Scott Swenson
Iowa native brings 30-plus years of business experience
Scott Swenson was recently appointed regional director of Kirkwood’s Small Business Development Center. Swenson, a lifelong Iowan, spent 30 years in media, marketing and management, and was himself a small business owner in Cedar Falls.
“We are thrilled to have Scott join us at Kirkwood as the SBDC Regional Director,” said Kim Johnson, vice-president of Kirkwood Continuing Education and Training Service. “He brings a wealth of experience and a ready network to support small business development in the northern territory of the Creative Corridor.”
The University of Iowa graduate worked for the Gazette Company with senior management responsibilities that included sales, marketing, operations and customer service and worked extensively consulting with Linn County businesses affected by the 2008 flood and provided counseling in business recovery.
“I am thrilled to be leading the Kirkwood Small Business Center program,” Swenson said. “The services offered through the SBDC program are a tremendous asset to the region. I had the opportunity to work closely with the SBDC in assisting businesses and the level of professional services from this program was outstanding. I’m very much looking forward to working with the entrepreneurial community and small businesses in launching their ideas and fueling their growth.”
Swenson replaces Al Beach, who led the SBDC for approximately five years. Beach retired from the position in September.
“We’ve grown an outstanding entrepreneurial eco-system in the Creative Corridor. There is a tremendous network of resources that has been established, led by innovators in the entrepreneurial community. This is an exciting time to be creating businesses in Iowa.”