Collaboration in Iowa’s Creative Corridor promotes entrepreneurship
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (December 2, 2015)—The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) managed by Kirkwood Community College has exceeded performance goals established by the state. By working closely with Cedar Rapids and Marion economic development groups, the center has supported entrepreneurial business growth in Iowa’s Creative Corridor.
“The synergy in Iowa’s Creative Corridor encourages economic development,” said Kim Becicka, vice president of Continuing Education and Outreach Services. “Kirkwood serves as a conduit not only educating individuals, but administering state initiatives that foster job growth.”
Iowa’s SBDC was established in 1981. It is a public-private partnership that leverages the resources of government, higher education and the business community to assist Iowa’s businesses to grow and be successful. SBDCs provide free, confidential, customized, professional business advice in all 99 Iowa counties to entrepreneurs and existing businesses with 500 employees or less. Kirkwood’s SBDC, the second largest population region in the state to Des Moines, serves Benton, Jones and Linn counties.
Performance goals are established by the state for all SBDCs in new businesses created, jobs created, capital infusion, sales increases and clients counseled. Kirkwood surpassed the goals in every area, excelling as high as 165 percent in counseling hours.
This year Kirkwood’s SBDC recorded 19 new business starts with dozens more nearing their launch. Regional Director Scott Swenson attributes this to referrals from economic development partners such as the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, involvement with Iowa’s Startup Accelerator and the financial community.
“Kirkwood partners with organizations such as Iowa Startup Accelerator (ISA) by helping entrepreneurs put together a business model,” said Swenson. “We also connect owners to funding sources enabling big ideas to become a business.”
Last year Iowa’s SBDC helped 251 new businesses start, which is one new business every 35 hours. That is an average of two new jobs created. Over $90,000 in new taxable sales was earned their first year of business.
“Iowa’s Creative Corridor is a hotbed of entrepreneurship,” said Swenson. “We’re coming off a big month of events including the Entrepreneurial Development Center Innovation Expo, ISA launch day, the University of Iowa Venture School, Startup Weekend, InnovateHER pitch competitions and more. The region is ripe with networking and opportunities to get involved with entrepreneurship.”
For more information visit www.iowasbdc.org, www.creativecorridor.co or www.up.co/communities/usa/iowacity/startup-weekend/7418.