Small Biz Support
The Southeastern SBDC has provided entrepreneurial support and counseling to Des Moines, Henry, Lee, and Louisa counties for over 25 years! Specific entrepreneurial programs have been established in the four-county region. You are welcome to visit and utilize all of the entrepreneurial support services available, as your success is of utmost importance to us!
Regional
FastTrac® NewVenture™
FastTrac® NewVenture™ is an entrepreneurial program that assists the start-up entrepreneur in developing their business concept and evaluating it through each step of the business planning process. The course offers essential business information to help you develop your entrepreneurial skills and build your business on a strong foundation. Participants will learn how to research, develop, and write detailed start-up Business and Financial Plans, which can be used to create successful businesses.
Local businesses who have completed this program include: Burlington In Bloom, The Ivy Bake Shoppe, and The Schnitzelbank.
Topics Covered:
- Exploring Entrepreneurship
- Identifying and Meeting Market Needs
- Setting Financial Goals
- Planning the Product/Service
- Researching and Analyzing the Market
- Reaching the Market
- Building the Organization and Team
- Planning for a Profitable Business
- Monitoring Cash Flow and Seeking Funds
24 Hours, 8 Sessions
Mondays
September 13 – November 1
6 pm to 9 pm
Mt. Pleasant SCC, Room 201
Special reduced fee $99.00 includes book & materials
Small Business Development Center
Course#24423
Instructor: Lana Moeller, MBA, SBDC Consultant
To register call Barb Blow (319) 208-5375 or (866) 722-4692 X5375
Also visit the regional entrepreneurial website for additional events in the Southeast Iowa Region at www.GreatRiverBiz.com.
Des Moines County:
"Be Your Own Boss!" Des Moines County Business Plan Contest. For online information click here. Contact the Burlington/West Burlington Chamber of Commerce or phone 319-752-6365.
Click here to read about 2009 Des Moines County Business Plan Contest Winners.
Click here for a Guide to Starting a Business in Burlington, Iowa.
Click here for a Guide to Starting a Business in West Burlington, Iowa.
Henry County:
Henry County Business Plan Contest. For online information click here. Contact the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce or phone 319-385-3101.
Business Information Center
Located in a study room at the Mount Pleasant Library, the center offers a computer with Business Plan Pro software and a printer so that you can create your business plan at your leisure and at no cost! Business Plan Pro will help you create a detailed business plan for opening or expanding your business. The BIC center has numerous brochures and materials that are helpful in starting a business, including books on Getting a Business Loan and How to Start a Restaurant and Five Other Food Businesses. Stop in today to see the free resources available to help you start or grow your business! For more information contact the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce or phone 319-385-3101.
The Henry County Entrepreneur Award
This award provides seed capital grants to entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in Henry County, as well as those who have recently opened a business and would like to expand. Interested parties should contact the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce for an application. Finalist will be asked to present their plan to a selection committee. Awards will be presented during the MPACC's Annual Banquet in October. For more information about the Henry County Entrepreneur Award, please contact the Mt. Pleasant Chamber at 319-385-3101.
Mentoring Team
The Business Mentoring Team is composed of highly skilled business professionals that are willing to consult with new business owners and those business owners ready to grow their business. The team consists of a lender, accountant, insurance, human resource, marketing, location, and grant funding specialist. Please contact the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce at 319-385-3101 to set up an appointment with a member of the mentoring team.
Lee County:
Lee Business Plan Contest. For online information click here. Contact the Lee County Economic Development Group via their website here or phone 319-463-5599.
2010 Lee County Business Plan Competition Information click here.
Guide to Starting a Business in Keokuk - click here.
Great River Regional Business Information Center-(BIC)
Established in 2002, the GRRBIC is located at Southeastern Community College, Fred Karre Memorial Library, 335 Messenger Road, Keokuk, Iowa. Whether you are researching a business idea, preparing a business plan, or wanting to know more about starting a restaurant or E-Bay business, the BIC is the place to be! Our resources are dedicated to business research. The BIC is available to all members of the community interested in starting a business. There is no cost! Stop in and register for a BIC library card, and begin your business research today! Please call the SCC library for hours of operation at 319-524-3221 X1960.
Louisa County:
Louisa Development Corporation
If you're thinking of starting or expanding a business in Louisa County, LDG is here to help. Here are some of the areas we can help:
- Assistance in writing a Business Plan
- Site Selection
- Funding Sources - including access to a revolving loan fund
- Strategic Marketing
- Referral to State & Local Agencies
Feel free to call us at 319-527-5182 or e-mail us at ldg@louisacomm.net with questions. We're here to help guide you in the right direction.
