BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business
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Small Business
IOWA 2019-2020
resource guide
How to
Grow Your
BUSINESS
in Iowa 1
2
CONTENTS
Iowa Edition 2019-2020
Local Business Funding
Assistance Programs
8 National Success Story 26 National Success Story
Jerado and Joyce Reynolds Jennifer and Jeff Herbert’s
know their local landscape for meadery has expanded into a
entrepreneurship support. multimillion dollar enterprise
thanks to SBA assistance.
11 Local SBA Resource
Partners
29 SBA Lenders
14 How to Start a Business
33 Need Financing?
18 Your Advocates
34 Go Global with
International Trade
19 Programs for Veterans
36 R&D Opportunities for
20Programs for High Growth Startups
Entrepreneurs
38 National Success Story
22 Write Your Business Plan Cheeseburger Baby owner
Stephanie Vitori persevered
24 Local Success Story through a financial storm and a
The SBA helped Brad and Angie natural disaster.
Barber expand their coffee
franchise so they could create 42 Surety Bonds
jobs and contribute to their
local economy.
Contracting
44 National Success Story
Jennifer Rahn steers the course
for Admiral Engineering,
succeeding as a small business
subcontractor.
47 Government Contracting
48 SBA Certification
Programs
49 Woman-Owned Small
Business certification
ON THE COVER Brad & Angie Barber,
photo courtesy of Cabin Coffee
3
4
5
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ADVERTISING SALES
We have all heard the phrase “content is king.” Meggan Hoyman, Kelley McGinnis, Bryson Taylor
Creating rich, engaging, and inspiring content sba@newsouthmediainc.com
differentiates your brand in the marketplace. But Copyright: New South Media, Inc. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohib-
ited without the express written permission of the publisher.
who has time to focus on anything other than
© 2019 NEW SOUTH MEDIA, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
running their business?
Narrative works with you to develop the tools to The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Marketing & Customer Service directs
the publication of the Small Business Resource Guide under SBA Contract #SBAHQ-
tell your story across all media platforms. Powerful 17-C-0018. SBA publication summer 2019 national edition #mcs-0089.
and authentic storytelling helps you stand out. It WRITER/EDITOR
Becky Bosshart
inspires action. It creates an emotional impact (202) 205-6677
rebecca.bosshart@sba.gov
and forges enduring relationships. It separates you
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
from the competition. Paula Panissidi Tavares
paula.tavares@sba.gov
The SBA’s participation in this publication is not an endorsement of the views,
opinions, products or services of the contractor or any advertiser or other participant
appearing here. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondis-
SCOPE OF SERVICES criminatory basis.
Directory listings do not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any
opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.
Printed in the United States of America.
Brand Voice Brochures
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information con-
tained here is accurate as of the date of publication, the information is subject to
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6
SBA Iowa
District Office
210 Walnut St., suite 749
Des Moines, IA 50309
Cedar Rapids Office
2750 First Ave. Northeast, suite 350
(515) 284-4422 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Fax (515) 284-4572 (319) 362-6405
sba.gov/ia Fax (319) 362-7861
@SBA_Iowa
District Director Letter District Director
W
Jayne Armstrong
elcome to the 2019-2020 edition of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (515) 284-4026
Iowa Small Business Resource Guide. The SBA helps make the American dream jayne.armstrong@sba.gov
of small business ownership a reality. We are the only federal agency dedicated
to helping our 30 million small businesses start, grow, expand, or recover after a disaster. Deputy District Director
The SBA Iowa District Office works with an extensive network of business advisers and Dawnelle Conley
lenders to help Iowa’s 270,000 small businesses at every stage of development. (515) 284-4913
Across Iowa in the last year, we empowered the state’s small businesses to: dawnelle.conley@sba.gov
• Find an ally, advocate or mentor via our SBA Resource Partners, which includes SCORE,
Cedar Rapids Branch Manager
Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and the Veterans
Jo Eckert
Business Outreach Center, all powered by the SBA.
(319) 362-6535
• Access over $169 million in SBA-guaranteed loans using 105 local banks, credit unions,
jo.eckert@sba.gov
community-based lenders, and microlenders. These 405 businesses that qualified
for SBA-backed financing have hired thousands of new employees, bought needed Lead Lender Relations Specialist
equipment, and built or renovated facilities. Dave Lentell
• Gain more than $2.1 million in federal contracting awards. (515) 284-4522
Stay up to date on SBA events near you and get valuable Iowa business information by thomas.lentell@sba.gov
following us on Twitter at @SBA_Iowa. Register for email updates at sba.gov/updates. Use our
Small Business Resource Guide to power your dream of starting, growing, or expanding your Lender Relations Specialist
small business here in Iowa. Terry Case
(515) 284-4560
Sincerely, terry.case@sba.gov
Economic Development Specialist/
Administrative Officer
Lori Hackney
Jayne Armstrong (515) 284-4118
Iowa District Director lori.hackney@sba.gov
Program Support Specialist
Sheri Osterkamp
(319) 362-6405
sheri.osterkamp@sba.gov
7
LOCAL BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE
How We Did It
Made
to Last
Joyce and Jerado Reynolds used SBA
support to succeed.
Written by Micaela Morrissette
COURTESY OF SHANA SURECK PHOTOGRAPHY
8
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
R 5
eynolds Welding &
Tips for
Fabrication has grown
steadily, building a loyal
customer base, since
Jerado Reynolds founded
the company in 2005. Success
COURTESY OF SHANA SURECK PHOTOGRAPHY
“At first the company was just Jerado,”
recalls his wife and co-owner, Joyce
Find a great business mentor.
Reynolds. “Then it was him and me part To find your local SBA office and
time.” During the day she worked as a resource partners in your area, visit
nurse and spent her evenings doing all sba.gov/localresources.
the company’s paperwork. The Reynolds
sank everything they earned into the
business—money, time, and energy. She Have a healthy view
remembers with pride helping Jerado
of competition.
weld a stair railing at a local school. Her
We’re not always competing.
son later attended that same school,
We’re a competitor, but if a similar
and she watched her child and others business has extra work, they’ll send
SBA Resource Partner, where “from day
using the rail, benefiting from the it to us and vice versa. That’s the
one it was, Eureka! Everyone wanted
hard work the couple did together. It relationship to have.
to see us win.” Women entrepreneurs
was then Joyce decided as much as she
receive essential business counseling and
loved her day job, she wanted to devote
training from this national network of
herself full time to the family business Record everything you do.
community-based centers. Most helpful
in Windsor, Connecticut. She wanted Navigating business relationships
was the detailed personal attention
to work side-by-side with her husband, in this age means keeping an email
available through free one-on-one
fully focused on administration and record of everything you do. Leave a
business counseling. Joyce also learned
business growth. As they both hoped, clear paper trail.
about workshops offered by providers like
word of mouth spread; clients made
the Metropolitan District, a Connecticut
referrals. Joyce was soon overwhelmed
nonprofit municipal corporation offering
with paperwork. They brought on two
water and sewer services. At a meet- Sacrifice to ensure quality.
employees—doubling up in the busy We don’t cut corners. Sometimes you
and-greet, Joyce understood how much
seasons. They were able to maintain four have to lose money to do quality work—
the SBA could help her business. An
full-time employees by 2009. After this, it’s rough, but nothing is more important.
SBA professional walked Joyce through
Joyce says, they saw that “things were
the extensive paperwork and, crucially,
not moving.” She wanted to scale up.
helped her register the company in
the System for Award Management
Seek SBA assistance to
Challenge
The company wasn’t growing in part (sam.gov), positioning the company for see if you qualify for
because it wasn’t certified with the new federal contracts. business certifications.
state department of transportation or “Resources like the Entrepreneurial We used to look for jobs. Now that
prequalified with the Connecticut State Center and the SBA will train you from we’re on the SBA Subcontracting
Department of Administrative Services, bottom to top,” Joyce says. “They have Network database, SubNet, and
Joyce says. She decided to tackle the finance classes that open your eyes sam.gov, we have a continuous flow
regarding taxes. You'll learn how to of contractors reaching out to us.
certification problem full time, leaving
her nursing career. This was the change register your business. They’ll help
she'd been wanting to make, but since with a contract or your website or on two bridges—a lifelong dream. Joyce
her background was in health care, accountability statements. Everything!” continues to move forward, getting
Joyce didn’t feel fluent in the languages Before the SBA, Reynolds Welding Reynolds qualified for the SBA 8(a)
of construction or business. Joyce attempted the DOT certification on five Business Development Program, which
wanted to learn, and she had incentive: separate occasions, always falling short provides free business development
they needed the certifications to bid because the process was so complicated. education to small businesses so they
on bigger jobs. “Never be afraid to ask Joyce secured the certification with SBA can better compete in the public sector.
questions,” she says. Joyce needed to guidance on the first attempt. “When I came on full time, I set a goal
find people with answers. for what I would like for the company,
Benefit and I’ve achieved 80% of that,” Joyce
Solution Reynolds Welding now employs more says. When she secures 8(a) certification
She and Jerado connected with the than 15 workers, constructing stairs, for Reynolds, she’ll have hit all her
University of Hartford Entrepreneurial rails, structural beams, and columns objectives. Then, she admits, she’ll
Center & Women’s Business Center, an throughout the region. Jerado is working probably come up with some new ones.
9
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
SBA Resource Partners
No matter your industry, location, or experience, if you have a dream, the SBA is here to help you achieve it. Our SBA
Resource Partners offer mentoring, counseling, and training to help you startup and thrive at all stages of the business
life cycle. These independent organizations operating across the United States and U.S. territories are funded through SBA
cooperative agreements or grants.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
950+
Achieve your dream of business ownership and remain
competitive in an ever-changing global economy with assistance
from your local SBDC. Access free counseling and free or low-
cost training on topics like regulatory compliance, technology
Small Business development, and international trade. Find an SBDC adviser at
sba.gov/sbdc.
Development Centers
SCORE
300+
Join the ranks of other business owners who have experienced
higher revenues and increased growth thanks to SCORE, the nation’s
largest network of volunteer business mentors. Experienced
executives share real-world knowledge to fit your busy schedule.
SCORE chapters SCORE mentors are available for free as often as you need, in person,
via email or over video chat. Find a mentor at sba.gov/score.
WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTERS
100+
Women entrepreneurs receive essential business counseling and
training from this national network of community-based centers.
Each center tailors its services to help you navigate the challenges
women often face when starting or growing a business. To learn
about SBA resources for women visit sba.gov/women.
Women’s Business
Centers
VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTERS
20 +
Veteran and military entrepreneurs receive business training,
counseling, and referrals to other SBA Resource Partners at
a Veterans Business Outreach Center, sba.gov/vboc. Receive
procurement guidance to better compete for government
contracts. VBOCs also serve active duty service members,
Veterans Business National Guard or Reserve members, veterans of any era, and
Outreach Centers military spouses.
10LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Our Local SBA
Resource Partners
SBA’s Resource Partners are independent organizations funded through SBA cooperative
agreements or grants.
Dubuque Office
Serving Dubuque, Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware,
Fayette, Howard, Winneshiek, and Jackson counties
2205 Key Way Drive
(563) 690-9209
East Central Iowa Chapter 0227
Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Chickasaw, Bremer,
Black Hawk, Buchanan, Linn, Iowa, Johnson, Keokuk,
and Washington counties
2750 First Ave. Northeast, suite 350
Cedar Rapids
(319) 362-6943
scorecr.org
Quad Cities Chapter 0432
Serving Scott and Clinton counties in Iowa and Rock
Island, Henry, Bureau, Mercer, Lee, Henderson and
Whiteside counties in Illinois
331 W. Third St.
Davenport
(309) 797-0082
infoquadcities@scorevolunteer.org
quadcities.score.org
Muscatine Office
100 W. Second St.
Arthur and Sandra Johnson, owners
of 21 Short Stop in Georgia, received (563) 263-8895
assistance from their local Small Business
Development Center and SCORE chapter. South Central Chapter 0398
Serving Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Mahaska,
SCORE
Marion, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne, Jefferson, and
Van Buren counties
Visit sba.gov/score to start working on your business goals. Contact your Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce
local office to schedule an appointment. 217 E. Main St.
Ottumwa
Des Moines Chapter 0005 (641) 814-5907
Serving Boone, Story, Polk, Guthrie, Dallas, Adair, Madison, Warren, Union, southcentraliowa.score.org
Clark, Ringgold, Decatur, Hardin, Grundy, Marshall, Tama, Jasper, and
Poweshiek counties Greater Omaha Chapter
Re/Max Complex Serving Council Bluffs and western Iowa
6600 University Ave., suite 157 10675 Bedford Ave., suite 100
Windsor Heights Omaha
(515) 274-8593 (402) 221-3606
desmoinesscore@qwestoffice.net Fax (402) 221-3680
desmoines.score.org omaha.score.org
11LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Veterans
Business
Resource
Center
Veteran entrepreneurs or small business
owners can receive business training,
counseling and mentoring, and referrals
to other SBA Resource Partners at a
Veterans Business Outreach Center,
sba.gov/vboc. This is also the place to
receive procurement guidance, which
can help your business better compete
for government contracts.
Director Darcella Craven
2700 N. 14th St.
St Louis, MO
(314) 531-8387
Fax (877) 825-4190
admin@vetbiz.com
vetbiz.com
O'Connor Belting, a Delaware
family-owned business,
expanded with the help of an
SBA-guaranteed 7(a) loan.
Small Business Development Centers
America’s SBDC Iowa State Office SBDC Iowa Indian Hills
State Director Lisa Shimkat Regional Director Bryan Ziegler
Iowa State University Ivy College of Business Indian Hills Community College
1805 Collaboration Place, suite 1332 15330 Truman St.
Ames Ottumwa
(515) 294-2030 or (515) 408-6370 (800) 726-2585 x5127 or (641) 683-5127
Fax (515) 294-6522 Fax (641) 683-5296
lshimkat@iastate.edu bryan.ziegler@indianhills.edu
iowasbdc.org iowasbdc.org/regional-center/ottumwa
SBDC Eastern Iowa SBDC Iowa State University
Regional Director Joel Youngs Regional Director Dave Biedenbach
Eastern Iowa Community College Iowa State University Ivy College of Business
Urban Campus East 1805 Collaboration Place, suite 1330
101 W. Third St., suite 161 Ames
Davenport (515) 296-7828
(800) 462-3255 x3401 or (563) 336-3401 Fax (515) 294-6522
Fax (563) 336-3479 dbieden@iastate.edu
jeyoungs@eicc.edu iowasbdc@iastate.edu
iowasbdc.org/regional-center/davenport iowasbdc.org/regional-center/ames
12LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
SBDC Iowa Western SBDC Northwest Iowa SBDC University of Iowa
Regional Director Sue Pitts Regional Director Michael Wampler Regional Director Paul Heath
Iowa Western Community College Iowa Lakes Community College University of Iowa
2700 College Road 1900 Grand Ave., suite B-1 Iowa Centers for Enterprise
121 Ashly Hall Spencer W140 BioVentures Center
Council Bluffs (712) 262-4213 2500 Crosspark Road
(800) 432-5852 x3350 Fax (712) 262-4047 Coralville
(712) 325-3350 mwampler@iowalakes.edu (319) 335-3742
Fax (712) 325-3408 iowasbdc.org/regional-center/spencer Fax (319) 467-4550
spitts@iwcc.edu paul-heath@uiowa.edu
iowasbdc.org/regional-center/ SBDC South Central iowasbdc.org/regional-center/iowa-city-
council-bluffs Regional Director Ethan Pitt coralville
Southwestern Community College
SBDC Iowa Kirkwood SBDC University of Northern Iowa
1501 W. Townline St.
Regional Director Scott Swenson Regional Director Amy Dutton
Creston
Kirkwood Community College University of Northern Iowa
(641) 782-1483
1770 Boyson Road 8120 Jennings Drive, suite 13
Fax (641) 782-1334
Hiawatha Cedar Falls
pitt@swcciowa.edu
(319) 377-8256 (319) 273-4328
iowasbdc.org/regional-center/creston
Fax (319) 398-5698 Fax (319) 273-4343
scott.swenson@kirkwood.edu SBDC Iowa Southeastern amy.dutton@uni.edu
iowasbdc.org/regional-center/cedar- Regional Director Janine Clover iowasbdc.org/regional-center/waterloo-
rapids-hiawatha Southeastern Community College cedar-falls
SBDC Mid-Iowa River Park Place SBDC Western Iowa Tech
Regional Director Jenica Johnson 610 N. Fourth St., suite 209 Regional Director Todd Rausch
Valley Junction Burlington Western Iowa Tech Community College
318 Fifth St. (319) 208-5381 4647 Stone Ave., room B113
West Des Moines Fax (319) 752-3407 Sioux City
(515) 331-8954 jclover@scciowa.edu (712) 274-6454
Jenica@iastate.edu iowasbdc.org/regional-center/ Fax (712) 274-6455
iowasbdc.org/regional-center/des-moines burlington todd.rausch@witcc.edu
iowasbdc.org/regional-center/
SBDC North Central Iowa
sioux-city
Regional Director Kimberly Tiefenthaler
217 S. 25th St., suite C-12
Iowa
Fort Dodge
(515) 576-6242
Fax (515) 576-6447
kimberlyt@ncisbdc.com
iowasbdc.org/regional-center/fort-dodge
SBDC North Iowa Area
Women’s
Regional Director Brook Boehmler
North Iowa Area Community College
Business
Center
500 College Drive, suite 120A
Mason City
(888) 466-4222 x4342 or (641) 422-4342 For your nearest Women’s Business
Fax (641) 422-4129 Center, visit sba.gov/women.
brook.boehmler@niacc.edu
iowasbdc.org/regional-center/mason-city Iowa Center for Economic Success
SBDC Northeast Iowa Director Claire Reiman
Regional Director Jay Wickham 8345 University Blvd., suite F
Northeast Iowa Community College Clive
Schmid Innovation Center (515) 283-0940
900 Jackson St., suite 110 Fax (515) 283-0348
Dubuque creiman@theiowacenter.org
(563) 588-3350 theiowacenter.org
Fax (563) 588-8033
wickhamja@nicc.edu
iowasbdc.org/regional-center/dubuque
13LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
COURTESY OF THE SBA
Adriana Medina, owner of
Fuerte Fitness, in Seattle, WA,
received counseling from a
SCORE mentor and a Women's
Business Center adviser.
How to Start a
Business in Iowa
Thinking of starting a business? Here are the nuts & bolts.
The Startup Logistics Business License & Zoning
Even if you’re running a home-based business, you will have to Licenses are typically administered by a variety of state and local
comply with many local, state, and federal regulations. Do not departments. It is important to consider zoning regulations when
ignore regulatory details. You may avoid some red tape in the choosing a site for your business. Contact the local business
beginning, but your lack of compliance could become an obstacle license office where you plan to locate your business. You may not
as your business grows. Taking the time to research regulations be permitted to conduct business out of your home or engage in
is as important as knowing your market. Carefully investigate industrial activity in a retail district.
the laws affecting your industry. Being out of compliance could »» Iowa Business License Information Center
leave you unprotected legally, lead to expensive penalties, and (800) 532-1216
jeopardize your business. blic@iowa.gov
iasourcelink.com
Market Research
Need to do research on your clients and location? View consumer Name Registration
and business data for your area using the Census Business Register your business name with the county clerk where your
Builder: Small Business Edition, https://cbb.census.gov/sbe. business is located. If you’re a corporation, also register with the state.
Filter your search by business type and location to view data on
»» Iowa Secretary of State Business Services
your potential customers, including consumer spending, and a
Lucas Building, first floor
summary of existing businesses, available as a map and a report.
321 E. 12th St., Des Moines
(515) 281-5204
sos@sos.iowa.gov
sos.iowa.gov
14LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
COURTESY OF THE SBA
An O’Fallon Casting Inc. employee at
work in O’Fallon, MO. Owner Vince
Gimeno grew his business thanks to
expert SBA business counseling.
You can file W-2s online or verify job seekers through the Social
Taxes
Security Number Verification Service.
As a business owner, you should know your federal tax
responsibilities and make some business decisions to comply
with certain tax requirements. The IRS Small Business and Self-
Employment Eligibility Verification
The Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires
Employed Tax Center, go.usa.gov/xPxYR, offers information on a
employers to verify employment eligibility of new employees.
variety of topics including: obtaining an Employer Identification
The law obligates an employer to process Employment Eligibility
Number, paying and filing income tax, virtual workshops, forms,
Verification Form I-9. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
and publications.
Service offers information and assistance through uscis.gov/i-9-
As the IRS continues to implement some of the Tax Cuts and
central. For forms call (800) 870-3676. For the employer hotline
Jobs Act provisions, your tax obligations may change. Visit the
call (888) 464-4218 or email I-9central@dhs.gov.
Tax Reform Provisions that Affect Businesses page on irs.gov for
E-Verify, operated by the Department of Homeland Security in
the latest tax reform updates that affect your bottom line.
partnership with the Social Security Administration, electronically
»» IRS Tax Assistance Centers verifies the Social Security number and employment eligibility
Call (844) 545-5640 to make an appointment information reported on Form I-9. It’s the quickest way for
Des Moines employers to determine the employment eligibility of new hires.
210 Walnut St. Visit e-verify.gov, call (888) 464-4218 or email e-verify@dhs.gov.
Cedar Rapids
3205 Williams Blvd. Southwest Health & Safety
All businesses with employees are required to comply with state
»» State Taxes
and federal regulations regarding the protection of employees,
Iowa Department of Revenue
visit dol.gov for information. The Occupational Safety and
Hoover State Office Building
Health Administration provides information on the specific
1305 E. Walnut St., Des Moines
health and safety standards used by the U.S. Department of
(800) 367-3388 or (515) 281-3114
iowa.gov/tax Labor. Call (800) 321-6742 or visit osha.gov.
»» Iowa Division of Labor
Social Security 150 Des Moines St., Des Moines
If you have any employees, including officers of a corporation (515) 242-5870
but not the sole proprietor or partners, you must make periodic »» U.S. Department of Labor OSHA
payments, and/or file quarterly reports about payroll taxes and 210 Walnut St., room 815, Des Moines
other mandatory deductions. You can contact the IRS or the (515) 284-4794
Social Security Administration for information, assistance, and osha.gov/oshdir/ia.html
forms, at (800) 772-1213 or visit socialsecurity.gov/employer.
15LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Employee Insurance
Check with your state laws to see if you are required to provide
unemployment or workers’ compensation insurance for your
employees. For health insurance options, call the Small Business
Health Options Program at (800) 706-7893 or visit healthcare.
gov/small-businesses/employers.
Department of Labor Association Health Plans allow small
businesses, including self-employed workers, to band together
by geography or industry to obtain healthcare coverage as if
they were a single large employer. For information, visit dol.gov/
general/topic/association-health-plans.
»» Iowa Workforce Development
COURTESY OF THE SBA
150 Des Moines St., Des Moines
(515) 725-4120 or (800) 645-4583
Iwd.dwc@iwd.iowa.gov
Reeves Clippard used the business
iowaworkcomp.gov knowledge he acquired in the SBA
Emerging Leaders program to grow
Environmental Regulations A/R Solar in Seattle, WA.
State assistance is available for small businesses that must
comply with environmental regulations under the Clean Air Act. »» Iowa Department of Human Services
State Small Business Environmental Assistance programs provide dhs.iowa.gov/child-support
free and confidential assistance to help small business owners
understand and comply with complex environmental regulations Intellectual Property
and permitting requirements. These state programs can help Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are types of intellectual
businesses reduce emissions at the source, often reducing property that serve to protect creations and innovations.
regulatory burden and saving you money. To learn more about The United States Patent and Trademark Office is the federal
these free services visit nationalsbeap.org/states/list. agency that grants U.S. patents and registers trademarks. For
»» Environmental Protection Agency information and resources about U.S. patents and federally
US EPA region VII registered trademarks consult uspto.gov. Call the patent and
(913) 551-7003 trademark office help center at (800) 786-9199 or visit Elijah J.
McCoy Midwest Regional Office in Detroit, Michigan, uspto.gov/
»» Environmental Action Line (800) 223-0425 or contact the
detroit.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to an
Wallace State Office Building
inventor, issued by the U.S. patent office. The right conferred by
502 E. Ninth St., fourth floor, Des Moines
the patent grant is the right to exclude others from making, using,
(515) 725-8200
iowadnr.gov offering for sale, or selling the invention in the United States or
importing the invention into the country. For information visit
Accessibility and ADA Compliance uspto.gov/inventors.
For assistance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, call the There are three types of patents:
ADA Center at (800) 949-4232 or the Department of Justice at • Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents or
(800) 514-0301. Direct questions about accessible design and the discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture,
ADA standards to the U.S. Access Board at (800) 872-2253, TTY or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement.
(800) 993-2822, ta@access-board.gov or visit access-board.gov. • Design patents may be granted to anyone who invents a new,
original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture.
Child Support • Plant patents may be granted to anyone who invents or
Employers are essential to the success of the child support discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new
program and are responsible for collecting 75% of support variety of plant, other than a tuber propagated plant or a plant
nationwide through payroll deductions. The Office of Child found in an uncultivated state.
Support Enforcement at Health and Human Services offers A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol,
employers step-by-step instructions for processing income device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to
withholding orders for child support. Download the fact sheet identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or
about the Employer’s Role in the Child Support Program at the provider from those of others and to indicate the source of
Office of Child Support Enforcement’s website at acf.hhs.gov/ the goods/services. Trademarks and service marks may be
programs/css > employer responsibilities. You can also find registered at both the state and federal level. The U.S. Patent
information about other employer responsibilities and tools that and Trademark Office only registers federal trademarks and
can make meeting those responsibilities easier, such as electronic service marks. Federally registered trademarks may conflict
income withholding orders and the Child Support Portal. Send with and supersede those registered only at the state level. Visit
questions to employerservices@acf.hhs.gov. uspto.gov/trademarks.
16LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Copyrights protect original works of authorship including International Trade Office
literary, dramatic, musical and artistic, and certain other (515) 348-6242
intellectual works. Copyrights do not protect facts, ideas, and Iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/IntlTraining
systems, although they may protect the way they are expressed. IA SourceLink
For general information contact: (866) 537-6052
»» U.S. Copyright Office Iasourcelink.com
U.S. Library of Congress USDA Rural Development
James Madison Memorial Building 210 Walnut St., room 873
101 Independence Ave. Southeast Des Moines
Washington, DC (515) 284-4663
(202) 707-3000 or toll free (877) 476-0778 rd.usda.gov/ia
copyright.gov
Chambers of Commerce Export Assistance
St. Louis U.S. Export Assistance Center
Visit iowachamber.net/list to find your local chamber.
Regional Export Finance Manager Larry D. Cresswell
Economic Development Serving Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska
Office of International Trade
U.S. Small Business Administration
Iowa Economic Development Authority
1100 Corporate Square Drive, suite 215
(515) 348-6333 or (515) 348-6200
St. Louis, MO
iowaeconomicdevelopment.com
(314) 540-7587
Targeted Small Business Program larry.cresswell@sba.gov
(515) 384-6159
tsbcert@iowaeda.com U.S. Department of Commerce
International Trade Administration
Main Street Iowa 1000 Walnut St., suite 505
(515) 348-6184 Kansas City, MO
mainstreet@ioweda.com (816) 421-1932
17LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Your To report how a proposed federal
regulation could unfairly affect you,
Advocates
find your regional SBA advocate at
sba.gov/advocacy.
To submit a comment about how
your business has been hurt by an
existing regulation, visit
The SBA’s offices of advocacy and ombudsman are sba.gov/ombudsman/comments
independent voices for small business within the
federal government.
Advocacy »» when you need economic and small »» reduce unfair penalties and fines
When you need a voice within the federal business statistics »» seek remedies when rules are
government for your interests as a small inconsistently applied
business owner, the SBA’s regional advocates The SBA’s Office of Advocacy also
are here to assist. The advocates analyze the independently represents small business and »» recover payment for services done by
effects of proposed regulations and consider advances its concerns before Congress, the government contractors
alternatives that minimize the economic White House, federal agencies, federal courts, Make your voice heard by participating in a
burden on small businesses, governmental and state policy makers. Regional Regulatory Enforcement Fairness
jurisdictions, and nonprofits. Find your Roundtable or a public hearing hosted by the
regional advocate at sba.gov/advocacy. Ombudsman SBA’s national ombudsman. These events
Entrepreneurs who have an issue with an are posted periodically on the ombudsman
Your advocate helps with these small
existing federal regulation or policy can website, sba.gov/ombudsman.
business issues:
receive assistance from the SBA’s national To submit a comment or complaint through
»» if your business could be negatively ombudsman. the online form, visit sba.gov/ombudsman/
affected by regulations proposed by the comments. Your concerns will be directed to
The ombudsman’s office helps you:
government the appropriate federal agency for review. The
»» if you have contracting issues with a »» resolve regulatory disputes with federal SBA will collaborate with you and the agency
agencies to help resolve the issue.
federal agency
18LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Need financing?
Loan Fee Relief
To encourage lending to members of the
military community who want to start
or grow their business, the SBA reduces
upfront guarantee fees on select loans. That
means the cost savings will be passed down
to you, the eligible veteran or qualifying
COURTESY OF LIFEHEALTH
military member. Ask your local SBA district
office or SBA Lender about the Veterans
Advantage program.
Have an employee who was called to
active duty?
You may receive funds that enable your
business to meet ordinary and necessary
HOW THE SBA HELPED US SUCCEED operating expenses when an essential
Margot Adam Langstaff, left, and Elisa Hamill, right, sought assistance from their employee is called up to active duty in the
local Veterans Business Outreach Center, which helped them better compete for military reserve. Ask your local SBA district
government contracts. LifeHealth of Littleton, CO has expanded to more than 30 office or SBA Lender about the Military
states with offices in Washington, DC and San Antonio, TX. Their clients include the Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
Department of Defense, the National Guard, and the Indian Health Service. They
also expanded their business using an SBA-backed line of credit for $350,000. Margot Interested in contracting?
started her career as an Army medic, eventually running one of the largest outpatient Veteran-owned and service-disabled
clinics in the Northeast at Ft. Devens, MA. veteran-owned small businesses interested
in federal contracting receive training from
Opportunities
the Veteran Institute for Procurement,
which offers a platform with three
training programs to assist veterans. Visit
for Veterans nationalvip.org.
VIP Start
Members of the military community can start and grow their small Enter the federal market and become ready
for procurement. Nearly 200 veteran-owned
businesses with the help of SBA programs.
businesses from 29 states plus Washington,
Need entrepreneurship training? For women veterans DC have graduated from the program.
In Boots to Business, you explore Receive entrepreneurial training geared VIP Grow
business ownership and other self- toward women veterans, service members, Strategize to expand and operate within
employment opportunities while learning and spouses of service members through the federal marketplace. More than 700
key business concepts. You will walk away these SBA-funded programs: veteran-owned businesses from 42 states
with an overview of entrepreneurship plus DC and Guam have graduated from
»» Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of
and applicable business ownership this program.
Entrepreneurship in Syracuse, New York
fundamentals, including how to access
»» LiftFund in San Antonio, Texas VIP International
startup capital using SBA resources.
Enter or expand your federal and commercial
Boots to Business is conducted on all
For service-disabled veterans contracting opportunities overseas.
military installations as part of the
Learn how to start and grow a small business
Department of Defense’s Transition Get certified
using these SBA-funded programs:
Assistance Program. Learn about the service-disabled veteran-
»» Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans owned small business certification program
Who’s eligible? with Disabilities in Syracuse, New York on page 49.
Service members transitioning out of
»» Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at For more assistance
active duty and military spouses.
the Riata Center for Entrepreneurship,
Are you a veteran or member of Veteran and military entrepreneurs
Spears School of Business, Oklahoma
the National Guard or Reserve or a receive business training, counseling, and
State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma
military spouse? Boots to Business: referrals to other SBA Resource Partners
Reboot teaches this entrepreneurship »» Veteran Entrepreneurship Jumpstart at at a Veterans Business Outreach Center,
curriculum off base and in local St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, sba.gov/vboc. For veterans business
communities. Register for either B2B Pennsylvania information visit sba.gov/veterans.
program at https://sbavets.force.com. »» Dog Tag Inc., affiliated with Georgetown
University in Washington, DC
19LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Entrepreneurial
Opportunities
Regional Innovation Clusters
Create jobs and grow the economy through an SBA Regional
Innovation Cluster. Online Resources
Find free short courses and learning
Who should join
Small businesses driving innovation in one of these tech industries: tools to start and grow your small
• advanced composites business at sba.gov/learning. The
free SBA Online Learning Center is a
• agTech
great resource for every entrepreneur,
• bioscience
especially rural business owners looking
• food processing
for easy access to vital business training.
• data sciences
• medical sciences Courses include:
• power and energy • writing your business plan
• unmanned aerial systems • buying a business
• water tech • financing options
• wood products • digital and traditional marketing to win customers
• disaster recovery
How it works
• understanding your customer
Each industry cluster is based in a geographic region. Your small
business must be located in or near that region in order to join the
cluster. For example, the AgLaunch Initiative cluster, which focuses
on agricultural technology, is located in the Tennessee area. A
small agTech business in or near Tennessee will connect with
other agTech suppliers, service providers, and related institutions
through that innovation cluster.
Native American
Workshops
How it benefits you
Network with other industry innovators and connect with
resources that will help your small business find funding. You’ll
Tribal enterprises and business organizations
also receive guidance on how to better compete for government
contracts and other opportunities so you can grow and expand. can receive training at an SBA Entrepreneurial
Receive free technical and legal assistance to develop your tech Empowerment Workshop. These workshops
and get it to market for government and industry buyers. cover business concepts important for starting,
Get involved growing, or expanding a small business. RedWind
Find an SBA Regional Innovation Cluster near you by visiting instructors identify and help participants avoid
sba.gov/localassistance. Select the regional innovation clusters common pitfalls. Learn how to prepare a business
on the drop-down menu.
plan, gain access to capital, and basic book
keeping. Request a workshop in your area by
visiting nativesmallbusiness.org.
20SBA Regional Innovation Clusters
Autonomous & Unmanned S ystems
Cluster – Emerging Tech Ventures Integrative Business Services Inc.
(Industry focus: Optics)
The Ozarks Cluster – Startup Junkie
(Industry focus: Food processing, supply Great Plains Technology &
chain, & logistics) Manufacturing Cluster
The Water Council Cluster Montana Bioscience Cluster – Montana
Technology E
nterprise Center
Marine Industry Science & Technology Cluster
AgLaunch Initiative
BioSTL: St. Louis Biosciences Cluster
Utah Advanced Material
Oklahoma-South Kansas Unmanned Aeri- Manufacturing Initiative
al Systems Cluster
Defense Alliance - LSI Business
The Appalachian Ohio Wood Products Cluster Development Inc. (Industry focus:
Advanced Power and Energy)
Conductor RIC in Healthcare, Education
& Data/Decision S
ciences – Startup
Junkie Consulting
21LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Write your
Business Plan
Your business plan is the foundation of your business. Learn how to write a business plan with the help
of an SBA Resource Partner.
TRADITIONAL BUSINESS
PLAN FORMAT
When you write your business plan, you don’t have to stick to the
exact business plan template. Instead, use the sections that make
the most sense for your business and your needs.
Executive Summary
Briefly summarize your company and why it will be successful.
Include your mission statement, your product or service, and basic
information about your company’s leadership team, employees,
and location. You should also include financial information and
high-level growth plans if you plan to ask for financing.
Company Description
Go into detail about the problems your business solves. Be specific
as to audience and location. List out the consumers, organizations,
or businesses your company plans to serve.
Explain the competitive advantages you have that will make your
business successful. Are there experts on your team? Have you found
the perfect location? Your company description is the place to boast
about your strengths.
Market Analysis
Demonstrate a solid understanding of your industry outlook and tar-
get market. This is where it pays to partner with an experienced busi-
ness counselor from your local Small Business Development Center,
SCORE, Women's Business Center, or Veterans Business Outreach
Center—all these SBA Resource Partners provide free or low-cost
business assistance. Competitive research will show what other busi-
nesses are doing and their strengths. In your market research, look for
trends and themes. What do successful competitors do? Why does it
work? Can you do it better? Now's the time to answer these questions.
Business plans help you run your business.
A good business plan guides you through managing your business. Organization and Management
You’ll use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, Explain how your com-
and grow your new business. pany will be structured
Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new and who will run it.
business partners. Investors want to see a return on their Describe the legal Want to see an
structure of your busi-
investment. Your business plan is the tool you’ll use to convince
people that working with you—or investing in your company—is ness. State whether you
example of a
a smart investment. Brain storm with a business counselor (visit have or intend to incor- business plan?
one of our SBA Resource Partners detailed on page 8) and write porate your business as View examples of business plans
a traditional business plan, which uses a standard structure a C or an S corporation,
at sba.gov/business-guide/plan/
and detailed sections. Once you've got it all down, you can then form a general or limited
write-your-business-
condense it to a lean startup business plan, which typically partnership, or if you're a
plan-template
contains key points on only one page. sole proprietor or limited
liability company.
22LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
TRADITIONAL BUSINESS PLAN CHECKLIST
LEAN STARTUP PLAN FORMAT
Write a lean startup plan if requested from an investor, or if your
❒ Executive summary business is relatively simple or you plan to regularly change and
refine as you go.
❒ Company description
Lean startup plans use more visual organization tools and only a
❒ Market analysis handful of elements to describe your company’s value proposition,
❒ Organization and management infrastructure, customers, and finances. They’re useful for visualiz-
ing your company's fundamental facts. Your business counselor can
❒ Service or product line
help you edit down into the Business Model Canvas, used here—the
❒ Marketing and sales most well known style, or another lean startup template.
❒ Funding request Key Partnerships
❒ Financial projections Note the other businesses you’ll work with--suppliers, manufactur-
ers, subcontractors, and similar strategic partners.
❒ Appendix
Key Activities
List the ways your business will gain a competitive advantage.
Use an organizational chart to show the hierarchy. Explain how
Will you sell direct to consumers or use technology to tap into the
each person’s experience will contribute to the success of your
sharing economy?
venture. Consider including CVs of key members.
Key Resources
Service or Product Line
List resources you’ll leverage to create value for your customer.
Describe what you sell or what service you offer. Explain how it ben-
Your most important assets include staff, capital, or intellectual
efits your customers and the product lifecycle. Share your plans for
property. Leverage business resources that might be available
intellectual property, like copyright or patent filings. If you're doing
to women, veterans, Native Americans, and HUBZone–certified
research and development for your service or product, explain it.
businesses.
Marketing and Sales
Value Proposition
Your marketing strategy should evolve and change to fit your needs
Make a clear and compelling statement about the unique value
in each context.
your company brings to the market.
Describe how you'll attract and retain customers. Show how a
sale will actually happen. You'll refer to this section later when you Customer Relationships
make financial projections, so be thorough. Describe how customers will interact with your business. Think
through the customer experience from start to finish. Is it auto-
Funding Request
mated or personal? In person or online?
If you're asking for funding, outline your funding requirements.
Specify whether you want debt or equity and the terms you'd like. Customer Segments
Your goal is to clearly explain how much funding you’ll need over Name your target market. Your business won’t be for everybody;
the next five years and how the investment will be used. it’s important to have a clear sense of who you serve.
Specify if you need funds to buy equipment or materials, pay Channels
salaries, or cover specific bills until revenue increases. Explain how List the most important ways you’ll talk to your customers.
you'll pay off the debt.
Cost Structure
Financial Projections Will your company focus on reducing cost or maximizing value?
Supplement your funding request with a prospective financial Define your strategy, then list the most significant costs you’ll face.
outlook for the next five years. Show how your business will be a
Revenue Streams
financial success.
Explain how your company makes money: direct sales, member-
If your business is already established, include income state-
ships fees, selling advertising space? If your company has multiple
ments, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for the last three to
revenue streams, list them all.
five years. List collateral you could put against a loan.
Include forecasted income statements, balance sheets, cash
flow statements, and capital expenditure budgets. For the first
year, be even more specific and use quarterly—or even monthly
—projections. Make sure to clearly explain your projections and LEAN STARTUP PLAN CHECKLIST
match them to your funding requests. ❒ Key partnerships ❒ Customer segments
Use visual organization tools--graphs and charts—to tell your
❒ Key activities ❒ Channels
business's financial story.
❒ Key resources ❒ Cost structure
Appendix
Here you'll attach supporting documents or other requested ❒ Value proposition ❒ Revenue streams
materials. Common items to include are credit histories, CVs, ❒ Customer relationships
product pictures, letters of reference, licenses, permits, patents,
legal documents, and other contracts.
23local success story
Brad & Angie
Barber CEO & COO, C ABIN COFFEE
Clear Lak e, I A
It wasn’t just caffeine that • What challenge did you have? We needed expert business guidance at a minimal cost
fueled their entrepreneurial since we were a young company. First, we wanted to learn how to franchise our business
aspirations, Brad and Angie concept. Then as we expanded, we did not have the room to roast and then ship our
Barber knew that Clear Lake Cabin Coffee products to our franchisees, so we needed to expand our facility to keep
was their incubator for small up with demand. Traditional lenders can be hesitant to take a risk on small businesses.
business success. The SBA
helped them expand their • What was the SBA solution? Small business owners have a great community in Iowa
coffee franchise so they could because of our fantastic SBA Resource Partners. Our counselors at the North Iowa Area
create jobs and contribute Small Business Development Center and the Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center helped
to their local economy. The
us develop a franchising plan, which gave us the need and the ability to later expand.
couple received expert business
The SBA guarantees loans made by lending institutions to small business that
guidance from their local Small
would not otherwise be able to obtain financing. We qualified for both the SBA-
Business Development Center,
an SBA Resource Partner.
backed 7(a) and the 504 Certified Development Company loans. We used the 7(a) loan
From a single location in 2002, to open our second location in Mason City in 2009. We used the 504 loan to purchase
Cabin Coffee has grown to two land and then build a state-of-the-art distribution center in 2017 with office space and
corporate locations and more a roaster at the industrial park in Clear Lake, just off Interstate 35. The 504 program
than 17 franchises across the allows those who are eligible to purchase or renovate real estate with a competitive
United States. fixed-rate mortgage. If it were not for the SBA guarantee and low interest rate, I don’t
think we could’ve made this happen.
• What benefit did this have for you? Cabin Coffee has steadily grown over 17 years
from a single retail coffee shop to two successful company stores with 17 franchises.
We employ 140 and recorded sales of $5.5 million in 2017. The SBA provided the room
we needed to operate and produce more efficiently, securing our future growth so we
could focus on our business. Our overall experience with the SBA has been educa-
tional and rewarding. The SBA team added significant value to Cabin Coffee. They
truly care about people and are intentional about positioning each person’s business
to be successful.
24Small business owners have
a great community in Iowa
because of our fantastic SBA
COURTESY OF CABIN COFFEE
Resource Partners.”
Brad & Angie Barber
CEO & COO, Cabin Coffee
25FUNDING PROGRAMS
Financing Your Small Business
How We Did It
Crafting a
Business
SBA-backed financing helped Superstition Meadery expand
into a multimillion dollar enterprise.
written by Becky Bosshart
COURTESY OF SUPERSTITION MEADERY
26FUNDING PROGRAMS
J
ennifer and Jeff Herbert’s Solution
home-based brewing has Thanks to guidance from an SBA
expanded into a global, Resource Partner, the Small Business
multimillion dollar Development Center at Yavapai
enterprise thanks to SBA Community College, Jennifer and Jeff
assistance. Using Arizona honey and learned about financing that worked
5
ingredients they’ve sourced from for them. The SBA guarantees loans
around the world (such as Tahitian made by lending institutions to small
Tips for
vanilla and Moroccan saffron), the business that would not otherwise be
Herberts are selling nearly 30,000 able to obtain financing. Their small
Success
gallons annually of their honey-based business qualified for two SBA-backed
fermented beverage. They operate a loans totaling more than $600,000. The
downtown Prescott, Arizona tasting Herberts’ first SBA-backed loan allowed
room and state-of-the-art production them to acquire commercial property to
facility, creating jobs and building design and build their mead production Get guidance.
a local craft industry. The Herberts, facility. Their second SBA-backed loan Develop a working relationship with
founding members of the American provided the funding for professional an SBA Resource Partner (see page 8)
Mead Makers Association, have brewing equipment to complete their to help you find the funding that works
traveled around the world hosting 7,450-square-foot production space. The best for you.
pairing events and pouring at craft Herberts recently purchased a historic
beverage festivals. building in downtown Phoenix, Arizona
to open a mead-pairing restaurant. Define your lending needs.
Challenge
Determine if a loan is right for you. Is
The Herberts wanted to scale up their Benefit
this the right time? How much do you
meadery while also staying true to The Herberts started with two
need? What are you going to use it for?
their values of quality ingredients and employees and now have over 20
craft process. It is often difficult for producing 29,000 gallons this year.
new entrepreneurs or unique concepts From a homegrown setup, Jennifer and
Talk to multiple lenders.
like a meadery to get traditional Jeff are now charting revenue in excess
See who best matches you and your
financing, even though they knew of $2.6 million and distributing to 37
business. Has the lender successfully
they had a great idea, the backing states, across Europe and Southeast
worked with other businesses in
wasn’t there to expand. They say that Asia. They have plans for another your industry?
choosing to do something new breaks expansion, including a shipping
the mold, which can be uncomfortable warehouse to manage their online retail
for traditional lenders. and wholesale orders.
Check all options.
Consult with your lender to see if
you’re eligible for SBA financing
programs, determined by your
industry & experience; collateral;
credit score; and the relationship &
transparency you develop with the
lending agent.
Be ready for the ups
and downs.
Your entrepreneurial endeavor will
be a roller coaster ride filled with
challenges and successes. The path
is all consuming so make sure that
COURTESY OF SUPERSTITION MEADERY
you love what you do. Passion is the
price of admission.
Jeff & Jennifer Herbert, owners of Superstition Meadery, completed their 7,450-square-
foot production space and opened a tasting room in Prescott, AZ with the assistance of
SBA-backed financing. See their story on YouTube by searching for the 2019 National
Small Business Persons of the Year.
27FUNDING PROGRAMS
Lender SBA-backed Loans
Match help small business owners and entrepreneurs who are
creditworthy but don’t qualify for conventional financing.
Find a lender interested
If you cannot obtain a business loan with reasonable rates
in working with you at
sba.gov/lendermatch. and terms, contact your local SBA Lender to see if you are
This matching tool eligible for SBA programs. The SBA works with participating
connects entrepreneurs lenders to reduce their risk, increasing the likelihood your
with SBA Lenders in
loan will be approved with the terms that work best for
your area.
you. The guarantee is conditional on the lender following
SBA program requirements. Just like with any other loan,
you make your loan payments directly to your lender in
accordance with your terms.
28You can also read
