Small Biz Support
The Southeastern SBDC has provided entrepreneurial support and counseling to Des Moines, Henry, Lee, and Louisa counties for over 25 years!
Specific entrepreneurial programs have been established in the four-county region. You are welcome to visit and utilize all of the entrepreneurial support services available, as your success is of upmost importance to us!
Regional
www.GreatRiverBiz.com, visit the regional entrepreneurial website to see what is happening in the southeast Iowa region!
Des Moines County:
events coming soon!
Henry County:
Business Information Center
Located in a study room at the Mount Pleasant Library, the center offers a computer with Business Plan Pro software and a printer so that you can create your business plan at your leisure and at no cost! Business Plan Pro will help you create a detailed business plan for opening or expanding your business. The BIC center has numerous brochures and materials that are helpful in starting a business, including books on Getting a Business Loan and How to Start a Restaurant and Five Other Food Businesses. Stop in today to see the free resources available to help you start or grow your business! For more information contact the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce at 319-385-3101.
The Henry County Entrepreneur Award
This award provides seed capital grants to entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in Henry County, as well as those who have recently opened a business and would like to expand. Interested parties should contact the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce for an application. Finalist will be asked to present their plan to a selection committee. Awards will be presented during the MPACC's Annual Banquet in October. For more information about the Henry County Entrepreneur Award, please contact the Mt. Pleasant Chamber at 319-385-3101.
Mentoring Team
The Business Mentoring Team is composed of highly skilled business professionals that are willing to consult with new business owners and those business owners ready to grow their business. The team consists of a lender, accountant, insurance, human resource, marketing, location, and grant funding specialist. Please contact the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce at 319-385-3101 to set up an appointment with a member of the mentoring team.
Lee County:
Great River Regional Business Information Center-(BIC)
Established in 2002, the GRRBIC is located at Southeastern Community College, Fred Karre Memorial Library,335 Messenger Road, Keokuk, Iowa. Whether you are researching a business idea, preparing a business plan, or wanting to know more about starting a restaurant or E-Bay business, the BIC is the place to be! Our resources are dedicated to business research. The BIC is available to all members of the community interested in starting a business. There is no cost! Stop in and register for a BIC library card, and begin your business research today! Please call the SCC library for hours of operation at 319-524-3221 X1960.
Louisa County:
Louisa Development Corporation
If you're thinking of starting or expanding a business in Louisa County, LDG is here to help. Here are some of the areas we can help:
- Assistance in writing a Business Plan
- Site Selection
- Funding Sources - including access to a revolving loan fund
- Strategic Marketing
- Referral to State & Local Agencies
Feel free to call us at 319-527-5182 or e-mail us at ldg@louisacomm.net with questions. We're here to help guide you in the right direction.
