CAEDC stands for Cherokee Area Economic Development Corporation. CAEDC is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to retain and attract business, agriculture and residents toCherokee County. CAEDC works throughout Cherokee County including the cities of Aurelia, Cherokee, Cleghorn, Larrabee, Marcus, Meriden, Quimby and Washta as well as the unincorporated areas of the county. Our funding comes from contributions from the city and county governments, all of the area banks, area businesses and individuals.

CAEDC works closely with individuals as they begin the process of realizing their dream to open a new business. That process starts with the dream and a skill. But, there is a whole lot more to opening and operating a business and we are here to help. We are also a resource for ongoing businesses whether they have “hit a bump in the road,” want to expand or are looking for ways to be more effective and efficient. We also actively seek out businesses that are looking to relocate. We regularly respond to Requests for Proposals attempting to attract new businesses to our area. Obviously, we don’t always succeed in attracting those businesses despite the amount of time and effort that goes into preparing those proposals. In addition, we maintain a revolving loan fund designed to help businesses finance their needs. These funds are not meant to replace or compete with lending from area banks, but rather to supplement them.