Small Business Development Centers (SBDC’s) have a special place in our heart. When I was embarking on my entrepreneurial adventure 5 years ago, I found myself speaking with an SBDC counselor for the first time. Today I still work closely with the Iowa SBDC, not only to help support the growth of my business, but also to support businesses all across the state of Iowa and beyond. Small Business … [Read more...] about A Love Letter to America’s SBDC’s
How Economic Development Can Support Black Businesses
August is #NationalBlackBusinessMonth. Founded by Black entrepreneur Frederick E. Jordan Sr and historian John William Templeton, National Black Business month brings awareness to the strengths and struggles of Black founders in the United States. Black-owned businesses with employees represent an estimated 2% of all employer businesses. Black, minority and historically underrepresented … [Read more...] about How Economic Development Can Support Black Businesses
Making It Easy for You to Shop Locally
The idea of shopping local has grown popular in recent years, and it’s no wonder why; supporting your local community can benefit everyone involved, not just the business owners, but you as well! No matter your reasons for choosing to shop local, it’s nice to know that small businesses are making it easier than ever to do so. Small business owners across America are selling their products online … [Read more...] about Making It Easy for You to Shop Locally
What it means to be mission based
For the last two years, we’ve put together an annual report which summarizes what we’ve accomplished for the year with the help of our public and nonprofit partners, our thoughts and plans on where we are headed, and overall trends which impact the small businesses we support. This has been a time for us to reflect and reset at the beginning of the year, looking at goals and asking ourselves … [Read more...] about What it means to be mission based
Free Local Delivery Service Helps Boost Sales in Staten Island
In 2021, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce was examining some of the challenges that their small businesses were facing and they discovered that many businesses, due to exorbitant pricing or logistical issues, were having trouble shipping and/or delivering their items. They also wanted to give small businesses the ability to compete with larger retailers – especially during the holiday … [Read more...] about Free Local Delivery Service Helps Boost Sales in Staten Island