The Most Important Economic Development Work Starts with a Simple Question: How’s Business?

As a business owner, there are plenty of hats you may have to wear on any given day.

You’re watching the budgets and bottom line, thinking about what’s next, hiring and supporting employees, setting the direction and making the big picture decisions.

You’re the visionary, problem solver, financial manager, sales director, HR manager… and the CEO.

Which is exactly why having resources like the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC) ready to help can be so valuable. We’re here to support your business however we can, and connect you with the people and resources you need.

And that means you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. 

“GFDC is here to be a resource and an advocate for you at every stage of business,” said Kelsey Martinez, Director of Business Services. “Our role isn’t just about attracting new businesses to Fremont. We want to help the businesses that are already here grow and succeed.” 

How Can We Help?

One of the best ways we can support you? Simply by showing up and listening.

A top priority for GFDC is business retention and expansion, but we also don’t want you to think you have to have a problem before you can ask us for help.

That’s why we’ve prioritized offering one-on-one company site visits. They give us an opportunity to connect directly with area employers, and give you dedicated time to talk about what’s working for your business, what isn’t, and how we can help.

“The biggest value is often simply having the opportunity to talk openly, directly, and confidentially,” said Martinez. “During a business retention and expansion visit (BR&E), we can learn what is going well for a business, what challenges they are facing, and what they see on the horizon. Sometimes that leads to a specific action item like connecting them with a workforce resource, helping identify a funding opportunity, or providing information and connections that may be helpful as they move forward with a planned project or expansion. Other times, the most valuable outcome is simply knowing that GFDC is aware of what they are experiencing and is available as a resource.” 

Having a Voice in Economic Development 

It’s also an opportunity to have a voice in economic development.

As a business owner, you may be among the first to notice an economic shift or emerging challenge in the region that we need to know about. By sharing what you’re seeing and helping GFDC understand the business climate, you’re helping shape our community’s economic strategy.

“These visits also help us identify trends across the business community. When we hear similar challenges or opportunities from multiple businesses, it helps GFDC understand where we may need to focus our programs, partnerships, or advocacy efforts,” said Martinez.

And this isn’t an inspection. It’s about building relationships with our entrepreneurs so you’re comfortable calling us before an urgent need arises.

Think of a BR&E visit as a resource, not another meeting on your calendar.

“Ultimately, BR&E visits are about building relationships and making sure our existing businesses know they have a partner in the GFDC,” she added.

You Don’t Have to Know What to Ask For

Maybe you’re facing a workforce situation, expansion idea, permitting question, financial challenge, or even an infrastructure need.

You know there’s an issue within your business, but you’re not sure who can help.

You may benefit from GFDC’s small business education, help navigating the permitting process, assistance identifying incentives and financing opportunities including the Welstead Fund Small Business Startup Loan, or help with recruitment. 

“Whether a business is looking for information about available financing or incentives, navigating a challenge, considering an expansion, looking for workforce resources, or simply trying to figure out who to talk to, we can often help connect them with the right resources or people,” said Martinez.

“We want local businesses to know that they don’t have to have a big problem or a specific request to reach out. Sometimes, simply starting the conversation can lead to an opportunity or resource they didn’t know was available.”
Regardless of what you need, if GFDC itself isn’t the answer, we’ll connect you with the right resource to help you navigate that challenge. 

We Can’t Thank You Enough 

In 2025, we had the honor of connecting with area employers through 63 BR&E site visits and 27 retention/expansion projects.

And each of those one-on-one meetings was also the opportunity for us to personally thank you for choosing to grow your business in Fremont and Dodge County!

In a global economy like ours, we know you have the potential to expand or relocate anywhere in the world. Contact the Greater Fremont Development Council to schedule an on-site visit, explore our business resources, or just say hello. We’d love to hear from you!