DoC/EDA University Center

The Economic Development Administration

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) was established in 1965 under the Department of Commerce to generate jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically distressed areas of the United States. The mission of EDA is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Iowa Association of Regional Councils

Iowa is divided into 16 regions each of which have a Council of Government (COG). COGs are formed by counties, cities, and towns to serve local governments and citizens across the State of Iowa. Councils address issues facing local government on a cooperative basis and provide coordination of services delivery, planning, advocacy, technical assistance, and project development in areas such as community development, transportation, housing, land use, solid waste, and natural resources. You can find information about the COG for your region on this map of COG's in Iowa. Each region is linked to the COG's website or their contact information.

The University Center Program

In 1966, EDA began offering grants to institutions of higher education to improve the economies and economic development capacity of their service areas with emphasis on economically distressed communities.

Economically distressed areas are defined as communities that experience substantial barriers that inhibit the growth of their local economies and limit their ability to compete effectively in regional, national, and global markets.

Iowa University Center

The Iowa EDA University Center has operated within the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) since the program began at Iowa State University in 1980. The program provides assistance to small manufacturers in rural communities and entrepreneurs developing start-up companies.  The three primary areas of assistance include:

1. Technical assistance to Iowa businesses and industry.
2. Assist companies with the implementation of new technologies.
3. Support and assist entrepreneurs and start-up companies.

The University Center facilitates the connection between university resources and the needs of Iowa businesses. It utilizes on-campus research lab facilities as well as faculty and student expertise.

The EDA recently established new guidelines that emphasize the importance of project results as a measure of funding accountability. The types of projects the University Center is focusing on to meet these guidelines include:

1. Product and process design improvements that will maintain or expand current market share.
2. New product development for existing manufacturing companies.
3. Technical assistance for start-up companies to resolve their product design and productivity needs.

These projects will be required to show evidence that they have the potential to generate economic benefits such as an increase in revenues, sales or an ability to add or retain jobs.

To help ensure project success, criteria must be met before any University Center project can begin.

Criteria to conduct an EDA funded project:

For existing companies:

• Economic impact data is required
  • Number of jobs created/retained
  • Increase in sales
  • Increase in revenues
  • Retain existing sales

For start up companies/entrepreneurs:

• Has expertise involving the product being developed
• Plans to form a business in Iowa
  • Distribution
  • Sales
  • Manufacturing
• Has data indicating potential economic impact (Similar to the list for existing companies)
• Prototype or list of specific design criteria
• List of benefits proposed product has over current products or an indication of what new need the product will meet.
• Development of a business plan
  • Estimated selling price
  • Estimated cost of production/distribution
  • Targeted market
  • Marketing plan
  • Who/how will distribution be handled
  • Who will manufacture
  • List of potential competitors

For more information, contact:

John A. Roberts, EDA University Center Program Manager
Iowa State University
2272 Howe Hall, Suite 2620
Ames, IA 50011-2272
Email: jarobert@iastate.edu
Phone: 515-294-0932
Fax: 515-294-4925