IASourceLink Blog

The U.S. Small Business Administration has been in the business of supporting small businesses since 1954. by providing access to capital, opportunity to contract with the government, and no-cost business counseling. With at least one SBA office in every state, they are uniquely positioned to provide these strategic services to grow the nation's economy on a grassroots level.

Every year, the U.S. Small Business Administration honors small businesses throughout the country and 2018 is no different because on April 29 - May 5, 2018, National Small Business Week will be taking place. With the annual traditions of the weeklong celebration also comes honoring 52 small business owners and here at IASourceLink we are always excited to see who the Small Business Person of the Year will be in Iowa.

When the afternoon rolls around at work, our brains often just don’t want to focus. Our eyes are automatically drawn to any slight distraction we detect, losing any momentum we had just gained. Deciding to stay focused at work is hard, and knowing how to do it is even harder.

WASHINGTON – Today, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Administrator Linda McMahon announced that this year’s National Small Business Week will be held from April 29 – May 5, 2018.

When you hear the term “company culture,” what comes to mind? Is it the famous nap pods at Google? Is it the fast paced cut-throat environments on Wall Street? Is it the ping pong table in the break room at the ad agency up the street? Actually, it’s all of those and so much more. Here are 3 things that help create and grow a company culture for your business.

What if I told you that there is a way to help break the cycle of poverty by drinking your morning coffee? Freedom Blend Coffee leverages one of America's favorite ways to get caffeinated (coffee!) to do just that. The company focuses on training young people who live in low-income impacted areas in Des Moines’ urban core as a means by which they start to break the cycle of poverty for people right here in Iowa. It was a pleasure to have a conversation with Carlos Sims Jr., the GM of the shop to find out where the idea came from and how the Freedom Blend vision comes to life each day!

“The Opposite” was the 86th episode of Seinfeld – airing during the 5th season. Elaine is busy publishing Kramer’s coffee table book. Jerry takes on the persona of “Even Steven” – something goes wrong, but soon enough something goes right to bring Jerry back to even. Kramer gets a spot on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee to hawk his new book.

On any given Wednesday morning in Iowa, small business owners, emerging entrepreneurs and the people that support them can be found gathering around cups of coffee and good conversation. Discussions wander along paths of inspiration, lessons-learned struggles, excitement and issues involved with starting a business, and what’s trending on Twitter.

Choosing a business structure can be a confusing process for a first time entrepreneur. As I am a part of the Business Concierge team, and I love to help bring clarity to situations, it’s my pleasure to help answer Iowa business questions whenever possible. Since I do not provide legal advice to clients, I can’t tell you what type is right for you; but I will explain some of the most common business structures many first time entrepreneurs chose, but always consult your CPA or lawyer for business specific advice.

In Fall 2017 we had the opportunity to host a contest in Northwest Iowa and are taking this opportunity to show case five rural entrepreneurs working on awesome businesses and supporting their communities.