IASourceLink Blog

Small business success is as much about the growth of the owner as the business itself. Clint Dudley, owner of Shade Tree Auto in Grimes, learned this important lesson by investing in his own professional development.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is partnering with StartupDubuque to offer an Entrepreneur Certificate, starting this year. The new Entrepreneur Certificate at NICC will teach participants how to build a successful business plan, prepare financial statements, and marketing and selling on social media platforms. The certificate is open to all students, as well as current or future business owners in the Dubuque area, who want to develop, enhance or grow their business.

Iowa small business owners who are looking for ways to broaden their operations will want to consider a new training program being offered by Iowa's community colleges, in conjunction with one of the largest U.S. financial services firms.

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program has helped entrepreneurs across the U.S. create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to education, financial capital and business support services. This program is launching in Iowa this year, so we’re sending along information to our Targeted Small Businesses so you can learn more about it and apply if interested!

The Iowa Downtown Resource Center will offer several downtown forums in June to bring together community leaders interested in engaging in a discussion about their downtowns. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other downtown leaders and discuss downtown business development issues such as energizing entrepreneurs, business development and business succession.

After launching a startup, everyone needs a little help! Did you know that the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center’s Business Consulting Services assist startups and businesses across the state of Iowa? This program provides affordable strategic results for clients, while also exposing students to real-world experiences.

Would you like to help honor the contributions made by women to the Iowa business landscape? Join the Iowa chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) at the upcoming Iowa Celebration of Excellence awards event, recognizing our highest achieving female entrepreneurs!

A week of events relating to innovation and entrepreneurship will take place in Sioux City as part of the 4th annual Launch Week, November 3rd – 10th. With speakers, startup presentations and plenty of networking, Launch Week aims to inspire, motivate, and promote collaboration among professionals.

Do you know a small business or business champion that goes above and beyond? The U.S. Small Business Administration is now accepting nominations for its 2017 National Small Business Week Awards, and the Iowa SBA District Office will also be recognizing several Iowa-specific awards.

EntreFEST is back and nominations for breakout session presenters are now underway!