Young Iowans who are interested in being their own bosses are encouraged to attend a free informational workshop next week. Joe Folsom, district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration, says the Rural Young Entrepreneur Summit is scheduled for Wednesday at Iowa State University in Ames.
“We’re targeting young entrepreneurs and business owners from rural Iowa,” Folsom says. “One of the things we want to do is promote and support the efforts of young people that are looking to go into business, create jobs for themselves and others.” While the event is focused on “young entrepreneurs,” Folsom says that can mean anyone from high school students to people in their 40s.
Nearly 100 have already signed on for the summit. He says the event is designed to provide inspiring stories from Iowans who are already successful entrepreneurs and show participants ways they can take advantage of local, state and national initiatives.
“It’s an opportunity for rural states like Iowa to tap into the tremendous resource that we have in our young people for business creation and job growth,” Folsom says. “We hope with this summit to bring together young entrepreneurs, financiers, resource organizations and other experts.”
Those who attend will be able to discuss ways to improve their odds for enterprise success with other rural entrepreneurs and to test their ideas. The summit begins at 4:30 P.M. Wednesday in the Sheman Center on the I.S.U. campus. Admission is free.
Register online at: “www.sba.gov/youngentrepreneurs“