Economic Development
Each of our unique Villages is committed to fostering progress, from supporting new and expanding businesses to cultivating talent through a countywide school district dedicated to preparing our future workforce. Here, advanced manufacturing thrives alongside a comprehensive healthcare system with a county hospital, skilled nursing facilities, and connected care for all ages.
In the Villages of Van Buren County, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members come together to create opportunities and enhance quality of life, blending the warmth of small-town living with forward-thinking innovation. Discover how each Village is ready to support your journey and how our community's commitment to growth can make your next chapter a success. Grow with us, where tradition meets modern innovation.
Business & Industry
Van Buren County has many opportunities available for new and/or expanding businesses & industries. Buildings for light manufacturing can be readily available, built to your specifications. Many of our communities have land available for industrial development with utilities on the property or adjacent to these parcels of land.
Urban Revitalization Tax Abatement
All of our communities have an Urban Revitalization Tax Abatement program in effect. Land or existing building(s) must be improved at least 15% and an abatement will be allowed on the new/improved structure. Length of abatement varies by community. Applications are available through the individual city clerks.
Rural Revitalizaton Tax Abatement
Van Buren County also has a Rural Revitalization Tax Abatement program. This is a 3-year 50% abatement on new/improved structure(s). Applications can be obtained by emailing the county assessor's office. Deadline is February 1.
Area 15 Regional Planning Support
Low-interest loans for business and industrial development/expansion are available through Area 15 Regional Planning.
Utilities & Services
Rathbun Rural Water Association supplies all of Van Buren County with water service.
Utility service is provided by Alliant Utilities, Southern Iowa Electric Coop, Access Energy, and Keosauqua Light & Power Co.
The latest telecommunication technology is available to all of our communities through Van Buren Telephone Co. or Windstream Communications (Kinetic).
Assistance Programs
RLF Loans
For business start-ups or expansion, the REDI (Regional Economic Development Investments) RLF loans $5,000 for each job created or retained, up to a maximum of $125,000. The application is available through Area 15 Regional Planning Commission.
Revolving Loan Funds
Southern Iowa Electric Coop has a Revolving Loan Fund available for small businesses, including retail, with low-interest loans up to $100,000.
Access Energy Coop has a Revolving Loan Fund with a $10,000 minimum loan for business start-ups or expansions, including retail. At least 50% of the project must be funded from other sources.
Keosauqua Light & Power has established a Revolving Loan Fund with a minimum loan amount of $10,000 and a maximum of $100,000 with interest rates determined on a case-by-case basis. This RLF is only available to locations in Van Buren County, Iowa.
Keosauqua Light & Power is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online here, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected].
KEO RLF Guidelines KEO RLF Application
Other Programs
The State of Iowa also has several programs available to assist large & small business development.
Iowa Economic Development Agency
Local Financial Institutions
Existing Industry
Barker Wire Co.
Keosauqua | 319-293-3179
Barker Wire Products, a division of Angola Wire Products, Inc., is a manufacturer in the commercial display industry. Producing products such as: Wire Displays, Display Racks, Wire P.O.P. Displays, Retail Displays, Wire Shelves, Wire Baskets, Wire Dump Bins, Sidekicks and Powerwings, Wire Literature Holders, Brochure Holders, Bag Racks, Bag Merchandisers, Wire Spinners, Wire Benches, Crossbars, Wire Shapes, Wire Forms, Shelf Fencing and Dividers, Counter Displays, Display Fixtures and more!
Barker Specialty Products by Hill Phoenix (f.k.a. Barker Company Ltd.)
Keosauqua | 319-293-3777
Van Buren County's largest light manufacturing employer. They specialize in custom design and construction of refrigerated display cases used in grocery stores and delis across the nation.
Tigerhawk Industries (formerly Eagle Plastics/Plaza Enterprises)
Keosauqua | 319-293-6134
Specializing in custom profile plastic extrusion. TigerHawk produces many products for a variety of industries, including refrigeration, office furniture & accessories, marine, medical, appliance, and agricultural markets.
Mid States Manufacturing
Milton | 641-656-4271
A major manufacturer in the material handling industry. Mid-States resides in a 70,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Milton, Iowa and employs over 50 people. Mid-States’ in-house engineering and sales departments have the knowledge to custom design and engineer products to meet your specific needs in the material handling industry.
Riverside Plastics
Bonaparte | 319-592-3166
Riverside Plastics, Inc. is a custom injection molder of thermoplastic resins. This process is used to produce parts that range from the very simple to the highly complex. They are located in a 70,000-square-foot facility that houses two molding rooms with presses ranging from 30 tons to 730 tons, an 11,000-square-foot toolroom, and an in-house engineering and design staff.
Tugboat Transportation
Bonaparte | 319-592-3199
Tugboat Transportation is a family-owned business that provides truckload freight, general freight, and other freight services, which are available from coast to coast. Tugboat Transportation is an accredited member of the National Federation of Independent Business Association.
