TechBrews are networking events designed to bring together entrepreneurs, technologists, business people and inves-tors. It is in partnership with the North Iowa Corridor and NIACC Pappajohn Center.

To Register please call 641-422-4111 or email mary.spitz@niacc.edu.

This free two hour workshop is designed for anyone who is considering starting a business or expanding their current business. Participants will learn how to create a business plan, do market research, consider different types of business ownership and learn how to register a business.

Registration is required for Start Smart. Please call 641-422-4111 or email mary.spitz@niacc.edu.

The purpose of the Capital for Your Business Seminar is to inform and educate both potential and current business owners on capital options for their businesses. This event will walk owners through the spectrum of capital options, bank financing types and expectations, alternate loans and grants and buying on contract. The seminar will also host several speakers and the lessons they learned from personal experience.

Cost to attend is $35 members $45 nonmembers and includes lunch. Limit of 20 attendees. Sign up today!

TechBrews are networking events designed to bring together entrepreneurs, technologists, business people and investors. TechBrew North Iowa is growing from its original focus on networking. Members are interested in adding more value to each month’s event while supporting and growing North Iowa’s creative class (including tech employees and employers).

TechBrew’s goal is to engage, encourage, and elevate technology in North Iowa. We hope you’ll join us!

TechBrew North Iowa is held the 4th Tuesday of each month. The event is sponsored by the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and the North Iowa Corridor EDC, with a featured sponsor every month.

Developing a Solid Marketing Plan

Don’t have a marketing plan to work from? No problem. Guest speaker, Amy Hutchins, founder and chief strategy officer at MarketLogic, will conduct this seminar and provide key steps and tips to ensure you leave with a development action plan in place. Already have a marketing plan? Great. As we all know, today’s marketing landscape changes by the minute. Come revisit some key planning considerations that are always important to keep top of mind.

Attendance is limited to 25, so register now!

Join the North Iowa Social Media Breakfast Club for breakfast and networking with local social media influencers and enthusiasts – now at its new location at the Fieldhouse in Clear Lake.

The Partnership is proud to present a new series focused on issues small businesses face daily.  This Top Five series will feature experts in human resources, marketing, accounting, IT and others.  They will introduce 5 things on certain topic that will help you be successful in your small business.

Is your business protected?  Are you storing your customers and employees information properly? Businesses continue to seek new ways to protect their data and mitigate cybersecurity risk. However, insuring your organization is secure can be overwhelming and create obstacles for a productive workforce. Join Jack Schroeder, Vice President of IT at Aureon, to learn about five key areas of focus to help your business enhance its cybersecurity posture. Key takeaways include:

• Strategies to reduce data breach risk and improve business continuity.
• Securing your network and users.
• Creating an internal culture of security awareness.
• Trends in cyber threats, ransomware, spoofing, and phishing attacks (among others).

Jack Schroeder, Vice President, IT
Schroeder is responsible for the strategic, operational and financial performance for Aureon IT. Schroeder has extensive experience in computers and system integration, as well as development and implementation of comprehensive strategic technology initiatives.

Paige Cahill, a national trainer for Google’s Get Your Business Online will “coach and connect” you to free Google tools and online marketing tips that will help your business grow, get found and succeed online. Learn how customers find your business online. Walk-away with simple search engine optimization (SEO) tips, a free Google My Business Listing, and learn how online advertising can help maximize your online presence and results.

Can Consumers Find Your Business Online?

• 80% of consumers use a search engine when looking for info about local businesses.
• 50% of all website searches happen from mobile smartphones.
• 76% of consumers search on their smartphones to see what businesses are nearby and visit the business they found nearby within 1 hour.
• 1 out of 3 users purchased a product from a store they had not heard of because of the info they found online in the moment they needed it.

Did you know that the SBA has a program to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal marketplace? The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program offers a wide range of assistance to eligible small businesses interested in government contracting.

This FREE one-hour workshop gives an overview of the SBA’s certification process and government contracting opportunities, as well as America’s SBDC Iowa’s programs and services. Learn how SBA loan programs also support your capacity to compete for government and corporate contracts.

Presenters include Seung “Sean” Hong, (Business Opportunity Specialist, SBA), Terry Case (Lender Relations Specialist, SBA), Jody Essex (Government Contract Specialist, PTAP / CIRAS), Justin Akers (Regional Director), with America’s SBDC Iowa at Iowa State University and Deb Oliver (Executive Director) from Iowa Quality Center.

Agenda details:

I.             Introduction

• Seung “Sean” Hong, Business Opportunity Specialist

Overview of SBA and Contracting Programs

II.         Presenters and Topics

• Terry Case, Lender Relations Specialist

Overview SBA Lending Program

• Jody Essex, Government Contract Specialist

PTAP / CIRAS

• Justin Akers, Regional Director

Small Business Development Center

“Overview of SBDC”

• Deb Oliver, Director

Iowa Quality Center

III.      Questions and Answers and Networking

·         Open for any questions and Business Community Tour