Bringing Small Business Resources Closer to Home

Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses is an important part of building strong communities and a resilient local economy. Across Poweshiek County, local organizations are working together to ensure business owners have access to the tools, training, and support they need to start, grow, and succeed.

Over the past several months, Poweshiek Development has partnered with The Iowa Center for Economic Success, Montezuma Community Development, Brooklyn Economic Development, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce to explore opportunities to bring entrepreneurial resources closer to the communities we serve.

These organizations are working together to connect local entrepreneurs and small business owners with resources and expertise already available through Iowa Center for Success. The result is greater access to business education, coaching, and support for entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Poweshiek County.

The Iowa Center for Economic Success is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Iowa entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed through business education, one-on-one coaching, lending assistance, and ongoing support. Their mission aligns closely with the work of local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations that are committed to helping businesses thrive.

That collaboration is already taking shape in Poweshiek County.

In Montezuma, The Iowa Center recently partnered with Montezuma Community Development to offer a Small Business Essentials workshop covering topics such as marketing, finance, lending, and grant opportunities for entrepreneurs. Participants also learned about the one-on-one coaching services available through The Iowa Center, providing access to individualized guidance long after the workshop concludes.

In Brooklyn, The Iowa Center is launching the Brooklyn Business Builder Series, a free four-part educational program covering business startup preparation, business planning, financial management and lending, and marketing. Participants will also have access to personalized coaching designed to help them apply what they learn directly to their businesses.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our communities," said Melissa Strovers, Executive Director of Poweshiek Development. "When organizations work together, we can bring high-quality resources closer to the people who need them. These partnerships help ensure that entrepreneurs, whether they are starting a business, expanding an existing one, or exploring a new idea, have access to guidance, education, and support."

No single organization can do this work alone. The success of these efforts is made possible through collaboration among local chambers, economic development organizations, community leaders, and statewide partners who share a common goal: supporting local businesses and strengthening communities across Poweshiek County.

Business owners interested in learning more about upcoming classes, one-on-one coaching, financing resources, or other entrepreneurial support opportunities are encouraged to contact Poweshiek Development at director@poweshiekdevelopment.com.

Russell Dale of The Iowa Center for Economic Success presents during the Small Business Essentials workshop in Montezuma, part of a collaborative effort to expand entrepreneurial education, coaching, and business resources across Poweshiek County.