Technical assistance, including classes, workshops, mentoring, and one-on-one business consulting appointments, are a critical component to helping those with an idea start a business, as well as for helping local small business owners grow.
Following the research, UNI BCS found a robust network of service providers all working hard to support the regional economy. Many of the area Chambers/Main Street programs are active; holding workshops on topics such as social media marketing, partnering with Iowa State University design students to provide local business owners with design consulting, and gathering owners together to network numerous times throughout the year. Wright County Economic Development recently hosted a workshop about exporting to Mexico. The local Small Business Development Center saw 35 clients this past fiscal year. In the South Hamilton school district there is a personal business management class offering. Similarly in Webster City, there is an entrepreneurship class for high school students. Iowa State University Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) considers their work with Hagie Manufacturing as one of their key success stories.
Local Technical Assistance Providers
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Fort Dodge SCORE
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Iowa Small Business Development Center in North Central Iowa (Hamilton)
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Iowa Small Business Development Center at North Iowa Area Community College (Wright)
Key Statewide Technical Assistance Providers
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Emprendedores Latinos de Iowa at Iowans for Social and Economic Development
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Iowa Economic Development Authority Export Trade Assistance Center
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Iowa State University Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS)
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Iowans for Social and Economic Development Women’s Business Center
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U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration