Business Details
23 Years
experience
Trusted Business Growth Partner in Cedar Rapids, IA
Founded in 2003 by Curt Nelson, Entrepreneurial Development is a nonprofit business growth engine headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We specialize in providing customized, results-oriented guidance to Iowa-based interstate commerce companies at every stage of developmentfrom startups to established enterprises. Our team of seasoned business veterans offers hands-on support in strategic planning, funding assistance, marketing development, sales team building, and operations efficiency. With over 20 years of experience, we have supported more than 1,500 businesses, including 100+ startups, and facilitated over $1 billion in economic impact through revenue growth, payroll expansion, and capital investment.Our proprietary methodologies, rooted in Curt Nelsons book *The Recipe for Business Success*, combine proven frameworks with personalized mentorship to address unique business challenges. We pride ourselves on being an extension of our clients teams, offering access to a network of industry experts, funding resources, and strategic partnerships. Our mission is to drive sustainable economic growth in Iowa by empowering businesses to overcome obstacles, scale effectively, and achieve long-term success.
Services
Strategic Planning
Funding Assistance
Marketing Development
Sales Team Building
Operations Efficiency
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of hands-on experience supporting Iowa businesses at every growth stage.
- Our team includes seasoned entrepreneurs and experts with decades of industry leadership.
- We provide customized, one-on-one mentoring tailored to your businesss unique needs.
- Our proprietary methodologies have driven over $1 billion in economic impact for clients.
- We specialize in connecting businesses with state and federal funding opportunities.
What people say
Critical role in entrepreneurial ecosystem
Secured funding we couldn't alone
Propelled us to Inc. 5000 recognition
Long-term strategic advice
Achieved milestones four months ahead
Services
Strategic Planning
Our strategic planning services help businesses analyze market fit, develop leadership capabilities, and create actionable growth plans. We conduct financial assessments, market research, and competitive analysis to identify opportunities. Clients gain clarity on their business model and receive tailored roadmaps to achieve profitability and scalability.
Funding Assistance
We guide businesses through securing government grants, venture capital, and debt financing. Our team specializes in Iowa state funding programs, federal resources, and investor pitch preparation. Clients receive support with documentation, valuation, and negotiations to maximize funding success.
Marketing Development
Our marketing services include brand strategy, market research, and campaign execution. We help businesses define their identity, target audiences, and create content for digital and traditional channels. Clients benefit from data-driven tactics to enhance visibility and customer engagement.
Sales Team Building
We develop sales frameworks, compensation plans, and team structures to optimize revenue growth. Our experts provide training on distribution strategies and performance metrics. Clients gain scalable systems to build high-performing sales organizations aligned with business goals.
Operations Efficiency
Our operations consulting focuses on streamlining production, improving workflows, and managing new product development. We assess current processes and implement best practices for cost reduction and productivity. Clients achieve operational excellence through tailored solutions and expert guidance.
People
Curt Nelson
Founder
With 46 years of experience, Curt founded Entrepreneurial Development after leading over 100 business launches and 500 product developments globally. A three-time Inc. 500 honoree, he specializes in strategic growth and entrepreneurial mentorship.
Jane Burroughs
VP of Operations and Program Funding
Jane brings 37 years of expertise in operations mentoring and Iowa funding programs. She specializes in connecting clients with state and federal grants and loans, leveraging her deep knowledge of IEDA initiatives.
Stacey Paoli
Director of Finance
Stacey offers 29 years of financial management experience, guiding entrepreneurs on accounting software, budgeting, and financial statement analysis to support informed decision-making and business scalability.
Beth Meyer
VP of Marketing
With 31 years in marketing, Beth helps businesses develop brands, conduct market research, and create go-to-market strategies. She emphasizes the importance of brand development for early-stage ventures.
Brianna Krumm
Client Services Manager
Brianna, with 15 years of client service experience, manages onboarding and client relationships. She specializes in understanding client needs across industries like ed-tech, manufacturing, and SaaS products.
Questions
What types of businesses does EDC support?
We work with Iowa-based interstate commerce companies across industries, including consumer products, ed-tech, manufacturing, and SaaS, from startups to established enterprises.
How do I apply for EDC services?
Start by submitting a client application via our website, followed by an initial meeting to discuss your business needs and growth goals.
Can EDC help with funding applications?
Yes, we specialize in connecting businesses with Iowa state grants, federal programs, and venture capital opportunities, including application preparation and investor pitches.
What sets EDC apart from other business consultants?
Our hands-on mentorship, proprietary methodologies, and deep Iowa industry networks provide tailored support that aligns with your business’s unique challenges.
Does EDC offer marketing strategy services?
We provide brand development, market research, and campaign planning to help businesses enhance visibility and customer engagement through data-driven tactics.