New Business Resources

If you're considering starting a business, you are about to begin one of the most rewarding experiences of your life - and definitely one of the most challenging. Whether this is your first time or you are a "serial entrepreneur", Iowa is a great place to begin. From financial assistance for starting your business and regulatory & compliance assistance to recruitment and hiring, our full-service project staff can help connect you with the things you need to go from concept to bricks, clicks – or whatever your venture requires to become both operational and successful.

Does your business or idea deal with innovation and commercialization of a product in the targeted industries of bioscience, advanced manufacturing or information solutions and financial services?

Starting a Business

• Business License Information Center — Access information to help answer your business start-up questions and to identify any licensing, registration, or other requirements for doing business in Iowa.
• Small Business Start up — Resources are available to help answer your business start-up questions. A great place to start is by reviewing the Guide to Structuring Your New Business [PDF: 254k] .
• Targeted Small Business Assistance (TSB) — Designed to assist in the creation and expansion of certain Iowa small businesses.
• Additional Start-Up Resources — Frequently requested information on resources for start-up businesses in the areas of consumer protection, workforce, licensing, transportation, etc.

Entrepreneurship

• Accelerating Business Growth — These centers offer technical assistance and mentoring to companies with staff experienced in legal, accounting, and marketing disciplines.
• Business License Information Center (BLIC) — Information to individuals interested in becoming a business operator or licensed professional.
• Demonstration Fund — Provides financial awards up to $150,000 to encourage commercialization activities by small and medium-sized Iowa companies in the advanced manufacturing, biosciences, and information technology industries. The fund is designed to encourage product refinements, market planning and market entry activities of unique products to foster competitive, profitable companies that create high paying jobs and wealth in Iowa.
• Equity Funds in Iowa — Learn about Equity Funds currently seeking investors and investments in Iowa. Find out more about the Venture Network of Iowa and the unique opportunity available for entrepreneurs to present their ideas to Iowa's savvy investment community.
• Iowa Entrepreneur Network — The Iowa Entrepreneur Network provides Iowa entrepreneurs and investors with a community which integrates entrepreneurial expertise and interests across the state.
• Writing a Business Plan — Links to sites that can help to create a solid business plan and presentation.

Additional Resources

• State Small Business Credit Initiative Programs — The U.S. Department of the Treasury moved to support business lending in Iowa when it announced that the state would receive funding under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Iowa's planned use of the SSBCI funds will help create new private sector jobs and spur additional small-business lending in the state.
• Guide to the Iowa Innovators Resource Network [iowainnovationcouncil.com] — Essential information to keep innovators and entrepreneurs informed as well as showcase the statewide organizations working to help entrepreneurs succeed. A comprehensive guide to securing business financing is included to explain financing options for the business community.
• Financial Assistance for Starting Your Business — Financial capital may be available to help you get your business off the ground.
• Regulatory & Compliance Assistance — Assistance on permitting and regulatory compliance, communicating with regulatory agencies, and resources for environmental technical assistance.

Please contact us today for a confidential conversation.

Phone: +1.515.725.3100 or 800.245.4692
E-mail: business@iowa.gov