IASourceLink Blog

Governor Reynolds has allocated federal CARES Act funds to assist small businesses and nonprofits who have been economically impacted by COVID-19. The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program will provide short-term relief to eligible small businesses and nonprofits that face significant hardship in the payment of utility bills for service provided during the months of disruption to their business.

Working from home is the new normal. How can we make this adjustment while staying productive and maintaining positivity? Find a few simple tips and insights below on how to make working from home bearable and maybe even enjoyable!

Your brand's voice is received and interpreted through the language, images, and content you share on your businesses’ social platforms. Establishing your voice in the early life of your social presence is imperative as it should remain steady and unchanging. Not only will this help you better connect with your audience, but it will also allow you to build a consistent and reliable direction for your social content. Below we have provided a few helpful tips for developing your brand's voice as you navigate through the challenges of small business social media.

In today’s digital marketing world, 9 out of 10 times the relationship you are creating with your customers is starting online. With this in mind, it is important to have an online presence that is showcasing your brand in the way you want. Find 5 helpful steps to enhance your business's digital marketing presence.

Are you looking to try a new restaurant, boutique, or professional service? If you're located in the Des Moines area, don't forget to check out these 5 black owned businesses in this weeks spotlight.

The Panther Biz Headquarters (PBHQ) is a student-led program out of UNI’s Center for Business Growth and Innovation (CBGI). Started in 2018, the program has helped over 30 small businesses across Iowa with their digital marketing needs. The PBHQ gives students the opportunity to gain experience in their field while connecting and helping small businesses.

NAWBO Iowa (National Association of Women Business Owners) is launching its NEW Business Institute this summer, uniquely designed for women business owners who own an established business that has not yet reached $1 million in revenue, but who fall into what’s considered the ‘missing middle.’

NAWBO – the National Association of Women Business Owners - came to Iowa in 1986 under the leadership of a dozen committed women business owners. Through the years, the chapter has engaged hundreds of passionate and forward-looking women in collaboration to accelerate growth for the state’s women-owned firms.

Small businesses are definitely feeling the affects of the economic uncertainty forced upon them in this unprecedented time. New situations require businesses to revamp strategies to market their products and services in ways maybe not thought of only months before. To help provide retail and service businesses with marketing ideas, the Main Street Iowa Program has developed webinars on e-commerce, positive outreach and social media that are worth a view.