IASourceLink Blog

There is something exciting in store for 2021. IASourceLink is ringing in the new year by providing resources to entrepreneurs as they set out to start. Check out our latest blog to find out how you can manifest your New Years resolution of starting a small business.

As we dive into 2021, let’s make goal setting a top priority. Let’s revisit those goals that got set aside for 2020 and move them to the top of the list. Whether those goals are personal, professional, or specific to your company. Physically writing them down or compiling a vision board will help these goals become a reality. Vision boards can be used for many scenarios and help anyone better understand where they see their future/company going.

2021 is right around the corner. As we race to the finish line, we must tell ourselves to sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride. December is a month of holiday cheer! Generosity is in the air, and we look forward to spending quality time with our loved ones. Although this year might not feel the same (hello, COVID-19 here) we must finish strong. Many Small Business owners depend on holiday shoppers to keep them in the race for 2021. As you brace yourself for what's to come, take some time to make sure your December marketing strategy is ready to rock and roll.

With over 360 resource partners in our navigator, IASourceLink is the go to for all things startup in Iowa. Whether you are looking to start, grow, exit, or fund your business we have a resource partner that can assist you. In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, IASourceLink would like to highlight a few of our resource partners. Check out their information below!

We have a very exciting announcement for our entre-community! Over the past few months, our team has been working day and night to provide entrepreneurs across the state of Iowa with a fresh take on all things startup. In correspondence with Global Entrepreneurship Week, the IASourceLink team is honored to present our new and improved website! Although we’ve refreshed our identity with a modern take on branding, there is more to explore within our sleek new interface. Powered by SourceLink, our website was constructed with a mission to provide step by step guidance to entrepreneurs like you on a user friendly platform.

November is here and Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is right around the corner! This year has been unlike anything we have seen before, especially in the small business and entrepreneurial community. It is time to celebrate all the successes, big and small during this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week, November 16-21. The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center of North Iowa Area Community College in conjunction with the Iowa Small Business Development Center have prepared several events in spirit of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Check out their wide range of events going on throughout the week!

Whether it's an update to your Facebook Feed, a fresh Instagram Story, or a new video on your YouTube Channel, navigating the specific media sizes for your social network is a step you don't want to miss. Today, we're here to answer one of your most frequently asked questions - "What size should my social content be?"

The Center for Business Growth and Innovation of the University of Northern Iowa presents a mini Digital Marketing Webinar Series this October and into November. The series will include four virtual sessions. Each session will include a live Q&A. Look forward to topics on building a brand using Facebook, Facebook Advertising for businesses, blogging as a marketing tool, and utilizing Instagram to gain exposure. We are excited to share insight on the power of digital marketing and the impact it can make on a business. Business owners, entrepreneurs, innovators, and startups are encouraged to attend these free webinars!

When posting to social media, Canva can be a powerful tool to enhance your branded content and boost engagements. A study by OKDork and BuzzSumo analyzed 100 million articles and found that including an image with a post on Facebook more than tripled the amount of shares that post received, while on Twitter shares more than doubled. So, are you ready to start creating? Check out our tips for sprucing up your social.

Are you searching for a business idea? Having troubles organizing your thoughts? Consider these few excersises when searching for the perfect business idea. Learn how to use an ideation notepad and problem braindumb to filter your thoughts into ideas. Furthermore, learn about the Value Proposition Canvas and how this tool can help you springboard your business.