(DES MOINES) – Entrepreneurs in Iowa now have a new online business resource to help them develop their products and ideas. Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced today that they have contracted with U.S. SourceLink to help small business owners and entrepreneurs find resources via an online “one-stop shop” accessible around the clock and statewide. The IASourceLink.com website goes live effective today, November 5, 2012.
As part of the Authority’s continuing work with existing small businesses in the state and efforts to support the creation of more small businesses, the IEDA has been working with an ad hoc advisory committee to determine ways to further improve the environment for entrepreneurship. One of the committee’s recommendations was to improve access to the many resources that are available to small business owners but are sometimes difficult to locate.
IASourceLink.com is a web-based platform which will enable entrepreneurs and small businesses to be connected efficiently and effectively to technical and financial resources meeting their specific business needs. Through IASourceLink, Iowans seeking to start or expand a business will have a simple, streamlined entry to the outstanding small business and entrepreneurial organizations and assets that best meet their needs.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the state’s economy, accounting for 51 percent of private sector jobs,” said Governor Terry Branstad. “We must create an environment where small businesses can flourish and connect the dots for those who want to start or expand their small business with the vast amount of resources that are already available in our state. IASourceLink will do just that.”
In addition, the IEDA is collaborating with the University of Northern Iowa’s MyEntre.Net to provide timely, expert webinars, blogs and resource pages dedicated to Iowa small businesses via the website. A customer desiring additional support may request assistance through the web or a toll free number.
“IASourceLink.com will enable Iowa’s small businesses to access assistance information online or be directed to community partners and programs that help entrepreneurs start, sustain and grow their businesses,” said Lt Governor Kim Reynolds.
