Union County Development Association

BLDG 301 

301 W Montgomery

Creston, Iowa 50801

641.782.2003

Our Focus Is On 

Community Development

An Impact You Can See

Please be advised: Due to COVID-19,  UCDA offices are closed to the public until further notice. Employees are working under alternative work arrangements.  We appreciate your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.

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COVID-19 IMPACT SURVEY

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) needs to assess the impact of the pandemic in Iowa. To assist in these efforts, please complete this survey, developed by University of Northern Iowa – Institute for Decision Making, to tell us what your business is experiencing and how your business is handling the current crisis. 

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Below Are Some Additional Resources For You:

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Follow Our Facebook Page For Additional Resources, Zoom Meetings & Updates.

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Dine UC

We are committed to providing as many resources as possible. Here is a list of eateries in UC that would love your support. Something as simple as Gift Certificate Purchases can make a big difference during this time. We will update this as changes are made to dining options.  #supportuc

Welcome to Union County, Iowa. We invite you to Rise Up with us, as we are located in the southern part of Iowa at the highest point of the BNSF railway between Galesburg, Illinois and Lincoln, Nebraska.

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Creston is the county seat of Union County and  is the largest city west of I-35 and south of I-80 in Iowa, making it a regional retail hub. Creston has many unique shops and boutiques where hospitality is of the highest priority. Creston continues to be a growing hub city for southwest Iowa.

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Union County is the home of Greater Regional Health, Southwestern Community College (SWCC) and Buena Vista University (BVU). Union county has a strong manufacturing, retail and service base. We have a variety of outdoor amenities, ideal for hiking, hunting, fishing and general outdoor enjoyment.

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Our second largest city, Afton, features a newly renovated fairgrounds for our county fair and serves as a multipurpose venue location as well.

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Union County truly has something to offer for everyone - we look forward to your visit!

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Rise Up UC

Opportunity Knocks

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An information specialist who assists small business owners in finding solutions to their most pressing questions by facilitating connections to the right people, data and resources.

Starting and expanding your business is hard.

 

At the UNI Center for Business Growth, they can provide you with the information and resources you need to grow your business the right way.

business Concierge

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Investment Opportunities

Choosing a location for your business has never been easier. Browse through current listings and contact us to facilitate a tour today.

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View Spaces

Labor

Reports

If you are considering starting or expanding your business, here is a snapshot of the labor market for Union County. With unemployment at such low rate, we are committed to help you obtain the best talent for your growing business.

View The Report

Education Pathways & Future Ready

Union County offers a wide range of educational opportunities for all ages. Schedule a tour at these schools to find the best fit for you or your family members.

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View My Options
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Entrepreneurs

Start Here

Find out more about our On Ramp Program - just start: an introduction to entrepreneurship. These sessions will help you with your business from start to success.

The Roundhouse
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Help Us

Help You

We are here to consult with you on a confidential basis an serve as a liaison with appropriate local, regional and state agencies.

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Business Support Services

Small Business

Development

The Small Business Development Center promotes rural entrepreneurship and job creation throughout its service area.

SBDC

Grow

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Arts & Culture

Creston:Arts serves as the voice for the arts community. We strive to connect and support the arts in the community as a means to create transformation and believe the arts are a public good critical to our region’s success.

Creston: Arts
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Recreation

Fishing, golf, trails, camping, we have it all! If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Union County will not disappoint. Click on the link to view information regarding our many outdoor amenities.

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Let's Get Outside
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Transportation

Whether it's a day trip to Chicago or overnight to Denver, your next getaway has never been easier. Our restored depot, located in the center of our Uptown District is the starting point for your next adventure!

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Book A Trip

Discover

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Intern

IT UP

A program designed to help area summer interns network with community and business leaders and experience more of what Union County, Iowa has to offer.

When your business signs on an intern for the summer months, we want them to experience more of the community than where they work and where their temporary housing is. This program helps them meet similar aged individuals and network with community members, while seeing some of the amenities we have to offer.

Summer Session Registration
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Area Business & Open Coffee UC

UCDA organizes Area Business Coffees with a new business host each Friday morning. We are guaranteed to be wrapped up by 9am, so everyone can get back to their business day.

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Looking for monthly coffee group? Open Coffee - UC is opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to discuss business related topics. Learn and share and advocate for small business ownership and growing local businesses.

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Visit Page
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Union County Young Professionals

Our goal is to attract and retain Young Professionals in this region, volunteer within the community and provide a networking opportunity for Young Professionals.

UCYP participants are from a variety of backgrounds and industries ranging from education, manufacturing, banking, agriculture and entrepreneurs.

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Visit Page

Connect

Work

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Lead UC

Increasing the community vitality through leadership engagement and diversity. Our leadership program has graduated over 100 successful alumni. Lead UC challenges individuals in all sectors of the community for identification of local issues, engagement in positive community change and shared leadership.

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More Information

Home Base Iowa

HBI is a one of a kind program connecting veterans and transitioning service members with HBI partners and rescources. This program helps connect Iowa businesses with qualified veterans looking for career opportunities. Countless resources are available to help veterans and their families with education and in transitioning to a new community with focused support and individuals who want to help. HBI's private - public partnership provides a high quality of commitment for our veterans and transitioning service members.

I Want To Know More
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Lead UC Youth

Encouraging youth to be motivated to lead while serving others. This approach to youth leadership naturally creates relationships. Our goal is for youth to feel connected to their community and feel empowered to make a difference.

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More Information

At Home

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James

Sub Division

6 lots remain available in the James Subdivision. Enjoy easy access to the Park To Park trail system in this neighborhood.

More Information

Development

Guide

If you are considering building a spec home or multiple homes, this is a resource you will find useful. Also featured in this section, is data from the Housing Study, completed by JEO Consulting in 2017. Contact UCDA for these resources.

Coming Soon!

Attainable

Housing

UCDA is proud to partner with SWCC to construct new or rehabilitated homes for our communities. Many of these homes are along the Elm Street Corridor in Creston. The newest home being constructed is located at 409 W Filmore St in Afton.

More Information