The Port at Iowa Western Connects Entrepreneurs and Students

The Port at Iowa Western Connects Entrepreneurs and Students

New to the Council Bluffs entrepreneurial scene, Iowa Western Community College welcomes The Port, a campus entrepreneurial center. This technologically advanced workspace which is accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovative students, opened July 2014 through the support of a Department of Labor Grant.

Uniquely connected to the Computer Information Technology Department at Iowa Western, members of The Port have access to state-of-the-art technology, a secure network, video conferencing, interns and the Small Business Development Center also located on the college campus. Along with a sophisticated workspace, The Port offers the opportunity to connect entrepreneurs and small businesses with computer science and graphic communication students to give their startup a kick-start. Student interns skilled in networking, logo and marketing design, website development and help desk services, among other IT related fields are accessible to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Depending on a startup’s needs, interns may be available at no cost.

“The Port is excited to be part of the Silicon Prairie atmosphere.” said Jennifer Coffman, Project Coordinator located at The Port. “While we are fairly new to the startup arena the response from the entrepreneurial community has been more than welcoming. As we ourselves are a startup workspace and understand the challenges entrepreneurs face, we are eager to provide a collaborative environment of resources and support for entrepreneurs and students to be successful innovators.”

Through hosted events such as Startup Grind Council Bluffs, The Port at Iowa Western is dedicated to educating, inspiring and making connections in southwest Iowa for the next generation of entrepreneurs and information technology professionals. “Community members are encouraged to stop in at The Port at any time or attend one of our events for networking and startup support opportunities.” advised Coffman. “We’re additionally interested in expanding our own network of startup resources and welcome community organizations dedicated to startup initiatives and business growth in need of meeting space to check out the center.”

For more information about The Port and their activities visit www.BeITWise.com or give them a call at 712-325-3461.


Jennifer Coffman, Project Coordinator, The Port, 712-325-3358

 

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