Business Resources
Technical Assistance
The following business and industry resources are available in Ida County to assist your business:
Center for Industrial Research & Service
The Iowa Manufacturing Extension Partnership is the direct, single contact link to a diverse array of expertise and resources for more than 6,000 manufacturers in the state. Our Account Managers conduct assessments of manufacturing and business operations, help companies develop plans to address high priority needs, and then link client firms to appropriate public and private sources of technical assistance.
Small Business Development Center
The Small Business Development Center helps enterprising Iowans successfully manage their small businesses. The SBDC provides a basic resource of information, ideas, and assistance upon which entrepreneurs can depend. The SBDC offers expert and confidential business counseling in the following areas:
- Business and strategic planning
- Budgets, cash flow analysis, forecasting, loan packages
- Management and personnel issues
- Preparation for meetings with bankers and investors
- Marketing plans and exploration of new business niches
- Export assistance
Iowa State University Extension-Northwest Area
The Iowa State University Extension Outreach Center serves as the administrative office for ISU Extension education activities and programs in 15 northwest Iowa counties. For more information contact the Ida County Extension Director, Kathy Schmidt at 712.364.3003.
Regulatory Assistance
We can assist you with regulatory and permitting issues. We work closely with the state and local regulatory agencies of government including the Iowa Department of Economic Development.
Research and Technology Development Assistance
Iowa State University
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, founded in 1858, is a land-grant Carnegie Foundation Research Institution. Historically, ISU has played a major role in scientific and technological advancements in agriculture, veterinary medicine, home economics, engineering and many of the basic sciences underlying these fields. Current areas of emphasis include genomics, bioinformatics, plant sciences, biotechnology, nanotechnology, materials science, food safety, alternative sources of energy and information sciences, including virtual. For any question related to research, technology transfer, technology development and/or business assistance, visit Iowa State University's Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Advanced Studies online or telephone 515.294-6344.
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa excels in the areas of biocatalysis, nutraceuticals, human health and pharmaceuticals, and engineering. The "Top American Research Universities" annual report lists the University of Iowa among the top 25 public research institutions in the country. For more information, visit the University of Iowa's Office of Corporate Partnerships online or telephone 319.335.3631.
Ida County Extension
Ida County Extension and Iowa State University Extension help the people in Ida County and the state of Iowa in many ways. The Stakeholder Report 2006 summarizes the programs, events, and efforts. Developing partners in these events has increased participation, cooperative ventures for programs, and positive attitudes in Ida County.