Phelps County Development Corporation FAQ

PCDC leads the economic development efforts of Phelps County, Nebraska. The organization works with local businesses and community groups to develop plans for growth, while serving as the primary point of contact for companies expanding into the area. PCDC represents the interests of residents across Phelps County and works to create more opportunities for them.  

PCDC manages several programs to support business attraction, expansion, workforce development, and entrepreneurship in Phelps County. PCDC’s GO! Programs support relocation efforts to the region while also helping businesses improve their facades or invest in staff training. The goal of PCDC is to create more opportunities in Phelps County by attracting new companies, growing existing industries, and supporting local business owners.  

PCDC is funded by its partner investors – companies and individuals who make a commitment to donate each year to grow the region's economic vitality. The PCDC investors want to see new opportunities in the region, with additional businesses (start-ups and recruited companies) opening their doors and our established companies expanding.  Investors also want to retain Phelps County's current residents while attracting a new workforce for businesses and families to communities. Consider becoming an investor today.  

PCDC helps businesses of all sizes and at different stages of growth cycles through its GO! Business Programs. These programs are designed to help small businesses invest in their businesses by making improvements, repairs, and hiring employees more easily. Many GO! Programs are matching grants with ceilings, but low-interest gap loans are also available. Explore the GO! Business Programs or contact our team at PCDC to learn about your options.  

The PCDC team starts with meeting with the entrepreneur(s) during their planning stages and with new business owners after they have launched, to exchange ideas and experiences to investigate options to streamline or advance the growth of their business. Having a strong relationship with local companies makes it easier to help them. PCDC can recommend potential grants or funding opportunities through its GO! Business Programs or assist in networking through media or other means, so new businesses can connect with new customers. PCDC is a local partner that has a desire to see you succeed. 

PCDC helps businesses in several ways, including making growth and development more affordable. PCDC's GO! Business Programs can be used to improve facades, invest in job training, or attract talent to Phelps County. These programs come in the form of grants, low-interest loans, and reimbursements. Explore these programs and see how they can help you reach the next level. 

Finding commercial properties in Phelps County is easy. Use the site selectors tools to explore available options and filter listings based on your core criteria. You can filter by parcel size, whether you want an existing building or land, and by amenities. Find your ideal commercial site and expand your operations to Phelps County, Nebraska.  

There are several grants and scholarships available to companies looking to invest in workforce development. The High Demand Job Scholarship, for example, is designed to fill hard-to-fill positions in the region. There are also employee training grants, intern assistance grants, and other education opportunities for your staff. Companies can also work with the local community college and the University of Nebraska Kearney to help team members get the training they need. 

There are several reasons to consider Phelps County for your business expansion or relocation plans. Not only is Phelps County strategically located in the center of the country, but it also offers a lower cost of living than most states. Businesses can enjoy quality infrastructure, lower cost for energy, and a dedicated workforce when they come here. Phelps County also boasts a high quality of life, with several festivals, engaging community events, performing and creative arts, and service organizations, which makes it easy for new residents to be connected with the community.  

The residents of Phelps County invest heavily in their community. There are arts organizations, seasonal events and performances, and festivals to meet people, make friends, and be welcomed into the culture of our area. The low cost of living is attractive to people who want to purchase a large enough house for children and pets to enjoy. Rural living offers calmer, safer, and more welcoming alternatives compared to a larger city or suburban life.  A family can live in a rural culture and have many of the services and shopping needed within the county. See how you fit into Phelps County and how you can find your people here. 

PCDC offers multiple programs that make it easier to move to the area.  For new Phelps County residents seeking homes, PCDC has down payment assistance options for either new construction or existing properties. There are also code-compliance and risk-mitigation programs to make renovations more affordable. These programs can change each year, so check which ones are currently available and which reimbursement options you can take advantage of. 

PCDC is actively involved in local housing initiatives across Phelps County. PCDC is involved with many of the housing development projects to increase housing inventory to attract new residents and make homeownership affordable for current homeowners. The housing shortage is felt across the United States, including Nebraska. While it won’t be solved overnight, PCDC is doing its part to support local needs.  

The PCDC team strives to keep residents and business owners informed about current projects in Phelps County. The news page is one of the best sources for in-depth discussions about local economic issues and project updates. This page is also where the GO! monthly e-newsletter is found. You can also keep up with PCDC on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. 

There are multiple ways to get involved in economic development in Phelps County. PCDC’s board and committee meetings are public, so you can attend these and have a voice in the future of the region. The PCDC staff can visit with residents who may have questions about projects or programs. You can also become an investor and help fund the work PCDC does.  Another way to be involved is by following local news and/or requesting to be sent monthly eNewsletters to help you learn more about economic initiatives, programs, and projects that are shaping Phelps County. 

Contacting PCDC is easy. Visit the contact us page to send a message to a specific recipient on the team. You can also call the office directly at (308) 995-4148 or reach out via email to pcdc@phelpscountyne.com. The PCDC offices are located at 502 East Avenue, Suite 201, in downtown Holdrege.