The Smart Start Workshop is a comprehensive program co-hosted by the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Ames Chamber of Commerce. This workshop is designed to empower individuals who have contemplated or are actively considering starting their own businesses. Held each fall and spring, Smart Start offers a condensed yet thorough “crash course” in essential entrepreneurial topics.

What to Expect

Participants can expect to gain knowledge and insights into fundamental aspects of business, including banking basics, insurance considerations, intellectual property protection, business organization and registration, and the strategies required to operate a successful business in today’s competitive landscape. These topics are presented by experienced local business professionals, ensuring a practical and real-world perspective.

The workshop’s agenda includes engaging sessions, networking opportunities, and a break for lunch (which is included with the registration). Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or looking to enhance your existing business, Smart Start Workshop provides valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship.

Sessions typically include:

• Bank Basics: Gain insight into the financial foundations every aspiring entrepreneur should know.
• Insurance for Small Business: Learn how to protect your venture with the right insurance coverage.
• Intellectual Property: Discover the art of safeguarding your unique ideas and innovations.
• Paying Taxes: Demystify the world of business taxes and gain confidence in managing your financial obligations.
• Managing Your Finances: Develop the skills to keep your business’s financial health in check.
• Applying for a Patent: Learn how to protect your intellectual property and innovations.
• Marketing Your Business: Learn the art of reaching and captivating your target audience.
• Ingredients for Success: Uncover the key elements that drive a business toward success.
• Legal Aspects of Running a Business: Navigate the complex world of business law and compliance.

Check our events page to see upcoming Smart Start dates!