NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

Start Smart Webinar
2020-07-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2020-06-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2020-06-03 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | IA
Registration is required to get the Zoom link, contact Mary Spitz-SBDC office at NIACC: 641.422.4342 or mary.spitz@niacc.edu.
The NIACC Pappajohn Center and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a free two-hour workshop via Zoom designed for anyone who is considering starting a business. At Start Smart, participants will learn how to create a business plan, do market research, discuss different types of business ownership, and learn how to register a business.
The activities involved in starting a business fall under two broad categories—feasibility (the business plan) and administrative tasks. While we like to focus on the feasibility issue, Start Smart provides information and the chance to ask questions on numerous other topics, including:

Business registration
Doing customer research
How bankers evaluate business concepts and loans
Start-up costs
Business plan tips
And more

After attending Start Smart, you can make an appointment to meet over the phone individually with the Small Business Development Center Counselors to assist you in reviewing your business plan, or to provide guidance with other issues.

Finance Friday: Updates from the IRS on the CARES Act
2020-06-19 13:00 - 14:00 | IA
Please join us at Finance Friday for updates on the current financial landscape. We welcome special guest, Karen Brehmer, IRS Stakeholder Liaison. She will be discussing:
Updates from the IRS on the CARES Act
• IRS services and operations
• Economic Impact Payments
• Employee Retention Credit & Paid Leave under FFCRA
• PPP loan forgiveness & IRS Notice 2020-32
Registration is limited to 100 participants.
Register at https://niacc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcodOCpqj0jEtGLjZeE2mtMkShHVmkxsfto
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. That is the link you will use to access the webinar. You will not get another email. If you can’t attend live, we will also record and share the session along with any recommended resources.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
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Finance Friday
2020-06-05 13:00 - 14:00 | IA
Please join us at Finance Friday for updates on the current financial landscape. More details to come about today’s topic!
We’ll be joined by a panel of local experts:
Paul Mixdorf, CPA, Financial Freedom Controls
Christopher Smith, CPA, Murphy, Coe & Smith, PLLC
Dennis Muyskens, CPA, Hogan – Hansen, P.C.
Natalie Plagge, Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company
Bob Klocke, First Citizens Bank
Registration is limited to 100 participants.
Register at https://niacc.zoom.us/meeting/register/upQpduGpqTwpy-3m88KwQ2xanetBm9hPug
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. That is the link you will use to access the webinar. You will not get another email. If you can’t attend live, we will also record and share the session along with any recommended resources.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Back to Small Business Strategies

Marketing Wednesday: 9 Essential Elements of your Internet Marketing Strategy
2020-05-27 09:00 - 10:00 | IA
Please join us for Marketing Wednesday’s free webinar as we focus on the 9 Essential Elements of your Internet Marketing Strategy. As businesses phase into reopening and the economic conditions continue to evolve, digital marketing will continue to play an essential role in communicating with your customers.
We’ll be joined by Paul Gormley, project manager at CIRAS – Iowa State University (Center for Industrial Research and Service). At CIRAS, Paul has worked with over 200 companies to help them effectively develop and deliver innovative and sustainable products, services and business models, craft relevant marketing messages, and produce effective internet-based marketing strategies.
Please register in advance, this call is limited to 100 participants.
https://niacc.zoom.us/meeting/register/v5IsdeyqqzIuveBtjglNeoo0pehTI8zlzA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. That is the link you will use to access the webinar. You will not get another email. If you can’t attend live, we will also record and share the session along with any recommended resources.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Resources

Watch the recorded livestream

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Finance Friday: PPP Forgiveness Updates
2020-05-22 13:00 - 14:00 | IA
The PPP loan forgiveness application is now available – Paul Mixdorf, CPA, of Financial Freedom Controls walks us through it with our panel of local experts:
Christopher Smith, CPA, Murphy, Coe & Smith, PLLC
Dennis Muyskens, CPA, Hogan – Hansen, P.C.
Natalie Plagge, Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company
Bob Klocke, First Citizens Bank
Registration is limited to 100 participants.
Register at https://niacc.zoom.us/meeting/register/upQpduGpqTwpy-3m88KwQ2xanetBm9hPug
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. That is the link you will use to access the webinar. You will not get another email. If you can’t attend live, we will also record and share the session along with any recommended resources.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Resources

Watch the recorded livestream

Back to Small Business Strategies

Start Smart
2020-05-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Registration is required to get the Zoom link, contact Mary Spitz-SBDC office at NIACC: 641.422.4342 or mary.spitz@niacc.edu.
The NIACC Pappajohn Center and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a free two-hour workshop designed for anyone who is considering starting a business. At Start Smart, participants will learn how to create a business plan, do market research, discuss different types of business ownership, and learn how to register a business.
The activities involved in starting a business fall under two broad categories—feasibility (the business plan) and administrative tasks. While we like to focus on the feasibility issue, Start Smart provides information and the chance to ask questions on numerous other topics, including:
• Business registration
• Doing customer research
• How bankers evaluate business concepts and loans
• Start-up costs
• Business plan tips
• And more
After attending Start Smart, you can make an appointment to meet over the phone individually with the Small Business Development Center Counselors to assist you in reviewing your business plan, or to provide guidance with other issues.

Marketing Wednesday: Reopening for Retail
2020-05-13 09:00 - 10:00 | IA
As Iowa phases into reopening, small business owners are facing tough decisions and looking for new strategies. Robin Bostrom, Business Specialist with Main Street Iowa and the Iowa Downtown Resource Center, joins us for Wednesday’s free small business webinar to share her insights for safe, effective reopening strategies.
Please register in advance, this call is limited to 100 participants.
https://niacc.zoom.us/meeting/register/v5IsdeyqqzIuveBtjglNeoo0pehTI8zlzA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. That is the link you will use to access the webinar. You will not get another email. If you can’t attend live, we will also record and share the session along with any recommended resources.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Back to Small Business Strategies

Finance Friday: PPP & EIDL Updates with SBA’s Dave Lentell
2020-05-08 13:00 - 14:00 | IA
The Payroll Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan received additional funding from the federal government last week. Updates continue to roll out about these programs – our goal is to bring you clarity and the most up-to-date information.
Dave Lentell, Lead Lender Relations Specialist and Public Information Officer for the Iowa District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, joins us for this week’s Finance Friday to discuss PPP and EIDL updates.
We’ll also be joined by our panel of North Iowa experts:

Paul Mixdorf, CPA, Financial Freedom Controls
Christopher Smith, CPA, Murphy, Coe & Smith, PLLC
Dennis Muyskens, CPA, Hogan – Hansen, P.C.
Natalie Plagge, Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company
Bob Klocke, First Citizens Bank

Register at https://niacc.zoom.us/meeting/register/upQpduGpqTwpy-3m88KwQ2xanetBm9hPug
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. That is the link you will use to access the webinar. You will not get another email. If you can’t attend live, we will also record and share the session along with any recommended resources.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Back to Small Business Strategies

Getting Your Business Ready to Reopen
2020-05-06 09:00 - 10:00 | IA
Please join us for Marketing Wednesday’s free webinar – The Iowa Hospitality Promise: Getting Your Business Ready to Reopen.
We’ll be joined by Jessica Dunker, President/CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association who will share her insights and tips for restaurants and retailers getting ready to welcome back customers.
Please register in advance, this call is limited to 100 participants.
https://niacc.zoom.us/meeting/register/v5IsdeyqqzIuveBtjglNeoo0pehTI8zlzA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. That is the link you will use to access the webinar. You will not get another email. If you can’t attend live, we will also record and share the session along with any recommended resources.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Resources

View the webinar presentation as a PDF
Watch the recorded livestream

Back to Small Business Strategies

Finance Friday: Updates on PPP, EIDL & Local Help
2020-04-24 13:00 - 14:00 | IA
Join us for the Finance Friday webinar as our panel of local experts discuss what you need to know about PPP, EIDL, and local help – including best practices. We’ll be joined by:

Paul Mixdorf, CPA, Financial Freedom Controls
Christopher Smith, CPA, Murphy, Coe & Smith, PLLC
Dennis Muyskens, CPA, Hogan – Hansen, P.C.
Natalie Plagge, Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company
Bob Klocke, First Citizens Bank
Amy Johnson, JD, BrownWinick Law Firm

This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Resources

View the webinar presentation as PDF
Watch the recorded webinar

Back to Small Business Strategies

Marketing: Merging Brick & Mortar with Digital
2020-04-22 09:00 - 10:00 | IA
Join us for our weekly Marketing Wednesday webinar with special guest panelist Cherie Eidilson from Shop Where I live. This week, a panel of North Iowa entrepreneurs and experts as they share their insights into combining digital strategies with your brick and mortar business.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Resources

View the webinar presentation as a PDF
Watch the recorded webinar

Back to Small Business Strategies

PPP for Sole Proprietors & Independent Contractors
2020-04-17 13:00 - 14:00 | IA
Join us for the Finance Friday webinar as our panel of local experts discuss the Payroll Protection Program. The SBA has released additional guidelines clarifying the rules for independent contractors and sole proprietors. If you’re not sure how the PPP can benefit your solopreneur business, we’re here to help explain.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Resources

View the webinar presentation as PDF
Watch the recorded livestream

Back to Small Business Strategies

Marketing 101: Key Digital Channels
2020-04-15 13:00 - 14:00 | IA
Join a panel of North Iowa entrepreneurs and experts as they share their current marketing strategies and tactics. Every small business owner is working hard to survive the pandemic – we’re here to work with you and share resources, ideas, and local experiences to help you get through this. Tune in this Wednesday April 15th for a marketing webinar in the Strategies for Small Business series.
We’ll be talking about key digital channels for your small business, including Google and Bing.
We’ll be joined again by an expert panel and local entrepreneurs who are utilizing these tools well, and answering your questions!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. That is the link you will use to access the webinar. You will not get another email. If you can’t attend live, we will also record and share the session along with any recommended resources.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Resources

View the webinar presentation as a PDF
Watch the recorded livestream

Back to Small Business Strategies

Navigating the Financial Pressures of COVID-19
2020-04-10 13:00 - 14:00 | IA
Finance Friday: Accountants, bankers, and businesses talk about navigating the waters of financial pressures of COVID-19. Join us for this free webinar for insights into how North Iowa businesses can traverse these turbulent economic conditions.
We will answer questions during the session. We are limited to the first 100 viewers, although we will record the session.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information and the link to join the meeting.
The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Join us for Marketing Wednesdays and Finance Fridays. Together, we’re working to help you weather these unprecedented times.

Back to Small Business Strategies

Marketing Wednesday: Local Strategies & Tactics
2020-04-08 09:00 - 10:00 | IA
Join a panel of North Iowa entrepreneurs and experts as they share their current marketing strategies and tactics. Every small business owner is working hard to survive the pandemic – we’re here to work with you and share resources, ideas, and local experiences to help you get through this.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. That is the link you will use to access the webinar. You will not get another email. If you can’t attend live, we will also record and share the session along with any recommended resources.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Resources

View the webinar presentation as a PDF
View the recorded livestream

Back to Small Business Strategies

Finance Friday: The CARES Act
2020-04-03 13:00 - 14:00 | IA
New information is being released every day about relief programs for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Join us for Finance Friday as we look at the recently passed CARES Act and how small businesses can apply for and utilize this resource.
We will also answer questions during the session. We are limited to the first 100 viewers, although we will record the session.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information and the link to join the meeting.
The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Join us for Marketing Wednesdays and Finance Fridays. Together, we’re working to help you weather these unprecedented times.
Resources

View the webinar presentation as a PDF

Back to Small Business Strategies

Customer Relationships & Advanced Digital Tools
2020-04-01 09:00 - 10:00 | IA
Effective communication with your clients is more important than ever. As COVID-19 continues to affect the ways we interact and do business, are you reaching the right people with the right information? Join us for a free marketing webinar to help guide your small business to better communications during these times.
We will be covering:

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) & tactics
Advanced digital tools and social media marketing tactics
Strategic partners & key alliances

We will be joined again by an expert panel local entrepreneurs who are utilizing these tools well. Please register in advance, this call is limited to 100 participants.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. That is the link you will use to access the webinar. You will not get another email. If you can’t attend live, we will also record and share the session along with any recommended resources.
This webinar is part of the Small Business Strategies during COVID-19 series. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Please contact us with any questions.
Resources

View the webinar presentation as a PDF
View the recorded livestream

Back to Small Business Strategies

Finance Friday: Small Business Relief Applications
2020-03-27 14:00 - 15:00 | IA
New information is being released every day about relief programs for small business owners and entrepreneurs. We’d like to help you review these programs and the key takeaways you need to know when completing these applications — and why it is important for you to submit an application. Join us for this free Finance Friday webinar to hear from local CPAs and SBA experts about what resources are available to you.
– SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
– Small Business Relief Grant Program & Tax Deferral
– Targeted Small Business Sole Operator Fund
– What we know about the Federal Disaster Program for Small Businesses
We will also answer questions that you have. We are limited to the first 100 viewers, although we will record the session.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information and the link to join the meeting.
Speakers:

Brook Boehmler
Chris Smith
Paul Mixdorf
Dave Lentell

The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is working to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our online one-to-one business counseling, we’re continuing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now. Join us for Marketing Wednesdays and Finance Fridays. Together, we’re working to help you weather these unprecedented times.
Resources

View the webinar presentation as a PDF
Watch the recorded livestream

Back to Small Business Strategies

The 3 Non-Negotiable Digital Essentials for Small Business
2020-03-25 09:00 - 10:00 | IA
We’re in unprecedented times for business. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is trying to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our usual one-to-one business counseling, we’re introducing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now.
Between social distancing and the nationwide closure of bars, restaurants, and public venues, digital content is seeing an uptick as both entertainment and a business necessity. Join us Wednesday, March 25th at 9 am for a Zoom call with a panel of local experts and learn:

What actions should you be taking right now to increase your digital footprint
Facebook/Instagram, Google, websites and e-commerce strategies
Execution – Who/How
Upcoming webinars – advanced digital tools

Speakers:

Miriah Whitehurst, All Things Advertising
Stacy Doughan and Libbey Hohn, Clear Lake Chamber
David Witzig, President, Ecommerce Insights
Expert local business owners

Resources

View the webinar presentation as a PDF
Watch the recorded livestream – content begins at 13:00 (our first zoom livestream, thank you for your patience!)

Back to Small Business Strategies

Finance Friday: Small Business Strategies during COVID-19
2020-03-20 14:00 - 15:00 | IA
This is the first webinar in the new digital series Small Business Strategies during COVID-19.
We’re in unprecedented times for business. The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC is trying to help our clients combat the uncertainty and provide strategies for your business to innovate, adapt, and survive in this rapidly changing economic environment. In addition to our usual one-to-one business counseling, we’re introducing an online series to connect experts to entrepreneurs on specific challenges you might be facing right now.
We begin with recommendations for the top 2-3 actions businesses and CEOs can take now or begin to plan for in the weeks to come. Hoover’s Hatchery will share their experience with running their business during the Avian Flu outbreak of 2014-2015.
Speakers:

Luke Weiss, CFO, Hoovers Hatchery
Tony Halsted, Director of Business Development, Hoovers Hatchery
Bob Klocke, Chief Credit Officer, First Citizens Bank
Natalie Plagge, Assistant Vice President, Clear Lake Bank and Trust
Brook Boehmler | Regional Director, America’s SBDC Iowa, North Iowa Area Small Business Development Center
Marc Schneider, Project Manager, Iowa State University, CIRAS
Nick Foley, Operational Manager, IowaWorks
Tim Putnam, Director, NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

Resources
Transcript of highlights from the webinar

Back to Small Business Strategies

Venture School
2020-03-05 17:30 - 21:00 | IA
Bring your idea to life with Venture School
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center has partnered with the University of Iowa to bring Venture School to Mason City, Iowa. Venture School is the state of Iowa’s premiere entrepreneurial training program.
Participants will gain marketing and make valuable connections to help them take their innovative idea to the next level. Venture School is currently looking for hardworking teams and individuals throughout the North Iowa and Southern Minnesota regions to join the upcoming spring program.
Mentorship
Venture School is an opportunity for North Iowa’s business leaders and experts in the field to connect with new entrepreneurs. Mentoring is a valuable experience for both mentors and mentees.

Benefits

Bring focus and agility to your business idea.
Test and prove your business hypothesis through guided customer discovery for product-market fit.
Learn from top entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and instructors.
Gain valuable connections with local communities and external groups that will help you get the resources you need to grow.
Create a business model that is both strategic and tactical through an evidence-based approach, whether you are a profit or non-profit entity.
All teachings are applicable to virtually all industries and company levels, whether you are a true startup or an early stage existing business.

Details
Cost: A team of up to two members will cost $299. Every additional team member that joins the cohort will be an additional $99. However, many monetary awards can be won at the end of the program!
When: Thursdays, February 20 – April 9, 2020
Time: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: NIACC Pappajohn Center Room #117
Application Deadline: September 16, 2019
Venture School accepts applications year-round for its Fall and Spring classes. Find out more and apply at Venture-School.com
