CloudCorp- Cloud County Economic Development Ashley Hutchinson, Executive Director

Who we serve For Profit Corporation Contract with the City of Concordia and Cloud County Funded 1/3 through the city, 1/3 through the county, and 1/3 through private contributors County Population 9200, city population is 5200

My Topic Areas Small Business Development Downtown Development

Small Business Development

Small Business Development

Our Goals Create wealth locally Keep the investment in Cloud County even if the business fails Increase valuation of the county Fix our aging downtowns

Largest Small Business Grant in Kansas

Rules Application and interview process. Mentorship component Funds can only be used to build new or renovate an existing building. Funds can only be used on permanent improvements Funds must be used within a year. Can fund 50% of the total project costs up to $50,000

Results 29 new businesses or existing business expansions Projects in 5 out of the 6 municipalities 17 Projects to improve downtown buildings in 5 municipalities- restoring structural integrity $600,000 awarded 83% of grant funds spent with local vendors Total project costs: $4,264,696.58

My Favorites

Downtown Development

Downtown Problems Clear out at night Empty Storefronts Buildings too costly to improve

Solutions we’ve adopted Encourage and promote downtown living Incentivize building owners to improve (Get in the Cloud, Downtown Improvement Program) Encourage small businesses that: Don’t sell stuff you can buy cheaper on the internet Be an EXPERIENCE- Bar and entertainment district Create a walkable downtown and events that bring people to where the businesses are