“HELP @ NCI to Assist Start-up Businesses with Health Insurance Costs”

HELP @ NCI is a visionary, first-in-the nation program to help start-up businesses decrease health insurance costs, removing a major roadblock for people who want to start their own business.

The goal is to increase entrepreneurial activity in the region by providing a safety net of health insurance for entrepreneurs and is part of a comprehensive regional plan to make North Central Iowa the preferred destination for entrepreneurs.

Created through public-private collaboration, HELP @ NCI provides funding for health insurance to qualified entrepreneurs in the region for up to their first three years in business.

While funding for insurance is provided at no cost, participating entrepreneurs will be aware of the true cost so that it can be reflected in their business plans.

“North Central Iowa’s economic developers are serious about attracting entrepreneurs, and this program should prove it. Take a deep breath and give us a call. Let’s talk business—your business.”
- Karen Mitchell, director, North Central Iowa Marketing Alliance

Application for entry into HELP @ NCI is through a local economic development agency or the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center. Eligibility requirements include but not limited to:

• Be a ’for profit,’ full time company (no hobbies)
• Completed or in-process business plan
• Completion or enrollment in the FastTrac® NewVenture™ course
• Personal financial statement (eligibility is not need based)
• Principal headquarters and operations in one of the participating counties:
Butler, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago, Worth or Wright
• Beginning operation within 90 days

HELP @ NCI collaborators include:

• Iowa Department of Economic Development
• North Iowa Area Council of Governments
• North Central Iowa Growth Partnership
• North Iowa Area Community College John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
• Alliant Energy
• Aquila
• Mason City Chamber of Commerce
• Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa
• Hancock County Memorial Hospital and Health Services
• Butler County Resource Development Group
• Charles City Area Development Corporation
• Franklin County Development Association
• Hancock County Economic Development Corporation
• Mitchell County Economic Development Commission
• Winnebago and Worth Counties Betterment Council
• Wright County Economic Development

The North Central Iowa Alliance (NCIA), an economic development marketing partnership, is united in its effort to attract and retain business in North Central Iowa. The alliance includes the counties of Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago and Worth, who have joined together to help industry start, expand and relocate to the region.

• Have growth potential with prospect of creating new products, technologies, services and job opportunities

Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to call:

The North Central Iowa Alliance
(641) 423-5724, (800) 944-1708
or
NIACC JPEC
(641) 422-4111, (888) GO NIACC, ext. 4111

Print the Brochure [pdf]
Application [pdf] or Application [Word]

Additional Information:
North Central Iowa Alliance