Adams County Economic Development

What Adams County Economic Development does

Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit economic development organization founded in 1988 and headquartered in Decatur, Indiana. The organization serves Adams County's 35,000+ residents across four main communities (Decatur, Monroe, Berne, Geneva) and operates with a lean staff of two paid employees (President/CEO and Office Manager) supported by a 20+ member volunteer Board of Directors drawn from local government, banking, education, healthcare, and major employers. Its mission is to cultivate a strong economic future for Adams County residents and businesses through business attraction, retention and expansion, workforce development, and quality-of-life initiatives.

ACEDC delivers its services through a portfolio of interconnected programs and advisory offerings rather than technology products. Core financial programs include a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) offering gap financing up to $250,000 with terms up to 10 years, a Small Business Grant and Loan Program (grants up to $1,000 and loans up to $5,000 for businesses with under 50 employees), and the Hoosier Homes down payment assistance program (up to 5%) delivered in partnership with Club 720. Complementary services include site selection assistance, government liaison support for navigating incentives/tax credits/grants, workforce training coordination via the M.E.R.I.T Center (a one-stop industry training, adult education, career/STEAM facility at 1109 N Dayton Street), a Tourism Initiative, and the Founders Room & Lounge 88' coworking facility.

The business model is non-profit: ACEDC is funded through member contributions, donations, grants from entities such as Early Learning Indiana, county/municipal appropriations, and program-related fees. Pricing on its financial products is structured as public-purpose financing (collateralized gap loans, first-come-first-served micro-grants, and down payment assistance) rather than market-rate commercial lending. Distribution is conducted via direct in-person consultation, a self-serve website (adamscountyedc.com) launched with refreshed branding in 2022, organic social media, and referral partnerships with mayors, business leaders, and regional agencies including the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority, WorkOne Northeast, the Indiana SBDC, and utility providers (Indiana Michigan Power, NIPSCO, Wabash Valley Power).

Name

Adams County Economic Development

Legal name

Adams County Economic Development Corporation

Website

https://adamscountyedc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Adams County Economic Development Corporation is a 501(c)(4) non-profit founded in 1988 in Decatur, Indiana that delivers business financing (RLF loans up to $250K, micro-grants/loans), site selection, workforce training, tourism, and government-liaison services to businesses, job seekers, homebuyers, and municipalities across Adams County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA), Career Exploration & Labor Market Readiness (EDAAAKAA), Rural, Tribal & Special-Population Housing Programs (FSALAKAL)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Business financing programs
• Site selection assistance
• Workforce training coordination
• Community development consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Decatur

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. 501(c)(4) Not-for-Profit Operations: As a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit corporation established in 1988, ACEDC operates through member contributions, donations, grants, and program fees. The organization receives funding from Adams County, municipalities, and private partners to support economic development activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit economic development organization that delivers business attraction, retention, and expansion services across Adams County, Indiana. Its portfolio includes gap financing via a Revolving Loan Fund (up to $250,000), a Small Business Grant & Loan Program (up to $5,000), site selection assistance, incentives and tax credit navigation, workforce training coordination through the M.E.R.I.T Center, the Hoosier Homes down payment assistance program, the Founders Room & Lounge 88' coworking space, and a Tourism Initiative promoting local attractions and events.

Product overview

Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) is a non-profit economic development organization (501c4) serving Adams County, Indiana since 1988. The organization provides a portfolio of interconnected programs and services including the RLF Loan Program (gap financing up to $250,000), Small Business Grant & Loan Program (grants up to $1,000, loans up to $5,000), Hoosier Homes down payment assistance program, and the Founders Room & Lounge 88' coworking space. ACEDC also offers site selection assistance, government liaison services, workforce training support through the MERIT Center, and a Tourism Initiative. The organization partners with local, regional, and state agencies to support business retention, expansion, attraction, talent development, and quality of life initiatives across the municipalities of Decatur, Monroe, Berne, and Geneva in Adams County.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• RLF Loan Program (Revolving Loan Fund) Gap financing tool supporting new and existing Adams County businesses with loan terms up to 10 years, maximum $250,000, and low-interest rates for acquiring land, building, expansion/remodeling, equipment purchase, and working capital. Collateral is required.
• Small Business Grant & Loan Program Program providing grants up to $1,000 and loans up to $5,000 for Adams County small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, intended for equipment, construction, physical marketing, and personal development. Operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Hoosier Homes Program Down payment assistance program in partnership with Club 720 providing up to 5% of down payment and closing costs for eligible homebuyers (credit score 620+, income at or below $115,780, property in Adams County).
• Founders Room & Lounge 88' State-of-the-art coworking workspace offering flexible workstations, professional meeting rooms, high-speed fiber internet, large training and event space, and business support resources for entrepreneurs, small businesses, remote workers, and nonprofits.
• Site Selection Assistance Advisory service helping businesses locate existing buildings or undeveloped sites within Adams County for relocation or expansion, including demographic and utilities information.
• Government Liaison Services Government liaison services that use long-standing relationships at all levels of government to help businesses navigate incentives, tax credits, and grants.
• Training Opportunities & M.E.R.I.T Center Training support delivered through partnerships with local and regional agencies, including the M.E.R.I.T Center (a one-stop service center for industry training, adult education, career/STEAM training, and community resources) and Area 18 career and technical education.
• Tourism Initiative Tourism initiative promoting Adams County attractions, events, and unique offerings including the Limberlost State Historic Site, Pine Lake, Swiss Days festival, and Downtown Decatur Days through marketing campaigns and local business collaborations.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Reusser DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBranding partner responsible for new logo design and brand personality development, as well as website development for ACEDC's 2022 brand initiative.
• Club 720coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partnership for Hoosier Homes homebuyer assistance program. Club 720 serves as link between housing production pipeline and ready buyers, connecting homebuyers with realtors, banks, and builders.
• Housing Resource HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngaged to create and implement workforce-driven Housing Strategy using the Housing Optimization Market Empowerment (H.O.M.E.) Method framework.
• The Kings Kingdom ChildcareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal childcare provider partnering with ACEDC to expand services at M.E.R.I.T Center, creating 58 additional childcare seats.
• Adams Wells Manufacturing AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition focused on educating students about skilled trade careers. Joint Signature Day events celebrating students entering manufacturing careers. Partnership with ACEDC and Wells County EDC.
• Imagine EarlycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarly childhood education coalition of Adams and Wells counties. ACEDC Executive Director serves as board president. Coalition works to increase capacity and quality of early childhood care.
• POWERHOME SOLARminorOthersSolar energy company opening installation office in Decatur, creating up to 100 jobs. Supported by ACEDC and City of Decatur.
• Indiana Michigan Power (AEP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerElectric utility provider partner listed on ACEDC website partners page.
• NIPSCOminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNatural gas utility provider partner listed on ACEDC website partners page.
• Adams HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner listed on ACEDC website partners page.
• BCA Fort WayneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner organization listed on ACEDC website partners page.
• NEI/NWorksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional development partner listed on ACEDC website partners page.
• NEIRPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNortheast Indiana Regional Partnership listed on ACEDC website partners page.
• Wabash Valley PowerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUtility partner listed on ACEDC website partners page.
• Watermark/ZacherminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner listed on ACEDC website partners page.
• WorkOne NortheastminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional workforce agency connecting with state/federal agencies offering grants and incentives for workforce training.
• Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNortheast Indiana SBDC enhances economic development by assisting new and existing small businesses. Funded by SBA, State of Indiana, and Purdue University Fort Wayne.
• Community Development Corporation of Northeast IndianaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDC promotes growth of small commercial and industrial businesses in Indiana through creative loan programs.
• Northeast Indiana Regional Development AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRDA consists of 11 Northeast Indiana counties including Adams. Oversees regional economic development initiatives including READI Program applications.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Regional chamber and economic development organization serving the greater Fort Wayne area of Northeast Indiana. Operates in the same labor shed as ACEDC but at larger scale with broader programming.

Broad incumbents

• Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC): State-level economic development agency that partners with and provides funding to county-level EDCs including ACEDC. Operates at statewide scale offering tax credits, grants, and incentives that ACEDC routes to local businesses.
• Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): Statewide network providing small business advising and support, with a Northeast Indiana affiliate that partners directly with ACEDC. Overlapping service offering in business assistance and gap financing referrals.
• Indiana State Chamber of Commerce: Statewide business advocacy organization that supports Indiana businesses and workforce development. Broader in scope than ACEDC but operates in overlapping policy and advocacy spaces around economic competitiveness.

Emerging players

• Housing Resource Hub: Housing strategy consultancy engaged by ACEDC to implement the H.O.M.E. Method framework for workforce housing. Specialized in the housing optimization space where ACEDC is building new programming capacity.

Direct peers

• Northeast Indiana Works (NEI/NWorks): Regional workforce development board covering Adams County and surrounding counties. Provides workforce training and career services that directly complement ACEDC's MERIT Center and workforce development programs.
• Community Development Corporation of Northeast Indiana: Regional CDC that provides creative loan programs for small commercial and industrial businesses in Northeast Indiana. Directly comparable in mission and financing tools to ACEDC's RLF program.
• Wells County Economic Development Corporation: Adjacent Indiana county EDC that co-manages the Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance with ACEDC. Same state, same sector, similar scale, and direct operational partnership on workforce initiatives.
• Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (NEIRP): Regional partnership of which Adams County is a member, coordinating economic development across 11 Northeast Indiana counties including Adams. Operates as a regional peer with overlapping constituent base and shared project pipeline.
• WorkOne Northeast Indiana: American Job Center network affiliate that provides workforce services, training referrals, and connects with state/federal agencies offering grants and incentives. Direct service overlap with ACEDC's workforce and career training programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/AdamsEDC
• Xx.com/AdamsCountyEDC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/adams-county-economic-development-corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Adams County Economic Development