Business Resources
The Osceola County Economic Commission is committed to assisting existing and potential businesses throughout Osceola County. Contact our office if you are looking for information on financial assistance, incentives, location options and more.
The Northwest Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) focuses on business assistance and economic development initiatives for business and industry in Northwest Iowa. The NW Iowa SBDC can provide market research and serve as a business coach. Their services are free and confidential, and they are happy to be the first point of contact for those looking to start a business.
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Advance Iowa can provide market research, feasibility information, roadmapping assistance and industry information. Advance Iowa is also a resource for businesses looking to start succession planning. The Business Concierge is a free program, however there is a partial fee for some services.
Website: https://advanceiowa.com/
Iowa Sourcelink offers Business Concierge assistance and advice about starting a business in Iowa. Their website includes comprehensive resources for all facets of business planning, and they offer a range of free business webinars.
Website: https://www.iasourcelink.com
Iowa Business Tax Webinars: https://www.iasourcelink.com/resources/iowa-tax-webinars
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has created a list of the 10 steps to start your business:
- Conduct market research
- Write your business plan
- Fund your business
- Pick your business location
- Choose a business structure
- Choose your business name
- Register your business
- Get federal and state tax IDs
- Apply for licenses and permits
- Open a business bank account
Website: https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ia/des-moines
ASCENT - A free learning platform for women entrepreneurs
In January 2021, the SBA launched Ascent, an interactive digital platform packed with resources women business owners need to set, and achieve, their business goals. Ascent is designed for the “missing middle” — growth-oriented women entrepreneurs who are beyond the start-up phase and already generating revenue yet looking to grow and scale. Most learning resources for business owners focus on either start-ups or mature businesses. Join the Ascent today at Ascent.SBA.gov
IowaWORKS Center staff can provide assistance to employers in the initial start-up of a new company, company expansions, seasonal hiring, as well as assistance filling vacant positions as they occur. Staff assists in recruitment, testing, receiving and screening applications and resumes, and assist with matching job seekers with the employment needs of prospective employers for appropriate referrals.
ACT WorkKeys® is a job skills assessment system that helps employers select, hire, train, develop and retain a high-performance workforce. This series of tests measures foundational and soft skills and offers specialized assessments to target institutional needs. Successful completion of ACT WorkKeys® assessments in Applied Math, Workplace Documents and Graphic Literacy for Information can lead to earning ACT's National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), a portable credential.
https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/business-services