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New program offered to jump-start Pocahontas economy

POCAHONTAS — The new Jump-Start Accelerator Grant Program in Pocahontas County is intended to get new businesses cranked up just like a jump-start revs up a stalled vehicle.

”This program will increase the vibrancy of the nine small towns in Pocahontas County by supporting entreprenuerials,” said Tom Grau, executive director of the Pocahontas County Economic Development Commission.

The program is funded by a $20,000 state Rural Innovation Grant awarded to the economic development commission. The commission contributed $10,000 in matching funds, making a total of $30,000 available.

On Friday, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg traveled to Pocahontas for a briefing on the program. They met with local officials, representatives of Iowa Central Community College and owners of two businesses that have applied for grants from the Jump-Start Accelerator. The Aspen Leaf Cafe and Coffee Shop is one of those businesses; a planned tack shop is the other.

Winners of the grants will be announced Monday.

Grau said the program provides money to help businesses start or expand.

”It would provide the opportunity to take an idea and bring it to fruition,” he said.

Grant money, he said, can be used to pay for training through Iowa Central Community College. He described Iowa Central as ”that gem, that diamond, we have.”

The Jump-Start Accelerator program has the potential to ”bring more residents into rural communities,” Grau said.

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