In recent years, KEDCO has progressed through an extensive relaunch and has evolved into a unique economic development organization––which makes it the perfect fit for a place with such a variety of exceptional offerings. Kosciusko County is rare. It’s a champion for industry with its title as Orthopedic Capital of the World®, a global leader in the agriculture sector, and the community has natural beauty, offering residents and visitors a landscape of 100+ lakes and 600+ miles of streams. It’s a special place where just about anyone can find their way––to opportunities, a new chapter, adventure, or serenity.
KEDCO’s mission is to convene, build, and show Kosciusko County’s talent, ideas, and capital. Let’s unpack that. KEDCO brings people and resources together to help identify challenges and opportunities; builds partnerships and programs that encourage development in the community, and supports businesses at every stage by helping them navigate opportunities of every size. And KEDCO helps show the world what Kosciusko County has to offer.
One example of how KEDCO carrying its mission forward is by offering customized support for entrepreneurs. You’ll hear KEDCO CEO Alan Tio often reference KEDCO as offering a “toolbox of services” to support businesses. KEDCO connects entrepreneurs and business owners with resources that fit their specific needs at different stages of business.
“We’re building a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs and a support system to remove some of the ‘scariness’ for people who want to take the leap in starting or relocating their business to the community,” said Tio, “We want to see Kosciusko County become known for how we support entrepreneurs, which means making sure they have the tools they need to thrive.”
A startup company might seek one-on-one business coaching as they navigate starting and growing a business. KEDCO offers one-on-one coaching through our Entrepreneurship Initiative, or KEDCO can connect the business owner to our network of partners to offer support in a specific area of need. As a company grows at a later stage of business, the owner may need access to more capital or a larger facility, and our KEDCO team offers support in those areas as well.
“From strategic planning, to developing new services, to writing new contracts, KEDCO has helped Language Matters gain traction and create new initiatives to help our business grow and reach our goals,” said Lucas Fonseca president and co-founder of Language Matters LLC.
KEDCO also offers opportunities for local business owners to gather and connect with bi-monthly Medical Device and Agribusiness Roundtables, and quarterly CEO Roundtables.
“These events bring business owners and leaders together in the same room to build relationships, discuss industry trends, and identify common needs that we can work together to address,” said Tio.
KEDCO has an extensive network of economic development partners such as AgriNovus, Conexus Indiana, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indiana Small Business Development Center, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and more. “We put ‘our network to work by making valuable connections and helping businesses and communities access the right tools in our economic development toolbox,” said Tio.
