Today’s Des Moines Register Business Section contained an article by Patt Johnson featuring the assistance provided by SCORE to local entrepreneurs. SCORE is made up of retired executives that mentor and counsel new entrepreneurs.

People generally think of SCORE in the context of their one day workshops for new entrepreneurs. However, it was also surprising to learn than SCORE also helps more experienced entrepreneurs who may have hit a roadblock, seek expansion or need to create a succession plan. Diana Kautzky of Deaf Services Unlimited discussed in the article how one meeting with retired clothier Paul Whitmore provided her with the insight she needed.

The local SCORE Web site also provides several helpful articles and Weblinks for business owners. The site also links to over 500 sample business plans.

Other helpful resources for Iowa entrepreneurs include:

Iowa Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
BizStarts
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (My personal favorite)
FranNet Franchise Consulting
Entrepreneur.com
Inc.com
Forbes.com
Small Business incorporation and LLC formation for Iowa entrepreneurs