Access webinars, workshops and trainings designed to help grow you business or expand your career skills.  

Small Business 101 for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: Part III 
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 12:00 PM CT 
REGISTER HERE

Starting  a business always begins with an idea. But entrepreneurs must be savvy about devising business plans, securing small business loans, and making any number of critical moves that can make or break an organization.  Join U.S. Small Business Administration Branch Manager, Jo Eckert, in this three-part series to learn about the resources available to assist you with owning and operating a small business, and the next steps and best practices to focus on as your business grows.  

Individuals with disabilities may request accommodations by emailing DesMoinesIowaWorks@iwd.iowa.gov or calling 515-281-9619.  Requests must be received three (3) business days prior to event dates.  

 Iowa's Target Small Business Program -Virtual Webinar

 Tuesday, April 4, 2023  10:00 AM CT

 REGISTER HERE

Iowa's Targeted Small Business (TSB) program exists to help people with minority status, service-connected disabled veterans, and individuals with disabilities overcome hurdles to start or grow small businesses in Iowa. This webinar is designed to help Iowa companies understand and make better use of the TSB program.

Brought to you by the CIRAS Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), this event will include an overview of the TSB program and how to navigate the TSB portal. We'll cover:

•    Next steps for your business after becoming TSB certified.

•    Structure of Iowa government and independent buying agencies. 

•    Best ways to do business with the state as a TSB

•    Marketing practices

We'll also spend 30 minutes of this one-hour webinar giving attendees an overview of a government agency, its mission, and how you can do business with one particular portion of the Iowa government. 

For more event details, contact Julie Fagle at jafagle@iastate.edu.

Iowa Central Business & Community  - Marketing Mania
Tuesday, May 2, 2023  9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT

East Campus Triton Room 
Tuition $99
REGISTER HERE

Marketing Mania - To provide basic real-life marketing fundamentals to assist attendees with moving their business forward.  Instructor: Darcy Swon 

• Today's Real-Life Marketing Fundamentals
• Branding 
• Marketing Basics
• Website
• Social Media 
• Google My Business  

Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute To Be Held June 11-15, 2023

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has announced that this year’s Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute (OEI) is scheduled for June 11-15, 2023 in the Iowa Lakes Region.

2023 marks the 17th year of the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute, a program that brings 32 of the sharpest entrepreneurial minds from five of Iowa’s higher education institutions to the Iowa Lakes region for a week-long, college credit course that is unmatched by any other program in the state. Students are selected by their institution to participate from Buena Vista University, Iowa Lakes Community College, Iowa State University, University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa.

The OEI program is funded by sponsors both local and across the state of Iowa. It is made possible by the Iowa Lakes Corridor communities, volunteers, speakers, instructors and host families that house these elite students for the OEI week.

“As a former OEI alum myself, I can attest to the unique opportunity it is to have these college students visit the lakes for a week and make connections with the amazing entrepreneurs, business and community leaders here in the Iowa Lakes Corridor region,” shared Corridor Coordinator of Administration and Communication Alyssa Petersen. “I’m still connected with the students and mentors I met when I was a student, and I made valuable connections and memories during my OEI experience.”

During the week of OEI, students will participate in a community project, work with mentors and coaches on their own business ventures and have the opportunity to meet and network with business and community leaders.

If you are interested in learning more about OEI or how you can get involved, contact the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation at 712-264-3474.   Learn more by checking out last year's OEI video!