Small Business Assistance

Johnston is where you will find helpful and invested partners in the process of starting a small business. To avoid the typical red-tape pitfalls, city leaders work together with a public-private partnership known as the Johnston Economic Development Corporation. We are proud to assist veterans with the development of their small businesses.

"The economic strength of Johnston depends on the ability of several players to work together with the city for the good of our community and residents. Key among those players is the Johnston Economic Development Corporation. JEDCO, as it is commonly referred to, is critical in helping city officials and staff identify opportunities to recruit new businesses and to retain and expand existing ones. Additionally, JEDCO assists the city in finding ways to improve our business climate, whether it is in providing the services that businesses need, or offering incentives to attract the kind of businesses we want in our community," said Mayor Paula Dierenfeld.

It's a successful partnership that has been around since 2004. JEDCO helps developers find the ideal property, plat or building in which to invest, while city leaders ensure a smooth development process.

Johnston Community Development Director David Wilwerding oversees an expert staff that will see that your project moves through the process with ease. "The city strives to ensure all regulations are competitive and all review times are streamlined to ensure the development review process is completed in an efficient and timely manner. Staff stands ready and willing to work with developers on engineering solutions to assist in reducing the time and costs involved in developing a project," said Wilwerding.

Veterans will also find helpful partners here:

Jayne Armstrong
District Director
U.S. Small Business Administration
Iowa District Office
210 Walnut Street, Room 749
Des Moines, IA 50309 Office
(515) 284-4026
Fax (202) 481-2441

Iowa Small Business Portal

Check out this helpful Boots to Business program.