What is the Entrepreneurial Development Center?
Established in 2003, the Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc. (EDC) is a private/public sponsored business accelerator. The EDC's mission is to provide economic growth in the Technology Corridor and throughout Iowa through the expansion and development of entrepreneurial enterprise. The EDC is focused on creating local wealth for area re-investment by growing and cultivating Iowa-based regional, national and international businesses.
What does the EDC do?
The EDC's primary function is to connect entrepreneurial needs with qualified community and state resources and to provide hands-on professional and business direction. While working with both emerging and existing businesses, EDC supports the development and commercialization of new products and new technologies. Staffed by seasoned veterans, EDC helps entrepreneurs maximize their success by helping them navigate resources, strengthen knowledge, improve skills, form strategic alliances, and secure proper capitalization.
Who does EDC help?
The EDC provides support services for start-up entrepreneurs as well as those with long-established businesses. EDC focuses specifically on interstate / international commerce business models founded in Iowa. So, whether you are incubating a new business idea, or trying to improve your current business model, if your business qualifies, EDC is available to help.
EDC Board of Directors
- Mary Quass, NRG Media LLC (Chair)
- Charles Klasson Jr., CIVCO Medical (Past-Chair)
- Tom Aller, Interstate Power and Light Co.
- Lance Dunn, 2nd Story Software
- Jon Dusek, Armstrong Development
- Larry Helling, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust
- Bruce Lehrman, Involta
- William McCartan, Bradley & Riley PC
- Shannon Meyer, Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce
- Paul Rhines, AAVIN Equity Advisors
- Charles Rohde, King's Material Inc.
- Al Ruffalo, Ruffalo Cody
- David Rusch, CRST International
- Steve Schoenauer, RSM McGladrey
- Terry Sullivan, CIPCO
- Pamela York, University of Iowa Research Foundation
EDC Staff Members
- Curtis R. Nelson, President & CEO
- Josie Heskje, Vice President of Marketing
- Jami Gordon, Marketing Research Assistant
- Jane Burroughs, VP of Operations
- Christie Remley, Marketing Manager
- Pete Fry, Entrepreneur in Residence
- Julie Zielinski, Consultant
- Vaughn Halyard, Entrepreneur in Residence
- Stacey Paoli, Office Coordinator







