One of the questions I am asked most often is how do I start a business.  The federal government and the State of Iowa has many resources available to make starting a business easier.

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal agency that works primarily with small businesses.   The SBA can offer you advice in how to start a business, how to finance it, as well as how to managing it.  The agency can also provide guidance to businesses wanting government contracts.  Additionally, the SBA offers businesses low interest loans when they have been impacted by a nationally declared disaster.

The SBA has two offices in Iowa, or you can visit their website for more details on the programs they offer: VIEW

SBA, Cedar Rapids
215 4th Ave, SE, Suite 200
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
319-362-6405
Website: VIEW

SBA, Des Moines
210 Walnut, Room 749
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-284-4422
Website:VIEW

In addition, the SBA sponsors several Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).  The SBDC can provide management assistance to existing and future small business owners.   The SBDC  program is a cooperative effort between the private sector, the educational community and federal, state and local governments.  To find the nearest SBDC please visit the SBA website:VIEW

Or, the Iowa Business Network can also provide information on the nearest SBDC:VIEW

US Department of Agriculture

If you are establishing your business in a community under 20,000 in population, you may be able to receive a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program. The Rural Development programs include:

Business & Industrial Guaranteed Loan Program

Intermediary Re-lending Loan Program

Rural Business Enterprise Grants

Rural Economic Development Loan Program

Rural Economic Development Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture also has a Small Business Office which encourages the use of small, disadvantaged and women-owned businesses as federal contractors.  The toll free number is 1-877-99OSDBU.  Website:VIEW

US Department of Commerce

The International Trade Administration can help answer your exporting and importing questions.  The ITA does have an office in Iowa at:

US Export Assistance Center
700 Locust Street, Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50309-3739
515-288-8614
Website:VIEW

The Department of Commerce also has a Minority Business Development Agency which helps in the creation, growth and expansion of minority-owned businesses.

Veterans Administration

If you are a veteran the Center for Veterans Enterprise may be able to assist you.

Internal Revenue Service

The IRS has a section of their web page devoted to business:VIEW
In addition, most of the IRS forms and publications are available online.  The agency has also put on compact disc a Small Business Resource Guide.  If you would like a copy of this guide, please call any of my offices.

State of Iowa

The State of Iowa  offers a variety of programs to help small business.  The Department of Economic Development is the source of these programs. Some of those programs are listed below.  For a more complete listing please go to their website:VIEW

Targeted Small Business Financial Assistance Program - Helps with the creation and expansion of minority- or women-owned businesses through direct loans of up to $25,000 and loan guarantees of up to $40,000.

Self-Employment Loan Program (SELP) - Provides low interest loans of up to $10,000 for the creation and expansion of businesses owned, operated and managed by low income women, minorities, or persons with a disability.

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (EWD) - Helps qualified individuals with disabilities establish or  expand a small business by providing technical and financial assistance.

Assistive Device Tax Credit - Qualified Iowa small businesses can reduce their state taxes by buying or renting products or equipment, or by making physical changes to the workplace to help employees with disabilities get or keep a job.

Entrepreneurial Ventures Assistance (EVA) - Provides financial and technical assistance toeligible early-stage technology companies.

Venture Capitol Sources

Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) - Sponsored by the SBA the SBIC program is a private-public partnership to help fill the venture capital needs of small businesses. SBICs are privately owned investment firms that provide capital plus funds borrowed at favorable rates with an SBA guarantee.  For a list of SBICs in Iowa view their website:VIEW

Iowa Procurement Technical Assistance Program

The Iowa Procurement Technical Assistance Program provides marketing and technical assistance to Iowa companies that want to provide goods and services to federal, state or local governments. For more information contact:

Iowa State University PTAC
2272 Howe Hall, Suite 2620
Ames, IA 50011
515-294-3420 
ciras.info@iastate.edu
website: VIEW

Institute of Social and Economic Development

The Institute of Social and Economic Development through their Small Business Training program provides in-depth business training and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs start, expand, or build their businesses.

ADA Project

If you are building or remodeling your business and have questions about making your facility handicap accessible, the ADA Project can help answer your questions.  1-800-949-4232