UNI Resources for Iowa Businesses

Rob WilliamsBusiness Analyst, University of Northern Iowa

Sept 18, 2013Crossroads Rotary Club

http://www.bcs.uni.edu

I want to start a business, where do I start?

I’ve been in business for 10 years, how can I grow?

Very Broad Ecosystem...

• Collaboratively driven website built by service providers to connect business owners with the right resources, at the right time.

• Main Features Include:– Business Webinars powered by MyEntre.Net– Statewide Event Calendar– Resource Navigator & Directory– Iowa Business Concierge

http://www.IASourceLink.com

Business Webinars• Free Online Seminars• Expert Speakers• Topics:– Social Media Marketing– Accounting/Tax (IDR)– Hiring & Finding Talent– Search Engine Optimization

• Hundreds to watch on-demandhttp://webinars.iasourcelink.com

http://www.IowaTaxWebinars.com

Iowa Business Concierge

• ‘Ask us Anything’• Call, Click, or Chat• Key Referrals & Research

http://bizhelp.iasourcelink.com

Business Concierge• ‘Ask Us Anything’ Online Information Service

http://bizhelp.iasourcelink.com

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS

High Rent & Target Market Map

http://bizhelp.iasourcelink.com

Dan BeenkenAdvanceIowa, Team Lead

http://www.AdvanceIowa.com

Strategic Marketing Services

• Primary Market Research– Surveys (online, mail, phone)– Focus Groups

• Market Analysis– Product Intelligence– Customer Intelligence– Competitive Intelligence

http://www.sms.uni.edu

Business Incubation @ UNI

UNI Small Business Development Center

• Free 1:1 Business Consulting• Business & Market Plan Development• Financials Assistance

http://www.iowasbdc.org

EntreFest! ConferenceStatewide Conference for Iowa Business Owners

http://www.EntreFest.com

Iowa Waste Reduction CenterFree, non-regulatory environmental assistance to Iowa small businesses• On-Site Reviews• Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program• Iowa Waste Exchange• Painter Training

http://www.iwrc.org

• $5,000 Regional Grant Contest• $10,000 Statewide Grand Prize

www.DreamBigGrowHere.com

Questions?