Smart Start Workshops

Smart Start Workshops for Traditional Businesses

"Helping Your Business Idea Grow into Maturity"

Tuesday evenings, twice a month 6:00pm – 8:00pm
ISU Small Business Development Center
2711 South Loop Dr., Bldg. #4
Ames, IA 50010

Sponsored by the Iowa SBDC and
ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship

$25 registration fee per attendee
FREE TO STUDENTS!

Bring yourself and a pen or pencil
MUST RESERVE A SEAT TO ATTEND- Registration is required
Call: 515-296-7828

What is SmartStart ?

SmartStart is a two-hour workshop designed for anyone who is considering starting a business. You will learn how to create a business plan, do market research, evaluate demand and business strength, consider different types of business ownership, and how to register your business.

What Else Will I Learn at SmartStart ?

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, SmartStart provides information and the chance to ask questions on numerous other topics including:

Business Registration
Paying Taxes
How Bankers Evaluate Business Concepts and Loans
Cash Flow
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, and Trade Secrets
And More

After attending SmartStart, SBDC staff will be available to assist you in reviewing your business plan, or to provide guidance with other issues.

At the workshop, you will receive

Business Plan Outline
List of Resources and Contacts
Basic Business Start-up Forms

Print Smart Start Brochure PDF

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Mike Upah, ISU SBDC, at 515-296-7828. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 3680 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.