Niki Ferguson Bids Farewell to Advance Southwest Iowa after Years of Entrepreneurial Leadership

After eight impactful years as the Manager of Entrepreneurial Development with Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation, Niki Ferguson will be stepping away from her role. Named the economic development organization for Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County, Advance serves as a one-stop shop for business attraction, retention, entrepreneurship, and site development. Ferguson’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the region’s support network for entrepreneurs and startups.

Ferguson reflected on her decision, describing it as far from straightforward. “Well, I appreciate that. I can honestly say this has been one of the most difficult decisions. And again, it wasn’t something I was seeking out. It just kind of happened. And sometimes it feels like the universe is literally pushing you off a cliff going, are you an idiot? And it just kind of aligned,” she said. She likened her departure to a turning point reminiscent of a Mary Poppins moment. “I feel like there’ll be someone else that comes in and can do the same thing and be a resource for everyone.”

Ferguson joined Advance Southwest Iowa eight years ago with a desire to do fulfilling nonprofit work. It was there she discovered a lasting passion in economic development. “You know, I’ve always been a people person, and I want to help people and do good things, try to do good things,” she said. “And honestly, eight years ago when I kind of started with Advance, full disclosure, I was looking for nonprofit work to do some things fulfilling that would make me feel better, I suppose, and kind of fell into economic development. And strangely, it’s maybe not helping people in the way of like saving the world, but it’s still helping people and it’s people’s dreams.”

Hers is not a story unique to career ambition, but to a dedication to helping others follow their own entrepreneurial paths. Advance Southwest Iowa works alongside community partners to enhance Pottawattamie County’s image and increase its tax base, striving to make the region a prosperous place to live and do business.

Ferguson described her role as one of empowerment and celebration, where she cheered on business ideas from inception to ribbon cutting. “As an entrepreneur, you guys are so passionate about what you’re doing and what your dreams are, what your plans are, that it’s easy for me to just kind of come along for the ride and be hooked. And then seeing someone’s dream come from, hey, I have an idea, to a ribbon cutting or an expansion or whatever, it’s just, it’s impossible not to love it. I mean, it’s addictive, I guess, seeing that kind of success.”

Though she leaves her position, Ferguson emphasized that the support structure for entrepreneurs remains intact. She expressed confidence in her team’s continued leadership, naming key staff who will step in. “I’m still around if, in the meantime, my team at Advance is amazing, Jason at Kitchen Council, Shalimar doing rural development, and of course our CEO, Paula, they’re going to be available for you too,” she assured.

Ferguson also reaffirmed her commitment to the region. “I’m still around. I’m not far. So I’ll always be a cheerleader for all of you and be a champion for the fun side of the river, as I like to say over and over in Iowa. So not going far. I’m vested. I’m here. You guys can’t get rid of me that easy.”

Since its founding in 2014, Advance Southwest Iowa has served as a vital economic development resource for Council Bluffs and its neighboring communities. It promotes entrepreneurship alongside business attraction and retention efforts, supporting the region’s economic growth holistically.

Ferguson’s departure marks the end of a significant era in the organization’s entrepreneurial focus—but it also underscores the strength of the foundation she helped build. With regional infrastructure and partnerships firmly in place, the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southwest Iowa remains poised for continued success.