If you are looking to start or expand a business in Iowa, or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there are a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help.
While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a wide range of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as solutions live in many different places.
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Start with Iowa State's Business License Information Center
Iowa requires certain forms of businesses to register in order to conduct their affairs in the state. Additionally, certain categories of businesses, in areas such as banking, healthcare or real estate, for example, must satisfy additional licensing and certification requirements.
I recommend: Explore licensing requirements relevant to your venture at the
Iowa Business License Information Center. To receive assistance located in your area of the state, contact the business help centers located on BUZGate's Iowa
Business Counseling Resources Web page. The
Iowa Department of Revenue Web site contains information on small business' state tax obligations.
Discover Iowa's economic priorities and see where you fit
Iowa offers assistance to businessmen and -women starting companies in the Hawkeye State.
I recommend: Learn about Iowa's economic priorities and get an overview of how the state assists entrepreneurs via the
Iowa Coalition for Innovation and Growth and the
Iowa Department of Economic Development.
Network with other Iowa entrepreneurs and gain access to free advice
Iowa's state-run and private business-advocacy groups provide peer-based advice and the opportunity to collaborate in areas such as exporting and lobbying.
I recommend: The
Iowa Entrepreneur Network maintains numerous small-business resources. The state's three major universities, the
University of Iowa,
Iowa State University and the
University of Northern Iowa, provide extensive counseling services.
Access the state's numerous small-business funding sources
Besides banks, a lengthy list of state and local government providers exists to back promising new business ventures. Additional incentives, in the form of tax breaks, can also form part of a funding package to jump start your new venture.
I recommend: Iowa
business accelerators are located throughout the state and are designed to provide basic support services to startups. IDED maintains this
list of private equity funds in the state. Companies wishing to relocate and expand their operations in Iowa can
apply for assistance in areas such as site selection and employee training. The state offices of the
U.S. Small Business Association can also provide funding assistance.
Snag state-level help from the SBA
District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.
I recommend: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the
U.S. map in the middle of the
SBA home page.
SCORE more free help for your biz
SCORE, "Counselors to America's small business" is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.
I recommend: These are SCORE Iowa offices:
Cedar Rapids - Cedar Rapids SCORE;
Des Moines - Des Moines SCORE;
Sioux City - Sioux City SCORE
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