specific
training,adding more market research tools, technical assistance, mentoring, and consulting services for existing or potential entrepreneurs in the area. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is the regional economic development agency for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet Counties. Its mission is to foster, encourage, promote, assist or otherwise aid in the growth
and development of the region.