Advancing Entrepreneurship

Community Vibrancy: What is the magic formula for drawing young people?

Seeking an answer to a question, what can a community do to draw young people to relocate and live in their community, I did some research.  Though it is not comprehensively exhaustive, I did find some clues: Kiplinger, in its April 2013 publication,  10 great cities for new grads, enlightens us that...

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Resource Provider Highlight: Iowa Secretary of State

The Iowa Secretary of State is Iowa’s business portal. Since most businesses, apart from sole proprietors, must register with Secretary of State Paul Pate’s office (SOS), visits to the SOS website for organizations new to the state are ensured. However, all businesses, regardless of legal structure and organizational stage, can...

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Taking PRIDE in Restaurant Resiliency: SBA & IEDA Success with Recovery Resources

Ever so often, we come across a story that reminds us of why we continue to serve Iowa entrepreneurs - especially in turbulent times. This month, our Resource Partners, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) shared a small business success story that speaks...

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Introducing: A Fresh Face For IASourceLink

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...

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Working From Home as the New Normal

Working From Home as the New Normal. 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! Working from home for many...

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5 Steps to Advance your Business’s Digital Marketing

Take care of your customers and they will take care of you. When communicating with your audience be mindful of the way you are portraying your business. In today’s digital marketing world, the ability to be transparent with your audience is key. Work to build your digital platforms as a...

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Panther Biz Headquarters

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...

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Featured Resource Provider – Iowa Center for Economic Success

The Iowa Center for Economic Success is a non-profit organization helping to empower Iowans with the potential to exceed as they pursue opportunities for financial success.  This is done through educational and networking events and capital and investment opportunities. Although located in Des Moines, most services they provide are available statewide...

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Immigrant entrepreneur realizes American dream through restaurant success

Submitted by Jayne Armstrong | Director, U.S. Small Business Administration - Iowa District El Fogon is widely recognized for its authentic Mexican cuisine, drawing a packed house of locals and visitors for lunch and dinner from as far away as Arizona, California and New Mexico. Favorites include made-to-order guacamole, chorizo and...

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CIRAS PTAP—Iowa’s Local Link to a National Network of Contracting Expertise

By Leah Barton, Director of CIRAS' Procurement Technical Assistance Program Government contracting is a byzantine business—a long and plodding trek through a jungle filled with complicated regulation, documentation requirements, and new marketing challenges. Sound impossible? Not if you have help. Since 2000, CIRAS has served as Iowa’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)—the Iowa affiliate...

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