Five Years of Impact: Celebrating Growth, Partnerships, and Community Momentum in Clark County

As we enter a new year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on an important milestone — five years of Choose Clark County. Five years of listening, supporting, connecting, problem-solving, advocating, and investing in the people and businesses that make our communities strong.

In rural places, progress happens one conversation at a time, one project at a time, and one brave idea at a time. Looking back, it’s clear that Clark County has been busy — and Choose Clark County is proud to play a role in helping that momentum grow.

Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished together.

By the Numbers: Five Years of Local Investment

While numbers don’t tell the whole story, they do help paint a picture of how resources have moved through our organization to support real, tangible outcomes.

Business + Community Impact

• $7,000 in grants awarded to 19 small businesses. These small but meaningful awards helped local entrepreneurs take steps forward — from storefront updates to equipment needs and everything in between.

• $74,144 in grants secured for community projects. This funding supported quality-of-life projects, beautification efforts, and community initiatives across the county. These dollars go directly into strengthening towns and sparking new opportunities.

• $13,650 in fiscal sponsorship support. Through our 501(c)(3), we’ve been able to help groups access donations and grants that require nonprofit status, giving local ideas a home while they grow.

• $95,000 invested through our Revolving Loan Fund.

These low-interest loans empowered new and existing businesses to expand, take risks, and create local stability. The ripple effects of this fund will continue building for years to come.

Budget Efficiency

All of this work was accomplished with an annual operating budget of around $50,000.That’s proof that even small investments — when used strategically and locally — can create big waves of impact.

But Numbers Tell Only Part of the Story

Behind every grant, loan, or sponsorship is a person, a family, or a business owner striving to build something meaningful here in Clark County.

And just as important as the measurable outcomes are the many things that never show up in a spreadsheet:

• The introductions that led to funding or collaboration

• The hours spent helping someone explore a business idea

• The brainstorming sessions with community leaders

• The quiet connections that opened doors

• The problem-solving phone calls

• The encouragement at just the right moment

• The behind-the-scenes coordination that brings projects to life

These numbers are just a piece of the story. Much of our impact happens in moments that never show up on a spreadsheet — the conversations, connections, and quiet support that help ideas grow, strengthen partnerships, and move our communities forward.

That’s the heart of community and economic development in rural places. And it’s what we care about most.

Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years

As we celebrate these first five years, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead.

In the coming years, Choose Clark County will continue to:

• Support local businesses at every stage

• Strengthen partnerships across the county

• Increase access to funding and resources

• Encourage new ideas and entrepreneurship

• Grow our housing and childcare development efforts

• Invest in quality-of-life and Main Street revitalization

• Build momentum through programs like Prairie Combine

• Ensure Clark County communities continue to thrive

With new technologies, stronger regional partnerships, and a rising sense of small-town pride, Clark County’s future feels incredibly bright.

Thank You, Clark County

Progress doesn’t happen alone. Thank you to the business owners, city councils, volunteers, boards, organizations, and residents who have trusted us, called us, collaborated with us, and shared your hopes for the future.

We are honored to walk alongside you.

Here’s to the next five years of growth, connection, and community-driven possibility. Let’s keep building something special together.