• Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
    The 16 offices of the Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provide the highest possible quality management and technical assistance to pre-business and existing for-profit private sector businesses through one-on-one counseling, seminars and workshops, and through personal, library, agency or database referral.

  • Federal Procurement Assistance
    The U.S. Government is the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services. To assist small businesses in this market, the SBA offers technical assistance to identify and bid on placement of goods and services. Pro-Net is an internet-based database of information, an electronic “link” for small firms wanting to do business with Federal and State agencies. Pro-Net can be accessed at http://pro-net.sba.gov or press “Pro-Net” on the SBA’s Home Page: www.sba.gov .


  • SCORE is a voluntary organization of retired and active business people, that are sponsored by the SBA to provide their skills, knowledge and expertise to small businesses in solving their operating problems. Counselors’ expertise is matched to the client’s needs and additional counselors can be called if needed. Assistance is confidential and at no cost to the small business. Score is not able to work with not-for-profit businesses.

  • Foreign Agricultural Service
    Services to assist businesses in trade and export.

  • Cooperative Service
    Works to improve the effectiveness and performance of cooperatives and promote the understanding and use of the cooperative form of business as a viable option for agricultural producers and other rural residents.

  • Comprehensive Management Assistance (CMA)
    Technical, professional and management assistance.

  • Iowa Business License Information Center
    To provide small businesses with the information needed to successfully start or expand a small business in Iowa.

  • Existing Business and Industry Program
    The Existing Industry Team at the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) works hand-in-hand with community economic development personnel to support Iowa businesses considering expansion and the creation of new jobs. By contacting a member of the B.E.S.Team, you can obtain information on financing, job training, state regulations, tax incentives, technical assistance and more. IDED also maintains an active file of community materials, including information on available buildings and sites.

  • Iowa Procurement Outreach Center (CIRAS)
    To assist Iowa businesses in competing for, and successfully obtaining, federal government contracts.

  • Job Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Program
    To provide technical assistance grants to Iowa non-profit organizations providing training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

  • Regulatory Assistance Program
    To provide your business with the regulatory assistance you need to grow you business in Iowa. Types of Assistance: Economic development and business regulatory agencies working together in Iowa. The program has evolved from a partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to streamline the environmental permitting process into full-service business permitting, licensing and regulatory information team. Services include: · Consultation and information about state and federal business regulations · One-on-one environmental permitting assistance to expedite and streamline the process and eliminate costly delays · Small business Clean Air Act compliance information and assistance · U.S. Immigration information and assistance · Small business permitting and licensing information through IDED’s Business License Information Center

  • Recycle Iowa
    A program of the Iowa Department of Economic Development working to maintain and increase markets for recyclable materials in Iowa.

  • Iowa Waste Reduction Assistance Program (WRAP)
    A free, confidential and non-regulatory service to assist medium to large businesses, industries and institutions in improving operational and resource efficiencies through waste reduction and pollution prevention strategies.

  • Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS)
    To provide management and technical assistance to Iowa manufacturers and processing firms.

  • State Organic Certification Program
    To implement regulations governing the production, processing and selling of organic agricultural products and an organic certification program for producers and handlers of organic products.

  • FastTrac Entrepreneurial Training Programs
    The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at The University of Iowa and the 15 Iowa community colleges have partnered to provided comprehensive entrepreneurial training programs and services across the state of Iowa.

  • Miscellaneous
    To provide the means and the expertise for groups of farmers to organize a business entity that is designed to add value to the communities.

  • Develoment Assistance
    Professional Developers of Iowa, Inc. is a voluntary group of professional economic development personnel affiliated for the purpose of furthering the economic base of the State of Iowa. Primary among the purposes of the organization are: a.) Fostering cooperation and mutual support among the members; b.) Using the collective expertise of the members to provide guidance and direction to policymakers as it pertains to economic development; c.) Working consistently to enhance the long term competitive posture of the State of Iowa as pertains to economic development; d.) Providing the means for members to informally exchange ideas and development techniques; and e.) Affording members the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, expertise, confidence, and professionalism through a varied program of educational activities.

  • Small Business Incubators (SBI)
    There are currently four (4) small business incubators in operation in Iowa; additional facilities are being planned or considered. Each incubator offers services and assistance at low or no cost to emerging businesses, selected as resident/tenants. Services include: subsidized space cost, shared administrative services (reception, secretarial, photocopying, etc.) and technical/management assistance.

  • Site Selection Assistance
    Assist businesses and communities in matching needs in the site selection process of locating available industrial buildings and sites, negotiating local and state incentives and assisting in the permitting process.

  • Various College-Determined Programs
    Continuing education, adult education, specialized training and retraining programs, as well as business and community development assistance.

  • “INVENTURE”
    INVENTURE is a program of the Drake University designed to encourage the development of valid ideas. INVENTURE will review your product idea and check it for market feasibility. Your product will be evaluated on 33 different criteria, ranging from factors related to legality and safety, business risk and demand analysis, to market acceptance and competition. Fee $125

  • Community Reinvestment Fund
    A nonprofit corporation, Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) has been bringing capital to communities nationwide for 12 years. More than $200 million in funds that otherwise would not have been available were provided thanks to CRF's work. CRF helps lenders originate new loans as well as receive cash for existing loans.

  • Iowa Business License Information Center
    To provide small businesses with the information needed to successfully start or expand a small business in Iowa.