Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission
BUSINESS LAB
ABOUT US
We are the economic development arm of Douglas County that focuses on business growth and retention. We work with local community partners and businesses to ensure opportunity and prosperity for our region.
These services are available thanks to a partnership with the Rural Ideas Network, a national nonprofit that helps spark growth in rural communities.
TOOLS & RESOURCES
1:1 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COACHING
Ever wish you had an experienced business person to help you think about your business, answer questions, and help you remain accountable to the goals you set? Now you have a whole team of them!
Our 1-on-1 business management coaching helps new and established ventures overcome common growth obstacles, develop effective strategies, identify new income opportunities, and stay focused on success.
1:1 SUCCESSION PLAN COACHING
Whether you're ready to transition your business to new ownership or just want to plan ahead for when the time comes, succession plan coaching helps you ask & answer key questions and gather the information potential buyers will need to understand the value of your business.
WEBSITE DESIGN BOOTCAMPS
This bootcamp is a great resource if you need a website but don't want to pay thousands of dollars for someone to develop it. We will teach you how to use the WIX website development platform to build and manage a website that truly represents your brand. Bootcamps include a virtual group classroom session and unlimited 1:1 help sessions to get your site built and teach you how to use it!
PEER LEARNING ROUNDTABLES
Online video discussions that allow you to connect with rural business owners from across the country to talk shop. Each roundtable is facilitated and focuses on topics important to business owners. Learn about new tools, resources, and strategies that are helping other businesses grow, build your professional network, and find inspiration for your next big success.
PEER LEARNING FORUM
Check out this virtual platform that allows you to exchange ideas and get advice from other entrepreneurs across the country. The forum helps new and experienced business owners connect with each other to share valuable advice, get multiple perspectives on topics, learn from each other's experiences, and move your business forward.
CURATED WORKSHOP LIBRARY
Tired of wading through endless online content that is ho-hum? Looking for a place where you can find the most informative, most relevant learning resources? You just found it! Our team spends hours each week participating in business development workshops and training opportunities, evaluating each one and only sharing the "best of the best" in our curated workshop library. Check it out today and stop wasting your time.
CURATED PODCAST LIBRARY
In an endless sea of podcasts, how do you know which ones are actually relevant to business owners and small community developers? That's where our curated podcast library comes in - we spend hours every week listening to a wide variety of podcasts, sifting through all the content to deliver the handful of episodes each month that are the most relevant, most valuable, and most interesting to business and communities in rural areas. Pop on those headphones and enjoy!