Entrepreneurial Development Center

With physics and law degrees, and some profits from the .com era in Silicon Valley, Eric Bochner set off for Chicago where he "took a break" and attended culinary school. It was there where the astute business man in him saw an opportunity to make volumes of high-quality chocolates in a more efficient manner. 

When he came to the EDC in 2005 as a referral from Iowa City Area Development (ICAD), he was looking for funding to scale his operation and create a wholesale portion of his business. "I instantly hit it off with the folks at the EDC. They "get" the whole entrepreneurial thing because they're operators - they have actually grown scaleable companies before," says Bochner.

As Eric Bochner grows his premium chocolate manufacturing business via retail (he opened a retail location near Coralridge Mall in late 2005) and wholesale, he has looked to the EDC for advice and objectivity on strategic decisions.

"From how to grow my customer base, to marketing or getting financing and growing plant space, we've strategized on almost every facet of my business. Just about every month I spend an hour or so with Curt and Josie and that hour conversation has huge value to me," says Bochner. "They add an objective perspective to my business issues. It is helpful to talk to someone that has been there and done that," adds Bochner.

Getting connected to other resources has been another valuable service to Bochner. "A lot of so-called business networking is based on shaking someone's hand once. At the EDC, they have a pool of resources that you can trust because they've actually had experience with them-they have established real relationships with resources that can really help build your business," says Bochner. "Through the EDC I have been introduced to several banks, potential investors, a stainless steel resource and even a great freight provider, to name a few."

Recently the EDC assisted Bochner with obtaining a low interest loan and Technical Assistance funding from IDED. Bochner also says that having the EDC advocating on his behalf has been helpful. "Curt and Josie have been like an extension of my team. They've advocated my business to investors, the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) and even customers."

Since last year, Bochner Confections has expanded its advanced manufacturing facility from 3,500 square feet to over 38,000 square feet. And in 2006 he landed a major national retailer - providing a private label and allowing him to significantly grow his operation.

"As we continue to expand, the dual fuel that will allow future growth will be finding additional private label opportunities that are non-competitive with our current accounts and growing our retail footprint into major metropolitan areas," says Bochner. "I know the EDC will be an important part of that future," he adds.