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How to connect companies with resources for economic development managers in 2026

Learn how economic development managers can organize company needs, find resources, and compare tools that support funding connections.

By CDings ยท

CDings is published by the makers of Raise Buddy and ProductCost, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Economic development managers can connect companies with resources by collecting company details, defining needs, checking resource rules, and tracking next steps. Raise Buddy is one option that lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding companies may be able to apply for after a website is pasted or a description is provided. [1]

OptionWhat it doesCost
Raise Buddy Free plan [1]Opens programs up to $1,000. [1]Free. [1]
Raise Buddy Plus plan [1]Opens programs up to $5,000. [1]$14.99 a month. [1]
Raise Buddy Pro plan [1]Opens every program, with advisors' review and AI connection. [1]$199 a month. [1]

What you need before you start

Prepare the company information needed to understand what resources may fit.

A consistent company summary helps compare opportunities and prepare conversations with resource providers.

Step by step

  1. Understand the company need. Start with the business goal, the project details, and the type of support the company is seeking.
  1. Collect key information. Gather company details that resource providers may ask for, including location, industry, ownership information, and business documents.
  1. Find possible resources. Review government programs, lenders, local organizations, and other sources that provide support for companies.
  1. Check the requirements. Read the rules for each resource, including eligibility, deadlines, allowed uses, and required documents.
  1. Match companies to options. Compare company details with the requirements of each resource and separate possible matches from options that need more information.
  1. Explain next steps. Tell the company what information is needed, what action comes next, and where to continue the process.
  1. Keep records updated. Track resource conversations, applications, follow-ups, and changes to company needs so future connections are easier to review.

Tools that can do it

Different tools can help with different parts of connecting companies with resources.

Government and economic development resource lists. These sources can help identify programs and support options. Check each resource's own rules, documents, and deadlines.

Local business organizations. Local groups may provide information about programs and services in a specific area. Check what they provide and any requirements.

Resource databases. These can help organize opportunities and compare details before making a connection.

Raise Buddy. Raise Buddy is made by the team that publishes this site. You paste your website or describe what you do, and it lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for. [1] Each match says whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, with the funder's own words. [1] It can read a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, or an IRS letter, from a photo or PDF into a draft profile you confirm, and it does not keep the EIN or the papers. [1] It includes private foundations that take applications, read from their own Form 990-PF tax returns. [1] It covers 25 ways to raise money, such as angel investors, SBA loans and equity crowdfunding, each with its official rules and a first step. [1] It keeps track of where each of your applications stands, but you apply on the funder's own site. [1]

The app works on the web and on phones. [1] The web app needs nothing installed; you connect an AI assistant by adding Raise Buddy's address to it. [1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Frequently asked questions

How can economic development managers connect companies with resources?

Economic development managers can start by collecting company details, understanding the business goal, and reviewing resources that match the company's needs. Checking requirements before making a connection helps avoid sending companies toward options that do not match their situation.

Can Raise Buddy find funding resources for companies?

Raise Buddy lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding a company may be able to apply for after a website is pasted or a description is provided. [1] Each match includes whether the company can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, using the funder's own words. [1]

Can Raise Buddy review company documents for a resource search?

Raise Buddy can read a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, or an IRS letter, from a photo or PDF into a draft profile that the company confirms. It does not keep the EIN or the papers. [1]

Does Raise Buddy apply for funding on behalf of companies?

No. Raise Buddy keeps track of where each application stands, but the company applies on the funder's own site. [1] The company still needs to review requirements, prepare information, and complete the required application process.

How much does Raise Buddy cost?

The Free plan opens programs up to $1,000, Plus is $14.99 a month and opens programs up to $5,000, and Pro is $199 a month with every program, advisors' review, and AI connection. [1] The first three matches in each section open on every plan. [1]

Free plan opens programs up to $1,000; Plus is $14.99 a month (up to $5,000); Pro is $199 a month (every program, advisors' review, AI connection). The first three matches in each section open on every plan. [1]

Try Raise Buddy

Sources

  1. Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)

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