After a 6-month pilot program, Main Street Iowa is expanding its partnership with the Rural Ideas Network. This spring, Main Street Iowa and the Rural Ideas Network will expand their partnership and double the number of local Entrepreneur Labs hosted by Main Street Programs, increasing from 15 to 30. This expansion will make proven entrepreneur support services (like 1-on-1 business coaching, peer learning roundtables, and panel discussions) available to startups and existing businesses across Iowa.
During the 6 month pilot, The Rural Ideas Network helped create a net job gain of +3 jobs and 87% of business owners who received coaching reported positive growth. These results occurred during a period of time that included record spikes in unemployment and an estimated closure of 100,000 small businesses nation-wide.
Main Street Iowa is excited to partner with Main Street America and the Rural Ideas Network to create this small business coaching platform. This service will help connect local Main Street district small businesses with experienced small business coaches in a virtual, request-based, and on-demand relationship. The intent of this partnership is to expand Main Street Iowa’s business assistance and further support the economic recovery of Main Street Iowa districts. - Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa State Coordinator
To learn more about Entrepreneur Labs and how they can help your organization, community, or state amplify business growth, click here >