Resources for Businesses

The Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce has collected a wide variety of helpful resources for existing and new businesses in our community. See the lists below for services provided by the Chamber for our members, local finance options and grant programs, and other local knowledge to note if you’re a new business getting established in the community. For any questions about the resources listed below, please reach out to our Executive Director.

Chamber Services for Businesses:

• New businesses and business owners starting up in our community are entitled to a free business membership for their first year.

• We will coordinate and promote ribbon cutting ceremonies for grand openings, significant anniversaries, remodeling and expansion projects.

  • We will also help promote any open house events for business members as well.

• Promotion of your events and business updates on social media.

• Assistance with recording and editing videos for Boost - our monthly social media promotional showcase.

• Aid with recruitment for open positions.

All of the services listed above are in addition to the benefits listed on our Chamber Dues invoice, which can be found on our members page. Additionally, you can see how having a Chamber of Commerce impacts the community by viewing this document.

Local Grants & Loan Programs:

• Free Chamber of Commerce Membership for First Year Businesses / New Business Owners

• Pocahontas County Economic Development Commission Jump-Start Accelerator Grant

• City of Pocahontas Sign and Facade Grants

  • City Signage Grant Overview

  • City Signage Grant Application

  • City Facade Grant Overview

  • City Facade Grant Application

    • Contact City Hall at 712-335-4841 to learn more and apply!

• List of Available Local Loan Programs

Other Local Knowledge to Note:

• Poky Bucks: Poky Bucks are a form of local currency that can be purchased at Availa Bank. This encourages local spending and is accepted by most local businesses. Businesses can take Poky bucks they’ve accepted from customers to Availa Bank to get cash/check for them. The Chamber oversees the Poky Bucks accounts, so any questions with redeeming or spending them can be sent to our Executive Director.

• Main Street Scrolling Sign: You can advertise on the scrolling sign at Gateway Park, which is located at the corner of Main Street and Highway 3. It is $10 per day to advertise. You’re able to advertise events, birthdays, anniversaries, welcome home, etc. You can contact Pocahontas City Hall (712-335-4841) to schedule your message on the sign.

• Local Newspaper: Receive half off your first ad through The Record Democrat Newspaper, which is the official newspaper of Pocahontas County. Contact their office (712-335-3553) to learn more. If you’re just starting your business, there is a fair chance they’ll want to do a story about you as well, so it’s worth giving them a call!

• Local Movie Theater Previews: The Rialto Theatre runs advertisements/previews of local businesses and organizations before their daily movie showings. They run in a loop on repeat for about a half hour before the movie starts. The cost is $350 for the year, and they do have services available to help you get a video created if needed. You can email rialto@ncn.net to learn more.

• County Tourism Website: If you’re a retail business, restaurant, or tourist attraction, you can be listed on the Discover PoCo website. If you aren’t already listed, be sure to contact them.

• City of Pocahontas Ordinances/Code: You can view a copy of the city ordinances here.