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Iowa City Campus, City Promote Minority Entrepreneurship

By May 8, 2017November 6th, 2018No Comments

Kirkwood’s Iowa City Campus

IOWA CITY, Iowa (May 8, 2017)—Kirkwood Community College has partnered with the City of Iowa City to promote entrepreneurship by minorities. The college will host Iowa City’s business launch seminar on Saturday, May 20.

Seven years ago Iowa had the lowest number of minority-owned businesses in the country, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Iowa’s recently released State of Small Business and Entrepreneurship report shows growth in minority business ownership of nearly 81 percent over the past two years. Efforts like the upcoming business launch seminar and Kirkwood’s on-campus business laboratory seem to be making a difference.

“We have a very diverse student population, representing over 76 nations. When the city reached out to partner for the seminar, it seemed logical,” said Kirkwood Executive Dean of the Iowa City campus, Dr. Ann Valentine.

Building Business Basics is being offered for the second year through Kirkwood in Iowa City. Nearly 60 people participated in the workshops last year that took place over a period of a few weeks. This year participants in the one-day event will learn how to develop a business plan, perform market analysis, review financial programs and explore other resources for minority start-ups. The event is free for those who preregister on the City of Iowa City Facebook page or $5 at the door.

Kirkwood was also awarded a grant through the City of Iowa City to support a business learning laboratory on the Iowa City campus. The laboratory is a small deli that enables students to learn about entrepreneurship, marketing and retail management. Students partake in a one credit hour internship each semester during the academic year. The program includes education about the city’s microloan fund for potential and small business owners who have limited or no access to commercial loans.

*****EVENT*****

What: Building Business Basics – business launch seminar
When: Saturday, May 20, 2017
Where: Kirkwood Community College, Iowa City Campus Commons
1816 Lower Muscatine Road, Room 137
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Lunch provided)
Cost: FREE with prior registration, $5 at the door
Register: neighborhoods@iowa-city.org or City of Iowa City Facebook page